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Volume: 119 No.177, August 9, 2022

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WE’RE GOING GREEN

Govt initiative launched to create 500 backyard farms and cut food bills

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net THE AGRICULTURAL Development Organisation (ADO) in partnership with The Church Commercial Farming Group (TCCFG) yesterday launched a programme to support backyard, community and church farming.

Officials believe this is the largest programme of its kind to be implemented in The Bahamas.

The initial effort will provide the necessary supplies and oversight to start up to 500 backyard farms with as many as another 4,500 to follow within a year.

Nearly four months ago, ADO presented a cheque totalling nearly

FACE TO FACE: ON A MISSION TO RESHAPE OUR NATION

$197,925 to TCCFG. The funds have since been used to purchase supplies, hire full-time staff and begin preparations.

Yesterday, Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting applauded the joint initiative of ADO and TCCFG as it has the potential to restore the culture of farming in the country.

“We are working diligently together to encourage Bahamians to get back to their roots and to place their own healthy food into the ground,” he said. “Bahamians must resonate with the idea that it is good to grow.”

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

‘INFLATION NEED TO GET REAL ON WHAT CAN BE DONE’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A TOP financial expert believes a candid conversation needs to be had between the government and Bahamians about the country’s finances, noting there appears to be an unrealistic expectation of what the state can do about inflation.

Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Bank’s CEO, said while many expect the government to put in place SEE PAGE FOUR

SEE PAGE THREE

DOME FAMILIES TO RECEIVE CASH HELP

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE government will be providing monetary assistance to Abaco dome dwellers to assist with their relocation to permanent homes, according to Disaster Reconstruction Authority executive chairman Alex Storr.

Last month, Housing and Transport Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis announced that the government was aiming to have the structures demolished and taken off the property by August.

The Tribune understands it is the government’s intention to develop several housing plots at the Spring City location.

When contacted for an update yesterday, Mr Storr was unable to say whether the demolition process had begun because he said the matter was being handled by the Ministry of Housing.

However, he said dome tenants were told they had until the end of this month to vacate the premises.

“A team has been formed with persons with the DRA, SEE PAGE FIVE

MOTHER-OF-SIX IN BRUTAL STABBING POLICE in the US are investigating after mother-of-six Ashley Lockhart, believed to be of Bahamian descent was viciously stabbed to death on Saturday in West Philadelphia. The 32-year-old woman was reportedly stabbed by a 34-year-old man whom she had a protection-from-abuse order against.

See PAGE THREE for the full story.

WOMAN ACCUSED OF NEGLECT IN POND TRAGEDY

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A WOMAN was granted bail by a Magistrate’s Court yesterday for alleged negligence in the drowning of an 11-year-old boy who was in her care.

Stephanie Hanna, 41, stood before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain on two counts of cruelty to children in connection with the accidental

OFFICERS at the scene at Oakes Field Sports Centre & Golf Academy where the body of a boy was found.

Photo: Austin Fernander drowning of Gerodo Atwill Taylor, Jr.

On August 1 at the Oakes Field Sports Centre Golf Academy, Hanna is accused of neglecting the boy while he was in her care and custody. She is further charged with allowing Taylor Jr to be in the yard of a body of water, which was insufficiently guarded, resulting in the child’s death by drowning.

Authorities were alerted to the drowning incident at

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE SEVEN

THE TRUE BIG PLAYERS AT THE HEART OF ‘DIRTY MONEY’

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE Central Bank’s former chief enforcer says the US and UK are the biggest recipients of “dirty money” and suggests racial bias against countries like The Bahamas in antimoney laundering (AML) programmes.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

PETER YOUNG: WHAT ON EARTH WAS PELOSI’S END GAME?

- SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, August 9, 2022

REPAIRS being made to TA Thompson Jr High yesterday.

THE TRIBUNE

Photos: Austin Fernander

TA Thompson repairs to be complete ‘by start of term’

By LETRE SWEETING

EDUCATION Minister Glenys Hanna Martin said yesterday repairs at T A Thompson Junior High School will be completed in time for the start of school on August 29.

“Our contractors have assured us come the 29th of August they will be in the classroom,” Mrs Hanna Martin said.

Ishmel Smith Jr, acting Principal of T A Thompson,

added that the construction team is “literally” working around the clock so that everyone can return to the campus in the Fall.

“They even have a night shift and we’ve made the school available to them to be able to do what they have to do as long as they are there,” Mr Smith said, The construction team is also getting ready to finish the structural work for one of the school buildings in need of considerable

repairs.

“They have made considerable progress, I think we have a three-story building where they are doing most of the work. They have poured and re-set the aprons of the first and second floor. They are getting ready to finish the structure work or go up to the ceiling and they are in each of the classrooms that may have received any damage or needed repairs,” he said.

The minister agreed, adding: “They understand that these young people have been disrupted for an extended period of time, were virtual for a time and were at UB and they have worked as you’ve heard extraordinarily well,” she said.

Last school year, the need for repairs at T A Thompson resulted in students spending the last term of school at the University of The Bahamas.

In January, the majority of teachers at the school staged a sit out over inadequate working conditions.

As the issues were projected to take some time to address, the school reverted to a fully virtual programme until a complete resolution was found, according to assistant shop steward with the Bahamas Union of Teachers, Jon Montpetit.

He told The Tribune at the time that there were serious structural issues at

the school’s main education block and the alternative was to work from another structure at the school.

However, that building only had one bathroom, which was not suitable for 200 children and teachers to use.

Additionally, some of the classrooms did not have proper ventilation and a few teachers had mobility issues that prevented them from walking between three floors.

TEACHERS TO MEET ON LATEST GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net A MEETING will be held to get feedback from educators on the government’s financial proposal to the Bahamas Union of Teachers, according to BUT president Belinda Wilson.

She gave the update in a voice note yesterday. It comes after the BUT president had previously told teachers to get ready to take industrial action on August 22.

“I received a written correspondence from the financial secretary of The Bahamas through the lead negotiator yesterday, Sunday, August 7 2022,” Mrs Wilson said. “The

contents of the correspondents is not in keeping with the proposal that you the members voted for.

“I am in communication with the lead negotiator. I have submitted a written response and I’m awaiting their answers. I will keep you posted and a meeting will be held and actually it may be held prior to August 18 so that I can get all of your feedback as to the financial proposal that the government has submitted to the Bahamas Union of Teachers. I’ve been in constant negotiation with the government’s lead negotiator for the past two days as recently as a few minutes ago.”

This latest development comes after she stated in a

voice note dated Thursday that the union was closer “than we’ve ever been to concluding this full industrial agreement.”

In that communication to members she said: “I’ve been in constant communication with the government’s lead negotiator for the past two days as recently as a few minutes ago.

“Both sides have agreed and/or withdrawn the three non-economic articles that were outstanding respectively. I await a final agreement on two financial matters. We are closer than we’ve ever been to concluding this full industrial agreement.”

Mrs Wilson added: “I want you to rest assured

that the BUT negotiating team, we are crossing all T’s and dotting all I’s to ensure that we have the best industrial agreement for all of our members from Grand Bahama to Inagua.” “(The) lead negotiator and I will continue to work and our final session is on Thursday August 18, 2022.

So, our final session with

the government’s negotiators will be Thursday, August 18, 2022.”

The union president added that she will hold a general membership meeting via Zoom on August 18 as well.

Lester Turnquest, a senior negotiator for the government, revealed on Friday that at this stage the negotiations were 99.9

percent completed with the contractual articles with the BUT and there are now simply “one or two bones of contention.”

We think that it’s going to be resolved amicably and in the fullness of time we will arrive at a contractual signing for the BUT as we did today with the BECAWU,” he told reporters last week.

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

a retention benefit among other incentives.

“We have never seen, in such a short time, such massive increase,” Mr McPhee said of the incremental increases.

“Because even our members who are at what we call at their ceiling, over the next three years their monthly salaries will increase by some $300. Those who are not at their ceiling and are still entitled to increments will receive up to some near $500 monthly and so that for us has been a major accomplishment.”

He said BEMU is also in continued discussions with education officials to address other long-standing issues as it relates to promotion exercises, reclassifications and staffing shortages, which, he said, they are seeking to deal with as “supplemental agreements.”

Yesterday, Education Minister Glenys HannaMartin applauded the BEMU for the maturity and understanding displayed by union executives during the negotiating process.

She also told union members that the government would’ve done more for them if it had the resources to do so.

“I want to thank BEMU for understanding the core purpose and for their work on the frontline in the delivery of education in this country,” she said.

“They represent those who facilitate the policies, who administer the educational methodologies or oversee them, and ensure that the standard is met.

“We appreciate them so greatly, greatly and that is, you know, that is why we sought to, I think

that there were very few issues that we differed on.

There’s some practical issues that we might not have been able to accede to for pragmatic reasons, financing, etc, but I believe that the president has been very dogged (and) he has argued for, I think, a pretty good case for his membership.”

“If we could do all that we could do, we would do but there are some realities and there are some constraints and I think I want to, to express my gratitude to the union, for understanding all of the dimensions of this process and appreciating the core purpose.”

For her part, State Minister for Public Service Pia Glover-Rolle noted that yesterday’s signing was a demonstration of the government’s commitment of fulfilling its promises to workers.

“This is the second of many to come,” she said.

“We are happy. We are proud that the members and I always tell our trade union presidents that we work for the same people - your members, our employees, and we are looking for the best terms and the best opportunities in the workplace for your members and our employees.”

Following a 2009 Supreme Court ruling, the BEMU was officially recognised as the primary industrial negotiator for administrators, principals, vice principals, senior persons, and education officers in the Department of Education and the Ministry of Education.

According to BEMU’s president, the union has more than 400 members in The Bahamas.

BEMU SIGNS NEW AGREEMENT THE government signed a new industrial agreement with the Bahamas Educators Managerial Union (BEMU) during a brief ceremony at the Office of Prime Minister yesterday.

The signing was the second held by government officials in less than a week, as a similar exercise was conducted with the Bahamas Educators, Counsellors and Allied Workers Union on Friday.

Speaking at yesterday’s signing, BEMU president Stephen McPhee described it as a long time coming, saying the bargaining unit had been at the negotiating table for a new labour contract for four years.

He said the deal was finalised within months of the Davis administration assuming office.

“We are very much glad that we’ve reached a point that we’ve been seeking to achieve over the last four years and within, I think we started in July and after about three or four meetings, we have been able to at least bring what we consider a much-needed relief to members of our bargaining unit as it relates to matters of insurance and pay increases and other benefits and so with that we are proud to say today that we have completed (an agreement) for the most part,” Mr McPhee said.

Some of the measures agreed upon by both parties include incremental increases over a three-year period, scholarship opportunities specific to BEMU members, expanded healthcare coverage and

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, PAGE 3

We’re going green from page one

ADO executive chairman Phillip Smith yesterday.

Photos: Moise Amisial

Mr Sweeting said the government wants to change the culture of farming and encourage youth and women specifically to join the industry.

According to the minister, Bahamians can assist in reducing the import bill of $1bn a year.

“We can feed ourselves, it’s not impossible. Food security as you saw in the budget is a top priority for my ministry and the government and we are working assiduously hard to achieve this goal,” he said.

ADO executive chairman Phillip Smith said: “This is an exciting day when, for the first time in our history, we in The

Bahamas are making it possible for thousands of backyard farms to be started without any cost to those who want to farm.

“We look forward to seeing in the not too distant future, thousands and thousands of backyard farmers as well as many community farms and church farms throughout The Bahamas as we plant the seed for greater food security.”

The farming kits include tubing, soil, seed trays, liquid fertiliser and seeds.

Additionally, for each new garden the staff will assist with the preparation of soil, planting, irrigation fertilising and monitoring.

Applicants can apply online for participation in the programme.

MOTHER-OF-SIX IN BRUTAL STABBING IN PHILADELPHIA A MOTHER of six, believed to be of Bahamian descent, was viciously stabbed to death on Saturday in West Philadelphia.

The 32-year-old woman was stabbed by a 34-yearold man against whom she had a protection-fromabuse order.

Raymond Thompson, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, was being held without bail after turning himself in over the weekend, police there said.

He is accused of stabbing Ashley Lockhart several times inside a Honda Odyssey on the 5300 block of Chestnut Street around 8.30am Saturday, the Inquirer reported.

The news outlet said Thompson told detectives he stabbed Lockhart because he believed she’d been cheating on him, according to law enforcement sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation.

He is also said to have told detectives that after he stabbed Lockhart — who had been in the van’s passenger seat — he took the Market-Frankford line to Kensington to use heroin before he called police to turn himself in, sources said.

It was not clear when

Lockhart obtained the protection-from-abuse order against Thompson, why she had sought it, or what its conditions were.

Joanne Pescatore, homicide chief in the District Attorney’s Office, said at a news conference Monday that she believed that Thompson and Lockhart were still living together, but that Lockhart “obviously did the right thing” by seeking help from the courts in obtaining the order, according to the inquirer.

A GoFundMe established for Lockhart’s six children said Lockhart was “an amazing mother” who “devoted her time, energy, and made sacrifices for [her children] that they will forever remember.”

Thompson, the news outlet said, had several past convictions for crimes including drug offences, according to court records.

Most recently, in 2018, he was sentenced to six to 23 months in jail after pleading guilty to charges, including risking a catastrophe and resisting arrest.

In that case, court records say, Thompson broke free from police as they tried to arrest him for a drug violation at 15th and Market Streets, then jumped onto train tracks in an attempt to escape.

-YEAR-OLD ACC SED OF M RDER

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A TEENAGER was charged with murder yesterday in connection with the shooting death of a 32-year-old man last month.

Marcean Knowles, 19, faced Senior Magistrate Derence A Rolle Davis on the charge of murder.

On July 4 at Quarry Mission Road, Knowles is accused of being involved in the killing of 32-year-old Romando Huyler.

Due to the severity of the offence, the accused was

not required to enter a plea yesterday.

Knowles was informed that his case would proceed by way of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI).

The accused was further told that he could apply for bail through the Supreme Court, where his trial will be heard.

Until bail is formally granted, Knowles will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS).

He will return to the Magistrate’s Court for service of his VBI on October 24.

ACCUSED DENIES KILLING TEENAGER

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services yesterday in connection with the shooting death of a teenager in late July.

Woodcarl Pasteur, 19, stood before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain accused of the murder of 18-year-old Keithon Johnson.

According to a police report at around 12.25am on July 21, Pasteur went to Johnson’s residence on Peter’s Street dressed in black.

This included a ski-mask, jacket and tennis shoes as well as a pair of jeans.

Once Pasteur approached Johnson, he is alleged to have used a firearm to fire

several shots at him.

Johnson later died of his gunshot wounds after being taken to hospital by Emergency Medical Services.

Due to the gravity of the offence, Pasteur was not required to enter a plea in court.

The accused was also informed that his case would proceed by way of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment.

Although the accused was denied bail, he can apply for it in the Supreme Court, where his trial will eventually be held.

Until Pasteur is granted bail, he will be returned to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Pasteur’s Voluntary Bill of Indictment is expected to be served in court on November 8.

A DEMONSTRATION of making bread fruit from scratch yesterday.

MARI ANA LAWS ‘BY END OF YEAR’

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net AGRICULTURE, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting said he is hopeful that the government’s marijuana legalisation will be presented to Parliament before the end of the year.

Back in June, Attorney General Ryan Pinder said the Davis administration intended to advance comprehensive legislation to regulate a medical cannabis industry and a separate framework for industrial hemp.

Minister Sweeting spoke to reporters yesterday, at the ADO Bahamas & Church Commercial farming Group Community, backyard and Church initiative.

When asked for an update on the marijuana legislation, Mr Sweeting responded that it was currently at the Attorney General’s office where

officials there were “fine tuning”.

Once completed there, the draft will then go to Cabinet, he further explained.

Mr Sweeting further noted that the cannabis industry would generally benefit Bahamians.

“A lot of sub-sector jobs should be created as well as empower a lot of Bahamians and especially young people in the agriculture space as well,” Mr Sweeting told reporters.

In January, the minister echoed similar sentiments when he suggested using family islands for the cannabis industry. He said many Bahamians were already seeking agricultural land to support the growth of cannabis.

Additionally, the Central and South Eleuthera MP addressed concerns of utility challenges in his constituency.

The minister said he is aware of the electricity and water challenges residents in his constituency have been faced with.

Mr Sweeting told reporters he has kept in touch with the Minister of Works, Alfred Sears, as well as the chairman of BPL about the matter.

“Currently, they have enough power generation capacity to keep the island online. They’re repairing the last engine I think in Rock Sound. But currently, we should be okay for now.

“Water continues to be a challenge and we’ve invested in a million-gallon water tank to be placed in Governor’s Harbour to help alleviate some of that issue. It’s an ongoing issue for some time, and we hope to continue to work to navigate these things.”

He continued that they want to ensure utilities are not only just here for the people, but also for investments that can bring jobs and opportunities to the constituency.

The water tank is set to be operational possibly in November, the minister noted yesterday.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, August 9, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

‘Inflation - need to get real on what can be done’ from page one policies to ease the high cost of living, there is little they can do to tackle the issue because of limited resources and other external factors.

He was contacted after the opposition called on the government to develop a strong and definitive plan to counter the effects of inflation and to execute a credible and robust fiscal and economic plan.

While Mr Bowe refused to speak directly on the opposition’s comments, he called for members of the political arena to stop politicising the issue.

“Ultimately, I think that there is a false expectation or an unrealistic

expectation of what the government can do in relation to inflation from The Bahamas’ context,” he told The Tribune.

“We look at countries like the United States and some of the European countries and we hear about their governments taking certain actions in response to inflation, but the reality is they actually compose certain components of inflation.

“In The Bahamas, it is important for us to further understand some of the fundamentals. The first thing is we don’t produce what we consume so that means all that we’re consuming, we import and because we don’t produce things, we don’t control inflation.

“It means that the cost of food and the cost of textiles

and the cost of fuel and oil price which we, for lack of a better word, import and inherit.”

Mr Bowe said because of this, options remain limited.

He further gave a detailed explanation as to why.

He continued: “What we have to put into our context is does The Bahamas government and The Bahamas as a country have surpluses?

And the answer is no. We have been running fiscal deficits since independence.

No fiscal surpluses.

“Do we have significant headroom on the debt side? The answer of that is no because when GDP (Gross Domestic Product) had been reduced during COVID, we were in excess of 100 percent.

“We haven’t reduced the

debt levels and the ratio has only improved because the productivity in the economy has picked up so GDP has grown. So, the reality is if government intervenes and says ‘ok we look at how we reduce the cost of items’, it really has very limited options and one of those options is to reduce taxation. But if it reduced taxation and we don’t have surplus reserves, then it is increasing the deficit which is increasing the burden on the Bahamian people in the future. So, we have to be careful about being shortsighted and saying, ‘help me now’ when I may put myself in a worse circumstance later.”

He also called for an end to “political pandering” and spoke of the need for all

to come together to have a “candid” conversation on the country’s fiscal affairs.

“The truth of the matter is, let’s stop being emotional,” he said. “To be perfectly clear, let’s stop pandering to the political base and to the political narrative and let’s have a candid and transparent conversations with our citizens and say yes, we would wish to be in a better situation to where we could potentially take on more debt, potentially run a deficit or reduce the surplus in order to ease the burden, but we are not in a situation to do that.”

He urged Bahamians to conserve as much as possible and called for greater focus to be placed on struggling families dealing with

inflation.

“We need to focus our attention directly to persons who are already on the margin, needed social assistance and now need it even more,” Mr Bowe added.

“So, this goes to the RISE programme that the government committed to implementing when they changed the VAT where they removed all breadbasket exemptions, etc, and said that we are going to basically make everyone pay the same thing and then redirect those surplus resources to those who do not have and they have been slow as a government to implement that programme and this inflation session is really where the need for that comes about.”

TO RISM MINISTRY TA ES PART IN A IATION CON ENTION

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation took part in the week-long 69th Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh convention held in Wisconsin from July 24–31.

The Bahamas has participated in the event since 1998. The show attracts 500,000-800,000 pilots and attendees and features 800 commercial vendors, 12,000 airplanes, and 20,000 trailers.

Latia Duncombe, acting director general of the ministry led the Bahamian delegation along with representatives from tourism, the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority, the Bahamas Customs Department, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Ms Duncombe said general aviation in The Bahamas has seen significant growth in arrivals of

MEMBERS of the Bahamian delegation at the Experimental Aircraft Association convention in Wisconsin last month. private pilots when com- on The Bahamas Customs private pilots, including order to minimise the time pared to its pre-pandemic Department’s digital Click- the Aircraft Owners and it takes to process declara2Clear Programme, along Pilots Association (AOPA), tions required to enter the numbers.

This year, Bahamian with the operation of a to gauge feedback on country. officials hosted seminars booth for attendees to find Click2Clear and ensure a Aviators and guests were on flying to The Bahamas out more information on seamless and user-friendly also encouraged to attend programme is implemented. the 2023 Grand Bahama to underscore the ease of visiting The Bahamas.

The ministry continues Testing of the programme Air Show from May 25-29, pilots entering the country, including engagements to work with customs and is currently underway in during the US Memorial

Day Weekend. The event will showcase activities along with aerobatic, lowflying maneuvers over Taino Beach.

Ms Duncombe said she was encouraged to see continuous foot traffic from opening to close.

She said: “This air show gives us the environment to engage the aviators directly and to share the ease of transiting in and out of The Bahamas.”

Rick Gardiner, veteran pilot and Bahamas flying ambassador, and a presenter during the seminars, said: “The Bahamas Government has invested many years, many dollars and many hours to make it as simple and as welcoming as possible for general aviation pilots.

“No country does as much and works as hard to make it easy for general aviation pilots to visit.

“It just speaks volumes of the vision and leadership that The Bahamas Government has shown to get us to this point.”

N RSES A REEMENT ‘TO BE SI NED SOON’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Nurses Union president Amancha Williams says the union has no issues with a proposed industrial agreement that is nearing completion, adding it will be signed soon.

Manager of the Industrial Relations Unit Cindira Bain said on Friday she believed in a few days or so both sides should be in a

position to sign the nurses’ industrial agreement.

“I would like to say that I believe that the nurses union is about 99 percent completed on their industrial agreement and that would be on the PHA side as well as the Department of Public Service,” Ms Bain said Friday. “We have just concluded their financial package yesterday and all of the financial articles attached to that industrial agreement.”

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that MATTHEW ANTONIO MARSHALL of East Avenue, Carmichael Raod, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 9th day of August, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that MIRLINE BOYER of Soldier Road, Nassau, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 9th day of August, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Ms Williams shared similar sentiments about the industrial agreement.

“We don’t have a problem with the industrial agreement. We’re working on it. We’re just waiting for when they tell us to come and sign,” she told The Tribune.

“Yeah, we’re going to sign soon,” she repeated when asked for a timeline for that signing.

The union president further elaborated on some

of what has been agreed to for this new industrial agreement.

“We have an increase in salary,” Ms Williams said.

“The prime minister promised to do certain things. So, we’re going to see a retention bonus for the nurses.

We’re going to see an increase in salary, the increments and we’re going to see other benefits that are due to the nurses and there is even an article that the government - we’ve created

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that CESAR CARRASCO PEREZ of Rupert Dean Lane, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 9th day of August, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that ZIONA ERICA UTILE of Zirconia Street, Prince Charles, Nassau, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 9th day of August, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

an article in there. The government was pleased to accept that article and they’re going to look at it more deeply to make it put it in the books.”

Asked what the percentage of the increases was, she replied: “We can’t talk about that in public – there’s good benefits.

“There’s increments and there’s a retention plan for nurses. We’ve joined on with the Ministry of Housing which have listing already for almost 30 nurses already being approved and they’re just waiting for the houses to start building and we sure know that the government that this is the initiative by the government with the Bahamas Nurses Union and this is one way of a retention.

We’ve done some things with the various areas, mileage, and various other benefits in our industrial agreement that we speak to.”

Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis insisted last week that his administration is living up to promises it made to nurses and teachers despite the opposition’s

claim that the government has failed to adequately address their concerns.

He claimed: “We paid them all their back pay and all sums that were due to the nurses, that was done.”

However, Mrs Williams stated: “We still have some outstanding back pay in various areas, and so we’ve had a meeting with the prime minister and we’ve talked about where in areas and basically the majority of that back pay really comes from the Department of Public Health.

“The nurses there it takes a really long time to process. There is so much red tape and we’re asking when things are just settled down in the government we need a commission of our own so that we can hire these nurses on a quick basis.

“We have a number of nurses still waiting for seven, eight increments and so forth and so on in increments that are due to them.

And they’ve been waiting at least a little while and it’s not due to the new government that came in. It’s been there, under previous governments under different administrations.”

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that FELIX ALMONTE NUÑEZ of P.O. Box CB-13030, Gibbs Lane, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 2nd day of August, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, PAGE 5

from page one

probably understood the position that the government is in.”

Hurricane Dorian hit Abaco on September 1, 2019 as a Category 5 hurricane before barreling toward Grand Bahama.

The storm left thousands of homes either destroyed or damaged and hundreds of residents displaced.

To assist with rebuilding efforts, the Minnis administration spent more than $6m on nearly 200 domes that were supposed to be used as temporary housing for Abaco and Grand Bahama residents after Hurricane Dorian.

However, not all of those domes were erected.

Asked yesterday how the housing structures will be used moving forward, the DRA chairman said the authority was preparing to write to Cabinet with recommendations on how best to repurpose domes.

“We have not settled on exactly what we’re going to use the domes for but there have been a number of suggestions including distributing to the island administrators all across the country to use as storage,” he said.

“We have gotten proposals from some of the animal advocate agencies to use them as animal shelters and there are a lot of other things (or) uses that are coming to us so we plan to put something together to issue to Cabinet to get permission to repurpose the domes.”

Dome families to receive cash help the Ministry of Housing, Social Services and the Prime Minister’s delivery unit and we met with the residents of the domes,” Mr Storr told The Tribune.

“We had individual meetings with each family last week and so we began the process and they were informed and told of the assistance the government will be giving them to help them transition from the domes.

“So, that process has begun so they have been given a date to move out, the 27th of this month.”

Mr Storr also assured that residents will not just be put out on the streets heartlessly by the Davis administration.

“Let me just say that Social Services will be giving them monetary assistance to help,” he continued. “But what the DRA is doing is whether they need to complete repairs to their house or whatever, we’re moving to expedite those repairs to help give them whatever assistance they need if they’re going to move back to their house to make sure that’s ready for them to do that.

“I think Social Services has arranged for them to get $4,000 to assist with any expenses to pay rent or do whatever they have to do to aid in their transition.”

Asked yesterday if he was satisfied that most families had alternative

SOME of the domes in Abaco erected after Hurricane Dorian. housing plans, he replied: “Surprisingly, just about everyone we met expected this day to come and so they had begun making some arrangements.

“The major issue is there is and I admit that there is a lack of rental units on the island and so we have begun in assisting in that aspect.”

MINISTER of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting yesterday.

Photo: Moise Amisial

MINISTER: TRAGIC THAT BOY DIED FROM DECOMPRESSION

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net AGRICULTURE Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting said it was “tragic” that a teenaged boy recently died from symptoms believed to be associated with decompression sickness.

“No parent should or would want to experience something like that,” the minister told reporters yesterday.

Last Friday, 16-year-old Randall Sawyer of Cherokee Sound died after he was airlifted to New Providence with decompression sickness or the bends.

The bends is an illness that arises from rapid changes in pressure while diving and can be fatal.

In an interview with The Tribune on Sunday, the boy’s grieving mother said she believed her son could have survived if the island had the decompression chamber to treat the bends.

This newspaper understands there is at least one

decompression chamber located at Doctor’s Hospital - though it is said not to be operational.

Yesterday, Mr Sweeting told reporters that he had spoken to Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville in regard to there being a hyperbaric chamber available when times of need arise.

Mr Sweeting explained that before now there were chambers that were operational.

He noted the Minister of Health has more specifics on the matter and that they should be able to get a hyperbaric chamber operational shortly to the private sector.

Being a former fisherman himself, Mr Sweeting explained he has witnessed people being placed in hyperbaric chambers because of decompression sickness. He urged persons to be vigilant and monitor their dive, especially in deep waters.

Additionally, Mr Sweeting also revealed to reporters yesterday that the government has no

intention of repealing the Fisheries Act, 2020.

“I think fisheries is one of those sectors that should be protected for Bahamians. I’ve always been vocal in that regard. It’s one of those sectors, you don’t put the fisheries in the water, it’s not agriculture where you can take foreign direct investment and you can grow 50 acres. You only have access to what God’s provided in the ocean. So, it’s one of those sectors that’s proved to be a challenge over the years. We have a lot of other things that we’re trying to do in regard to food security, that we are being very aggressive with. And we hope to accomplish those in short order.”

The Fisheries Act has faced scrutiny in the past from politicians, such as former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham along with Cabinet Ministers Dr Duane Sands and Peter Turnquest who argued the legislation would discriminate against Bahamian women and their spouses.

He also said some dome dwellers had already completed repairs to their homes.

“They were actually renting their houses while

living in the domes,” Mr Storr added, “So, like I said, each circumstance is different but I think the majority of them knew that this day was coming and

PAGE 6, Tuesday, August 9, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

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Green scheme is well worth exploring WHEN COVID-19 first hit our shores, there was a move by a number of Bahamians towards growing more food in our own gardens – rather than deal with long lines, empty shelves and the risk of infection.

It was a good idea, not least of all because of the amount of food we import in this country, and it’s a welcome sight to see that seed being allowed to grow further with a new backyard farming scheme.

It’s not just backyards – it’s also communities and churches – but it’s the kind of thing that can not only help to provide people with food security, but also bring people together.

The goal is to start up to 500 backyard farms, with as many as 4,500 more to follow within a year.

Money provided so far will go towards purchasing supplies, providing support staff and getting things under way.

Agricultural Development Organisation executive chairman Phillip Smith said: “This is an exciting day when, for the first time in our history, we in The Bahamas are making it possible for thousands of backyard farms to be started without any cost to those who want to farm.

“We look forward to seeing in the not too distant future, thousands and thousands of backyard farmers as well as many community farms and church farms throughout The Bahamas as we plant the seed for greater food security.”

Farming kits will include soil, seed trays, seeds, and fertiliser. If it is a success, who knows, perhaps it could go on to offer land in the form of community allotments, giving people a chance to cultivate without having their own land.

Agriculture Minister Clay Sweeting said: “We can feed ourselves, it’s not impossible. Food security as you saw in the budget is a top priority for my ministry and the government and we are working assiduously hard to achieve this goal.”

Now we may quibble about what some of the priorities for the government might be – with items such as campaign finances and citizenship lost a long way down the line – but a government should be able to do more than one thing at a time, and this has the potential to be a relatively low-cost, but productive scheme.

Keep track of the funds, make sure none are frittered away needlessly – and take the next step too, by offering venues for farmers’ markets as this new wave of growers find they have products to sell.

All told, it’s a green thumb up for this idea.

Straight talk Last week, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was riding to the rescue, or at least claiming to do so, on the cost of living.

Fidelity Bank CEO Gowon Bowe has a level-headed view of things in today’s Tribune, saying we all need to be realistic about what the government can and can’t do about inflation.

You only need to look at the food imports mentioned above, where our import bill is $1bn a year. If inflation hits food prices in the countries we’re importing from, there’s precious little we can do about that knock-on effect here at home. The same goes for fuel, for building equipment, and so on.

Mr Bowe said: “We look at countries like the United States and some of the European countries and we hear about their governments taking certain actions in response to inflation, but the reality is they actually compose certain elements of inflation.

“In The Bahamas, it is important for us to further understand some of the fundamentals.

“The first thing is we don’t produce what we consume so that means all that we’re consuming, we import and because we don’t produce things, we don’t control inflation.

“It means that the cost of food and the cost of textiles and the cost of fuel and oil price which we, for lack of a better word, import and inherit.”

Beyond that, Mr Bowe points out that we do not run at a surplus in our public finances, so we don’t have a reservoir of cash which we can help ease matters with. Add to that a debt that is stacked up higher than our Gross Domestic Product and there’s little that can really be done.

Credit to Mr Bowe for his plain talking – it is refreshing to hear.

Using too many superlatives EDITOR, The Tribune.

EARLIER today I sent in an opinion on media over stating and using superlatives describing the status of something in The Bahamas or proposals.

Just read a comment of the Minister for Grand Bahama on the Carnival Cruise announcement

that they will start dredging their port facility.... quote, hope it’s accurate “the envy of the Caribbean and jewel in Carnival’s fun ship brand”- maybe for a few weeks till Disney and RCL open up theirs and revamps existing.

We have to be careful how we state things - loose

words and we have not earned the description - over use of certain adjectives can over state what to expect.

Our Lucaya - the PLP proposal seems to have become very cold recently!

J T HUTCHINSON Nassau, August 1, 2022.

A REPLICA of the Swedish East India Company ship Götheborg of Sweden sails down the River Thames and toward Tower Bridge in London, England, yesterday. The Götheborg is a replica of a ship that sank outside of Gothenburg in 1745.

Photo: Tony Hicks/AP

Munroe’s controversy and theology EDITOR, The Tribune.

THIS coming November will mark the eighth anniversary of Bahamas Faith Ministries (BFM) founder Dr Myles Munroe’s untimely death in a tragic plane accident on Grand Bahama.

Notwithstanding his death, the Munroe estate continues to upload his sermons on the Munroe Global YouTube channel that draws hundreds of thousands of viewers from around the world.

About one month ago, BFM announced that it will hold its first Ruth Munroe Family Fest. Coinciding with the announcement of this event was this writer encountering several YouTube discernment ministries from the US and Great Britain that attempted to portray Dr Munroe as a false teacher who propagated Word Faith theology and the Prosperity Gospel.

One of the videos was produced by a Confessional Lutheran and the other by an individual from the Reformed tradition. In one of the video critiques of Munroe, he is the focal point. The critic played video clips from a sermon titled “The Kingdom of Servant Kings,” which was preached at the Myles E Munroe Diplomat Centre.

On the Munroe Global YouTube channel, the sermon has garnered 60,000 views. In the sermon, Munroe argued that the church has overemphasised doctrines such as the blood and atoning death of Jesus Christ; Spirit baptism, healing and the resurrection, while paying minimal attention to the message of the kingdom of God. According to Munroe, the church has been sidetracked by Satan by turning “our focus onto things that, although important, are not what the Lord has told us to focus on” (Rediscovering the Kingdom, page 151).

As Munroe said, the good news is not Jesus Christ; it is the kingdom. In Corinthians 15:3-4 -- a text New Testament scholars believe is a primitive creed of Christianity -- Paul’s definition of the good news conflicts with Munroe’s. To Paul, the gospel is Jesus Christ. Mark 1:1 says the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, Paul further stated in 1 Corinthians 1:23 that “we preach Christ crucified”-the very thing Munroe argued against incorporating in one’s gospel presentation.

Ironically, this would also conflict with what Munroe wrote on page 169 of “Rediscovering the Kingdom,” when he said that everything is wrapped up in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross. Here, Munroe is on point.

In the second video critique, Munroe is seen with American televangelist Benny Hinn, who is the very definition of a polarizing figure within the evangelical church in

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net the US. In the video clip, Munroe is discussing his definition of prayer, which is man giving God legal access to the earth. This particular segment is often featured in staunch cessationist Justin Peters’ Clouds Without Water seminars.

To the Reformed camp, Munroe’s prayer definition elevates man, while it simultaneously demotes God. Munroe would further elaborate on this subject in his “Rediscovering the Kingdom,” using Genesis 1:26 as his text. His understanding of man’s dominion on earth, however, strikes at the heart of the doctrine of God’s sovereign rule (Psalm 115:3, 135:6). What Moses said in Genesis 1:26 does not preclude God’s sovereign rule in the earth.

For example, God acted unilaterally in judging the entire earth with a global flood in Genesis 6-9 and in the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. Moreover, God expelled His so-called viceregent, Adam, from the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3 after his rebellion.

God not intervening in the temptation of Eve in Genesis 3 had nothing to do with His alleged inability, and everything to do with His sovereign permissive will. Reading “Rediscovering the Kingdom” brought to mind Paul E. Billheimer’s “Destined for the Throne,” which attempts to close the gap between the Creator and His creatures. Billheimer’s doctrine of deification is unlike the Eastern Orthodox Church’s doctrine of theosis. Billheimer promoted a rigid form of Kingdom Dominionism. I suspect that the late BFM founder was influenced by Billheimer’s volume, which also brings to mind American televangelist Kenneth Copeland’s “little gods” theory he once taught during the late 1980s or thereabouts. On page 51 of “Rediscovering the Kingdom” is Munroe’s definition of man, which is the exact definition that E.W. Kenyon used. Kenyon is considered the grandfather of the Word Faith movement. Munroe would collaborate with Copeland, Oral Roberts, Morris Cerrulo, Jesse DuPlantis, Paul and Jan Crouch and other prominent US televangelists.

Ironically, Munroe would affirm God’s sovereignty on page 140 of “Rediscovering the Kingdom,” although I believe his critics are oblivious to this important fact.

In a vintage guilt by association fallacy, Munroe’s mere association with the aforementioned Prosperity Gospel televangelists has led many within the Reformed church to view him, wrongly of course, as a false teacher. The main issue I have with Munroe’s detractors is that their

entire assessment of him is entirely based on about five to seven video clips.

No attempts were made, it seem, to interact with any of his publications in order to gain a comprehensive feel of his theology.

This is lazy Christian apologetics.

Had they done their homework, they would’ve discovered that Munroe affirmed the doctrines of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection on pages 146 and 147 of “Rediscovering the Kingdom.” On pages 150, 152 and 153 of the same volume, the late BFM founder spoke about the cross of Christ; the forgiveness of sins and the exclusivity of the gospel. On pages 169 and 170, Munroe once again affirmed his belief in the New Testament doctrine of Christ’s atoning death. On page 148 of Munroe’s publication, he argued that there is no biblical evidence that Jesus ever made the “born again” message the focus of His message. And this is where I have to respectfully disagree with the late BFM founder.

In John 14:26, Jesus told His apostles -- the men who wrote the New Testament -- that the Comforter will bring all things to their remembrance. It is these men and their protégés who wrote about the “born again” message in John 1:12-13; 1 Peter 1:3, 23; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:9, 4:7, 5:1-4 and Titus 3:5. Indeed, the Kingdom of God and the gospel presentation of being born again through faith in Jesus Christ are inextricably intertwined. As Munroe rightfully acknowledged in “Rediscovering the Kingdom,” without the sacrificial death of Christ there would be no Kingdom. In closing, Munroe, on page 149 of his publication, spoke about power to rise above daily problems.

A critic would easily interpret that as a clear case of over-realised eschatology that has no room for theodicy. Whatever the case may be, I view the late BFM founder as a true man of God who affirmed all of the essential tenets of historic Christianity. I also believe that while Munroe taught a mild form of Word Faith theology and Dominionism, he steered clear of the extreme elements of his US counterparts.

Regarding his statements in his “The Kingdom of Servant Kings” sermon, I would just chalk those up as theological gaffes he uttered. They do not define 30-plus years of Munroe’s fruitful ministry.

However, I would recommend to BFM and Munroe Global executives to edit the offending quotes in the aforementioned sermon and in “Rediscovering the Kingdom,” in order to prevent future heresy hunters from dragging Munroe’s legacy through the mud.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama, August 3, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, PAGE 7

MAN ACCUSED OF THREAT TO STAB FAMILY MEMBERS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was placed on six months’ probation yesterday after pleading guilty to threatening to stab estranged family members to death.

Gregory Miller, 63, represented by Attorney Wendawn Miller-Frazer, appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville on three charges. These include use of deadly means of harm, assault with a dangerous instrument and threats of death.

At around 1.15am on August 3 in their shared residence on Palmetto Drive, Miller is accused of assaulting his sister-in-law Portia Miller with a knife. He is further accused of threatening to kill Mrs Miller along with his brother and nephew - Jonathon and Javon Miller.

In court, Miller pleaded guilty to all charges.

As part of the plea of mitigation, Attorney MillerFrazer stated that her client

was a father-of-three, one of whom was present in court with other family members, who had no prior convictions.

After mentioning her client was remorseful for his actions, Mrs Miller-Frazer said there had been previous altercations between the family members while they are all awaiting probate for their residence.

Javon Miller is said to have assaulted Gregory Miller with a firearm in the past.

The defendant’s attorney implored the court to only impose a conditional discharge on Miller in view of his early plea of guilt sparing the court’s time.

Magistrate Serville granted Miller a conditional discharge where he is to be placed on probation for six months. Should the he default on these conditions he will face a $3,000 fine.

The magistrate also warned Miller to avoid any unnecessary interactions with the complainants while the probate of their shared home is settled.

TWO FACE DRUGS CHARGES

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net TWO men were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday on separate drug charges.

Kesner Jean-Baptiste, 29, represented by Attorney Wendawn Miller-Frazer, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney on three charges. Those charges were possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, simple possession of dangerous drugs and money laundering.

On August 5 in New Providence, the defendant was reportedly arrested after he was found with three ounces of Indian Hemp and three grams of cocaine. On that same day, police confiscated $1,149 in cash from Jean-Baptist suspecting it to be the proceeds of crime.

In court, the accused pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

With there being no objections to bail from prosecutor Inspector Timothy Bain it was granted to the defendant at $2,500

with one or two sureties.

Jean-Baptiste’s trial in the matter is set for September 14.

The other man, Lasean Kemp, 28, also appeared before Magistrate McKinney on a charge of possession of dangerous drugs.

On August 7 in New Providence, Kemp was arrested after he was found with three grams of Indian Hemp in a Ziplock bag on his person. In a subsequent police interview the defendant admitted to authorities that he owned the drugs and explained that they were for his personal use.

While the defendant said he only had one gram of marijuana in his possession during his arrest, he pled guilty.

The magistrate bound Kemp to keep the peace for one year.

Should the defendant have any further run-ins with the law during that time, he would face a $400 fine or two months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services for the offence.

JAILED OVER GUN POSSESSION

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was sentenced to one year in prison yesterday after being found guilty of possessing an unlicenced revolver with five live rounds of ammunition.

Kareem Williams, 26, represented by lawyer Yule Johnson, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney for the conclusion of his trial for possession of an unlicenced firearm and possession of ammunition.

On May 26 in New Providence, Williams was arrested after he was found with a .38 revolver. He was also found in possession of five unfired rounds of .38 caliber ammunition.

After hearing the testimony of several witnesses, including Williams’ arresting officers, the magistrate found Williams guilty of the offence.

Magistrate McKinney sentenced Williams to one year at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) for each charge to be served concurrently. Williams is also expected to pay a fine of $7,500 or face an additional six months in custody.

The magistrate further imposed an 18-month probation on Williams after his release from custody.

During that time, if he is found in breach of the law, it would result in another six months in prison.

WOMAN ACCUSED OF NEGLECT IN POND TRAGEDY from page one around 5.35pm on August 2 when a group of young boys discovered Taylor Jr’s lifeless body while swimming in the same area.

In court, Hanna pleaded not guilty to both charges.

She was granted $7,000 bail with one or two sureties.

Hanna’s trial will begin on November 14.

TRIBUTE TO JUNKANOO LEGEND

TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to Junkanoo legend Langston Longley, the leader of the Bahamas Junkanoo Revue in South Florida, who died recently.

Photos: Austin Fernander

PAGE 8, Tuesday, August 9, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Ali’s on a mission to reshape our nation SHE has been actively involved in political advocacy for more than two decades. She is the first female leader of a political party in The Bahamas.

She created an institute designed to mould aspiring political candidates into great leaders. She has authored a book that gives a course of action for the country and she recently became a member of the cloth.

Sharell Ali McIntosh, affectionately known as Ali, is well known for her work with youth, the community, the church and nation building.

Her greatest work is still ahead. Ali believes her book “How To Reconstruct a Nation: Righteous Principles for National Leadership and Governance” will lay the path towards a new mindset for politicians in The Bahamas.

She envisions the Bahamas Constitution Party (BCP) becoming the governing party one day, built on the foundation of the preamble of the Bahamas Constitution.

She explains how this vision came about: “I first received the revelation in 1998 for the Bahamas Constitution Party, I was encouraged to write the vision and make it plain. As a result, I began to research.

The revelation that the Lord gave me, He told me to go to Washington, DC, to American University.

While I was there, he gave me divine instructions for the nation, to run 39 candidates under the banner of the BCP. He told me to ask Christian men and women to make themselves available to serve.

“That began my research on the Constitution - the preamble, what it meant and who wrote the words.

As a result, in 2001 I took a first step and went back to American University and wrote a paper called ‘Criteria for Leadership’ which dealt with national leadership and governance criteria. That was the basis of the book we now have.

The concept is that there should be a criteria for men and women and the preamble of the Constitution gives core values for those coming forward for national leadership.”

Ali’s vision for the nation includes a change from what she calls a Parliamentary Democracy to a Constitutional Democracy, or a Republic. This,

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

she believes, will allow the actual people offering for greater accountabil- themselves up for election, ity and transparency in as opposed to voting based government. on political party ties.

“Inherent in the WestHer book delves into this minster system, although it understanding that with is a system of honour, they servant leadership, politiare Her Majesty’s Gov- cians will accept national ernment and they can do responsibility with the whatever they like,” she knowledge that “the rule explained. of law is greater than any “To a great extent, based man”. The book is the prinon the preamble of the cipal publication for the Constitution, the rule of Josiah Institute, which she law should be applied in also founded. everything. But with the For this year’s IndeWestminster system, the pendence celebrations, the political leaders almost institute launched a yearbecome the rule of law. If long symposium, leading we go to a Constitutional up to the 50th anniversary Democracy, The Bahamas’ the system ‘I want to make Independence is inherently Golden Jubisure that when accountable lee. It is being because each I leave, I have held under the arm of gov- emptied myself theme: “How ernment is Reconstruct of all I have been to accountable a Nation to the other. If given to push Countdown to Jubilee”. we build the forward and to The Josiah institutional Institute is integrity in serve this nation approved by the system, would be my the National that is how greatest honour Accreditation we are going and Equivato be able to and yet my most lency Council change what humble service.

(NAECOB). we have seen I would love In September, over and over the institute again where to accomplish will launch its each govern- being the first courses for ment comes woman to be leadership to power and training for they do the elected as leader aspiring and same thing, of the country.’ experienced giving the politicians. There will also same results.

“The primary thing is to be advanced courses for change the system so that public servants, accredited inherent integrity is there. by American University.

If we change the kind of For more information, visit leaders that we have, it will www.thejosiahinstitute.com.

Ali was heavily involved change the kind of policies in youth and community that we get.”

The values of the pre- projects since she was a amble of the Constitution youth herself. She founded National Commitshould be remembered and the enforced by all Bahamians tee for Youth Renewal in their lives in order to and Revival in 1995. She make the country a better was also preaching from place, Ali believes. Those a young age, as she was a values include industry, fervent part of the Student loyalty, unity, an abiding Christian Movement. This respect for Christian values, year was an amazing spirthe rule of law, and self dis- itual journey for her.

Her first official Ordicipline. This, she said, was the vision of the founders nation Service took place of the Constitution for the in Albany, Georgia under the leadership of Overseer making of a great country.

She encourages her Apostle DG Taylor and fellow countrymen and an eight-member ordinawomen to move away from tion board on March 27, partisan politics, voting for this year. There, Minister

McIntosh was licenced and ordained as a Minister, Elder and Servant Leader by the Praise Power Deliverance Fellowship Ministries Inc (PPDFM).

As a result of her ordination, Minister McIntosh has been asked to serve as the International Director of Recruitment and the Advisor on Global Servant Leadership for the PPDFM (Inc), bringing the organisation’s roots to The Bahamas. She will also lead the new ministry, Servant Leadership Ministries International (SLMI). She then returned to New Providence and was ordained on June 30 this year in a Service of Thanksgiving and Consecration. Several local apostles and ministers officiated, led by Chief Apostle Stefan Russell, Overseer of the Circle of Deliverance Worldwide Fellowship of Churches and Prophetess Patrice Smith of Kingdom Explosion Ministries International. Before presenting the official credentials of the newly ordained minister, she was officially given her ministerial robe by

MINISTER S Ali McIntosh, centre, flanked by other Ministers of the Gospel and supporters at her Bahamas ordination.

SHARELL ALI MCINTOSH Apostle Agnes Glinton and Prophetess Patrice Smith.

Ali launched her book in early January in the Atlanta Metro area (City of Newnan), and presented a plaque and a copy of her book to the Mayor Keith Brady of Newman, Georgia.

The book was published in the by Kimberley Stewart and Christian Living Books in Largo, Maryland (USA).

The first five chapters of the book can be read at www. howtoreconstructanation. com, where the book is also available to buy.

Plaques were also presented to the Mayors of the City of Newnan and Hampton for their generosity and gifts for the Bahamian people during the Hurricane Dorian Relief Drive by the Ali McIntosh Children Charity (AMCC) in September 2019, when the AMCC raised a 20ft container filled with goods for the people of Abaco and Grand Bahama in the City of Newnan.

Ali stands on the shoulders of great Bahamians who paved the way in nation building: “Growing up in the late 1960s early 1970s, we were the first generation of Bahamians that really inherited what Majority Rule and Independence meant for the Bahamas.

When our founders took the nation in 1967 and 1973, the first thing they did was to build schools so that we who were children would grow up, finish high school and have the opportunity to go to college. This was a rare thing. Only a certain number of children could go to private school or the Government High School.

Being able to graduate was a privilege our parents did not have. Our parents had to leave school at 14 and go to work.”

“Knowing this, I was involved in everything from student

Christian movement, speech and debate, Kiwanis, and so on. I remember seeing Telator Strachan and Ruby Ann Darling becoming senators.

Lady Marguerite Pindling and my own mother, Pastor Jane White were women who did so much. My mother and her friends sat with Sir Randol Fawkes on Bay Street to make this freedom happen. It was a powerful thing for me to be able to know that these gains came to us… but not without a fight.”

“Nation building has been my concept all of my life,” she added.

“I am at the table and my concept is to serve the nation and put in place the principles that I have worked for all my life. I believe in educating the nation to the next level, pushing Urban Renewal - being able to put an instrument in every child’s hands. I want children to see when we govern that we do it with integrity.

Young people should have no problem coming forward without having to compromise themselves to be involved in any political party in order to lead.”

“I want to make sure that when I leave, I have emptied myself of all I have been given to push forward and to serve this nation would be my greatest honour and yet my most humble service. I would love to accomplish being the first woman to be elected as leader of the country.

I stand here now. I have prepared myself, educated myself and found some of the most talented people willing to serve to take the nation to the place where the founders intended it to be. By God’s grace and with His help, I am ready to stand as the primary leader for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that RONEL GARY of Cemetery Road, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 2nd day of August, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that CASIMIRO MARTINEZ of P.O. Box CB-13030, Gibbs Lane, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 2nd day of August, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that ISIDRO MARTINEZ DIAZ of P.O. Box CB-13030, Gibbs Lane, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 2nd day of August, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, PAGE 9

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, centre, walks with Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, left, as she arrives in Taipei, Taiwan, last week.

Photo: Taiwan THE damaging falleven more serious in the out from the high-level longer term is that China visit to Taiwan by Nancy is halting co-operation Pelosi has been extreme, with the US in a number and it is continuing. Relaof key areas like climate tions between the US and change – and it does not China have been tense for augur well for two of the some years but have now world’s largest emitters of deteriorated sharply. The greenhouse gases to stop Chinese condemned in working together on the advance such a visit by the issue -- military co-operaSpeaker of the US House tion, the return of illegal of Representatives and immigrants and joint efforts third highest-ranking polito combat international tician in Washington as a crime including the suspenchallenge to its claim of sion of counter-narcotics sovereignty over Taiwan, collaboration. calling it an “egreChina has also “sancgious provocation” and distinct from the mainland. tioned” Nancy Pelosi and “extremely dangerous”.

In defending the Pelosi her family. Some argue that In such circumstances, visit, Taiwan’s Minister of all this is a high price to I hope it might be inter- Foreign Affairs has said pay for a visit whose benesting to follow up my this would raise his coun- efit for the US is hard to column on the subject try’s profile and allow the discern. Ms Pelosi claims last week by analysing the international commu- it was important to demmost recent developments nity to understand better onstrate solidarity with while drawing attention that it was a prosperous, Taiwan in the face of rising again to the US’ relation- independent, self-ruling threats from China and to ship with China in relation democracy and major trad- confirm the US’ ironclad to Taiwan. This is founded ing nation with a thriving and unwavering support for on deliberate ambigu- industrial sector, especially its democracy. But this has ity in order to maintain electronics. Taiwan has one surely never been in doubt the status quo. The US of the largest economies in and, according to reports, acknowledges Beijing’s Asia and it is clear that, as was reiterated as recently as “One China” policy with- a proud country, it craves April at the time of a visit to out endorsing it and legitimacy and recognition.

Taipei of a lower level US supplies Taiwan with miliAs everybody now Congressional delegation. tary aid and equipment knows, the visit did go China’s fury over the while remaining unclear ahead. Ms Pelosi insisted Pelosi visit and the probabout how it would come on going through with it lems and serious tension to the aid of the island if and, as a result, has pre- that have been created it were attacked by China. cipitated a major crisis for inevitably increase the With none of the parties the US that has left Presi- chance of the US being making any aggressive dent Biden with a serious drawn into conflict with moves, this has kept what political and diplomatic another major power has been described as a headache. while it is preoccupied tenuous peace – until last In its strong reaction to with the war in Ukraine. week’s Pelosi visit. the visit China has put on Many wonder how this has It is perhaps worth reit- an unprecedented, biggest- been allowed to happen erating that Beijing regards ever show of military force. when, reportedly, Biden Taiwan as a rogue breaka- It has held live-fire drills had warned Nancy Pelosi way province which should in the air and sea around privately of the risks at a be part of China and has Taiwan, including in its politically sensitive time for no right to conduct for- territorial waters and Air China given, in particular, eign relations. President Xi Defence Zones as well as its important Party congress Jinping has said “reunifica- in part of Japan’s Exclu- in November. tion with Taiwan must be sive Economic Zone to the Nonetheless, the fulfilled” and, reportedly, south east of the island. common view amongst has not ruled out the use observers It has also fired missiles international of military force to achieve over Taiwan’s landmass and seems to be that the curthis. Following leaks about thus the heads of its popu- rent crisis will not get out a possible visit, China had lation of 23 million. China’s of hand and develop into warned of unspecified seri- military activity has also war because neither nation ous consequences if it took caused a lockdown of the has an appetite to escaplace. country’s main ports. This late tensions further. An Reportedly, it has been is clearly meant to intimi- open conflict is in nobody’s further enraged as a result date Taiwan and could interest, least of all that of the US government even destabilise the region of Taiwan which would be disregarding its strong by threatening its peace devastated. There are fears opposition and ignoring and security. In response, that, if China successfully its representations urging the US has called China’s took over the island nation, cancellation. action fundamentally there could be an increased For its part, Taiwan main- irresponsible, with the Sec- threat to the whole region. tains it has never been part retary of State saying there But the general consensus of the modern Chinese state was “no justification for this is that, although China is of established under Mao Tse- extreme, disproportionate major concern to the US, tung’s Communist Party in and escalatory response”. it is Russia which is now 1949 following China’s civil In the view of many posing the main threat to war and regards itself as observers, what could be world peace.

WHAT ON EARTH WAS PELOSI’S END GAME?

THE PETER YOUNG COLUMN

NOT IN C AN ES HOW depressingly familiar it has been to read over the last few days about renewed violence between Israel and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip after what was reported to have been a year of relative peace and calm. Each side has been pounding the other in an endless series of titfor-tat bombardments resulting in death, injury and destruction.

After three days of constant Israeli air strikes, a ceasefire was agreed at the weekend but not before rockets were fired at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, though

it is reported these and hundreds of others - though not all - fired from Gaza towards southern border areas within Israel were successfully intercepted

by Israeli defence shield systems.

What is more, those concerned on the ground often say that such truces turn out to be only temporary. However, Israel is currently in the middle of an election campaign and, while the government will wish to show it is tough on security issues, it will not want a protracted conflict – particularly if that included

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that JOSE ENRIQUE ALMONTE NUÑEZ of P.O. Box CB-13030, Eden Street, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 2nd day of August, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

LAQUAN Nairn of The Bahamas poses on the podium after winning the gold medal in the men’s long jump final at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

Photo: Alastair Grant/AP

FIRST RATE IN EN LAND’S SECOND CITY WITH all the advance hype about how good the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham would be, the event had something to live up to. But by all accounts it has fulfilled such positive expectations. It is being said already that all concerned with the Games have been overwhelmed, though not surprised, by their success. Many people are already describing them as a wonderful extravaganza of 11 days of sporting action and one of the best Games ever – extremely well organised and in a warm and friendly atmosphere with fine weather and enthusiastic crowds.

In a wide variety of sports, Australia headed the medals table closely followed

by England. My wife and I were able to watch, in particular, the finals of several events including the “blue riband” men’s 1500m which Australia won in a tight finish, and the 4 by 100m Women’s relay won by the Nigerian team in spectacular fashion, edging the England quartet into second place.

As the Games came to a close on Monday, an impressive closing ceremony is taking place as I write. According to reports, it is designed to celebrate the vibrant energy and cultural heritage of the city of Birmingham and to showcase the region’s musical talent. The ceremony is being held in front of a live audience of some 30,000 and an estimated one billion viewers on television globally. It will include a formal handover to the State of Victoria in Australia which will host the 2026 Games.

In the coming weeks, I imagine superlatives about the Games in Birmingham will be flowing freely as people reflect on the sporting excellence that has been on display for the past 11 days. Meanwhile, how pleasant it is to be able to write today about the splendid success of this latest event in the long history of the Commonwealth Games – and here at home surely everybody will wish to offer hearty congratulations to the Bahamian medal winners.

ST T E N MBERS OF DEAD

sustained attacks on areas deeper inside the country.

Israel claims to have mounted a pre-emptive and precise counter-terror operation involving air strikes against an immediate threat by the Palestinian terror group Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

On August 5, it launched a military operation targeting members of this militant group which is said to be backed by Iran. It is one of the strongest of such groups in Gaza and has been responsible for many rocket attacks on Israel. At first, Hamas, which is also designated as a terror group and

which governs Gaza, was said to have condemned the PIJ but subsequently is reported to have stated that the armed groups there are united.

The Gaza Strip is a small and densely populated Palestinian enclave on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean. It borders Egypt to the south and Israel on the east. Suffering from extreme poverty and with inadequate public services, this disputed territory is claimed by Israel and the Palestinian Authority, who both assert their right to control it.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that MAXIMO ESCOBOZA DIAZ of P.O. Box CB-13030, Eden Street, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 2nd day of August, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Gaza has endured decades of protest and violence. It has been under an Israeliimposed land, sea and air blockade for the past 15 years, with the Israelis placing restrictions on trade and travel and controlling what has gone in and come out of the territory. They claimed this was necessary in order to try to prevent sustained rocket assaults on their southern settlements.

Most observers consider that conditions in Gaza will not improve until the long-standing wider IsraeliPalestinian dispute is

resolved. This violent conflict goes back at least to the establishment of Israel in 1948, but, in the opinion of many, even much further than that. Its history is notoriously complicated.

Meanwhile, diplomats and politicians talk constantly about a two-state solution as the only possible way forward to resolve the overall conflict. This envisages an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel, west of the Jordan River. But, from what I have read, it seems that such a solution remains as far away as ever.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that PABLO ALMONTE NUÑEZ of P.O. Box CB-13030, Eden Street, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 2nd day of August, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, August 9, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

FIRE AT CUBA OIL FACILITY SPREADS TO THIRD TANK HAVANA Associated Press A DEADLY fire that began at a large oil storage facility in western Cuba spread yesterday after flames enveloped a third tank that firefighters had tried to cool as they struggle to fight the massive blaze.

At least one person has died and 125 are injured, with another 14 reported missing ever since lightning struck one of the facility’s eight tanks on Friday night. A second tank caught fire on Saturday, triggering several explosions at the facility, which plays a key part in Cuba’s electric system.

“The risk we had announced happened, and

the blaze of the second tank compromised the third one,” said Mario Sabines, governor of the western province of Matanzas where the facility is located.

Firefighters had sprayed water on the remaining tanks over the weekend to cool them and try to stop the fire from spreading.

The governments of Mexico and Venezuela have sent special teams to help extinguish the fire, with water cannons, planes and helicopters fighting the fire from several directions as military constructions specialists erected barriers to contain oil spills. Local officials warned residents to use face masks or stay indoors given the billowing smoke enveloping the region.

A HELICOPTER carrying water flies over the Matanzas Supertanker Base in Cub on Saturday.

Photo: Ramon Espinosa/AP

FBI raid Trump’s Florida residence ACTRESS and singer Olivia Newton-John pictured in 2018. Photo: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

STAR SINGER AND ACTRESS OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN DIES NEW YORK Associated Press OLIVIA Newton-John, the Grammywinning superstar who reigned on pop, country, adult contemporary and dance charts with such hits as “Physical” and “You’re the One That I Want” and won countless hearts as everyone’s favorite Sandy in the blockbuster film version of “Grease,” has died. She was 73.

Newton-John, a longtime resident of Australia whose sales topped 100 million albums, died yesterday at her southern California ranch, John Easterling, her husband, wrote on Instagram and Facebook.

“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer,” he wrote. “We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

From 1973-83, Newton-John was among the world’s most popular entertainers. She had 14 top 10 singles just in the US, won four Grammys, starred with John Travolta in “Grease” and with Gene Kelly in “Xanadu”. The fast-stepping Travolta-Newton-John duet, “You’re the One That I Want,” was one of the

era’s biggest songs and has sold more than 15 million copies.

“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better,” Travolta wrote in an online post. “Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!”

“Physical,” the bouncy, R-rated smash released in 1981, was No 1 for ten weeks and was named Billboard’s song of the year despite being banned by some radio stations. An aerobicsfriendly promotional clip, filmed in the early years of MTV, won a Grammy.

She had a few hits after “Physical,” but her career declined. In 1992, her father died and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her marriage to actor Matt Lattanzi, with whom she had a daughter, actor-singer Chloe Lattanzi, broke up in 1995 and a years-long relationship with cameraman Patrick McDermott ended mysteriously.

McDermott went missing during a 2005 fishing trip in California and his fate remained unknown years later.

Newton-John married John Easterling, founder of the Amazon Herb Company, in 2008.

WASHINGTON Associated Press THE FBI searched Donald Trump’s Mar-aLago estate as part of an investigation into whether he took classified records from the White House to his Florida residence, people familiar with the matter said yesterday, a move that represents a dramatic and unprecedented escalation of law enforcement scrutiny of the former president.

Trump, disclosing the search in a lengthy statement, said agents had opened up a safe at his home and described their work as an “unannounced raid” that he likened to “prosecutorial misconduct”.

The search intensifies the months-long probe into how classified documents ended up in more than a dozen boxes located at Mar-a-Lago earlier this year. It occurs amid a separate grand jury investigation into efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and adds to the potential legal peril for Trump as he lays the groundwork for another run.

Familiar battle lines, forged during a a fouryear presidency shadowed

by FBI and congressional investigations, quickly took shape again last night.

Trump and his allies sought to cast the search as a weaponisation of the criminal justice system and a Democratic-driven effort to keep him from winning another term in 2024 — even though the Biden White House said it had no prior knowledge of it, and the current FBI director, Christopher Wray, was appointed by Trump five years ago and served as a high-ranking official in a Republican-led Justice Department.

“These are dark times for our Nation, as my beautiful home, Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents,” Trump wrote.

“Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before.”

“After working and cooperating with the relevant Government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate,” Trump said in his statement.

Justice Department spokesperson Dena Iverson declined to comment on the search, including about whether Attorney General Merrick Garland had personally authorised it.

Trump did not elaborate on the basis for the search, but the Justice Department has been investigating the potential mishandling of

classified information after the National Archives and Records Administration said it had retrieved from Mar-a-Lago 15 boxes of records containing classified information earlier this year. The National Archives said Trump should have turned over that material upon leaving office, and it asked the Justice Department to investigate.

There are multiple federal laws governing the handling of classified records and sensitive government documents, including statutes that make it a crime to remove such material and retain it at an unauthorised location. Though a search warrant does not suggest that criminal charges are near or even expected, federal officials looking to obtain one must first demonstrate to a judge that they have probable cause that a crime occurred.

Two people familiar with the matter said the search happened earlier on Monday and was related to the records probe. Agents were also looking to see if Trump had additional presidential records or any classified documents at the estate.

Trump has previously maintained that presidential records were turned over “in an ordinary and routine process”.

STRAY ROC ETS ‘ ILL DO EN’ IN A A TEL AVIV, Israel Associated Press CLOSE to one-third of the Palestinians who died in the latest outbreak of violence between Israel and Gaza militants may have been killed by errant rockets fired by the Palestinian side, according to an Israeli military assessment that appears consistent with independent reporting by The Associated Press.

The Israeli military said 47 Palestinians were killed in the weekend of fighting — at least 14 of them by Islamic Jihad-fired rockets that fell short.

No one in Gaza with direct knowledge of the explosions in question was willing to speak about them publicly.

But live TV footage showed militant rockets falling short in densely packed residential neighbourhoods. And AP visits to the sites of two explosions that killed a total of 12 people lent support to suspicions they were caused by rockets that went off course.

Israel is claiming victory in the weekend clash, in part because it killed two senior Islamic Jihad commanders and because no Israelis were killed or seriously wounded. If it turns out that Islamic Jihad harmed some

ROCKETS are launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, in Gaza City, on Sunday.

Photo: Hatem Moussa/AP of those it claims to protect, it would make for an even more humiliating outcome for the militant group and its main sponsor, Iran.

In Gaza, the ruling Hamas militant group heavily polices dissent, and many Palestinians view armed groups as freedom fighters defending their homeland in the face of Israeli aggression.

Israel said it targeted only militants and made every effort to spare civilians. But at least one strike, which killed a senior Islamic Jihad commander in the southern city of Rafah late Saturday, also killed five civilians

as Israel flattened one home and heavily damaged others.

The violence began on Friday, when Israel launched a wave of airstrikes against Islamic Jihad because of what the military described as an imminent threat to Israelis living near the Gaza frontier. By the time a cease-fire took effect late on Sunday, Islamic Jihad had fired hundreds of rockets into Israel, and Israeli aircraft had struck dozens of suspected militant targets.

The Israeli army said militants fired about 1,100 rockets, with about 200 landing inside the Palestinian enclave.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said 46 Palestinians were killed in the three days of fighting, including 16 children and four women. It does not differentiate between civilians and militants.

Islamic Jihad said 12 of its fighters were killed, a smaller armed group said it lost a fighter, and Hamas said two Hamas-affiliated policemen who did not take part in the fighting were killed. Israel said it killed at least 20 militants and seven civilians.

Neither Hamas nor Islamic Jihad responded to Israel’s claims that civilians were killed by misfired rockets.

Instead, they have held Israel responsible for all the deaths.

PAGE 11

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

Fighting her way back Mother-of-two overcomes depression after husband’s death thanks to karate

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

WHEN her husband of just six weeks died from COVID-19 last summer, 27-year Christi Culmer’s world was shattered, and it remained that way for some time.

Crippled by grief, she was unable to take care of herself or her two toddlers.

Diagnosed with chronic depression, she was only able to pull herself out of the hole thanks to a new activity she unexpectedly discovered. Karate has helped her fight her demons and work through her pain.

Her husband, Julian Jehu Smith, passed away from complications due to COVID-19 on August 11, 2021. He was 29 years old.

“From the second I got the call from (Princess Margaret Hospital) that my husband did not make it, I felt like I was instantly walking dead. I remember running outside and screaming to at top of my lungs in disbelief,” she told Tribune Woman.

And while they were still newlyweds at the time of his death, the couple had been together for eight years and shared two young children, a boy and a girl.

Christi hit rock bottom. In the days immediately following her loss, she struggled to even comprehend how she could go on without the man she loved so much and who had made her so happy.

“I met my late husband at a friend’s birthday dinner in 2013.

He captivated me with his sense of humour and his charm,” said Christi.

“I had a beautiful relationship with my husband, when you saw one you always saw the next. We were always doing DIY activities with the children, and we enjoyed having family outings together.

We were very close. My entire adulthood I spent with him; from the time I was 18 to 26. I loved my husband fiercely. He always told me that my love for him and the children made him respect who I was more than I could ever comprehend. He was everything to me.”

His death caused Christi unimaginable grief and anxiety.

Eventually, she was diagnosed with chronic depression. Carrying out even simple everyday tasks like eating was comparable to climbing a mountain in her mind.

“I spent the days after alone.

My mother was in hospital with COVID-19 and I was home in quarantine. Many people tried to come to my aid as best as they could, but at that time I was a hazard for anyone that wanted to see me. My kids were with their grandmother and I thank God for that because I was barely a help to myself. I wasn’t sure if I was going to die too. Grief had me disabled.

All I did was cry myself to sleep, rinse and repeat,” she said.

Her kids were also in a bad state; they too were grieving for their father. Christi began to fold under the weight of the tragedy.

Her family and friends tried to intervene and offer as much support as possible. However, she still remained in a dark place mentally.

This went on for month.

Then came the saving grace of discovering a new extracurricular activity through which could channel her pain: karate. But she wasn’t the first one in her family to take up the martial art; it was her young daughter Julia.

“When I found myself at the door of LEAD Karate Academy, I was desperate. My son Jreu at the time was too young, so I started my daughter Julia. I remember when she started, the first day she went in there she was crying in the car beforehand. I turned to her and I said, ‘Julia, one thing I am not going to let happen is I will not let you give up. I want you to go in there and give it your best, you have your whole life ahead of you and I need you to fight and wake up.’ Before the class ended, she came to me and said, ‘Mommy, you can go, I love it here.’ She has been there ever since and she is five now. My daughter has transformed immensely at LEAD

JULIAN Smith and Christi Culmer on their wedding day in 2021

CHRISTI Culmer has found new meaning in life

Karate Academy and she still goes to this day,” she said.

Christi wanted to feel the same benefits her daughter was, so she too started training in karate.

“I have been training daily from January 2022, sunrise to sunset, and I am absolutely in love with karate. I am off of all my medications thanks to karate and I have found my zest to get back up and fight. I cannot tell my story without thanking my sensei (teacher), Sensei Leonardo Jones, for pushing myself and my daughter to our most full potential. His passion for martial arts has inspired me and his love and compassion for people has helped me to see the beauty once again in what life has to offer,” she said.

“I am a fierce karateka in the style of Goju Ryu karate thanks to his training and I appreciate that immensely. Karate is definitely my saving grace. I thank God firstly for keeping me thus far and for giving me the strength to rise again. Karate has taught me a lot about myself and my power. How I see it, when life throws its cards on the table, how do you know how you will respond if you do not know what cards are in your possession? Through meditation, training, perseverance and discipline I have learned myself and have conquered anxiety, because when you know yourself, you know no fear. I am now an intermediate green belt in karate and have competed and placed in several tournaments.”

Although she misses her husband dearly, Christi has been enjoying life again. Through karate, she is regaining her footing and able to process her grief in healthy way. Most importantly, she is to be the mother she knows her children need.

“My advice to anyone struggling with grief is to erase the idea that you cannot rise again. It is possible. The first thing I want you to do is to find the nearest reflection, look yourself in the eyes and say, ‘Today is the day that I will begin to fight for control of my life again.’ Grab the bull by the horns and get back up on your feet. I am no expert, I am simply a living, breathing testimonial. I came close to losing my mind, but I said the devil is a liar and I crawled my way to where I am now and I have a long way to go, but guess what, I am in control,” she said.

To learn more about Christi’s journey, follow her on LeadingLadies242 on Facebook.

PAGE 12, Tuesday, August 9, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Local teen designer puts her spin on cultural bead trend

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

Waist beads are a hot trend this summer, thanks especially to the popular social media platform TikTok. But in a way, they have always been in, going as far back as ancient Egypt times.

In Africa, waist beads, in single or multiple strands, were made popular by the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, but other cultures, including the Ghanaians, Senegalese, Ewes, Ashantis, Krobos, Indians, and Ga-Adanbes have their version of waist beads and their own reasons for wearing them.

Here in the Bahamas in the 21st century, 17-year-old accessory designer Madison Musgrove is bringing waist beads to life and showing women the many ways in which they can be worn.

“Whether you wear your beads with a bikini, showing as much skin as possible, or under your clothes covered from head to toe, your beads should be worn in a way that makes you feel confident and happy,” Madison told Tribune Woman.

She said waist beads are especially popular amongst Black women of all cultures; African, Caribbean and African American.

For her accessories brand, Mayflower Creations, Madison creates colourful strands, using plain and patterned beads that are strung together on stretchy cords or cotton threads to be worn around the waist and/or hips.

“For most women in the Caribbean, waist beads are worn for fashion purposes, but in other parts of the world they are worn for weight monitoring, as an expression of femininity and a rite of passage, among other reasons. I personally wear some of my beads tied on, permanently under my clothing, as done in many African countries, and occasionally as accessories with a cute outfit or bikini,” said Madison.

The teen entrepreneur and recent graduate of Saint Augustine’s College said starting Mayflower Creations has been a valuable lesson.

Although she would love to say she started Mayflower Creations as a passion project, she has to admit that at age 15 she only wanted a way to make money to afford a phone her parents would not buy for her.

“I decided that jewellery would be the thing for me because it’s pretty, something every girl wears, and would be an interesting learning experience. For some reason, when thinking of a business idea, I remembered constantly being asked, ‘Where are your earrings?’, if caught leaving the house without them. The indoctrination of

accessorising had stuck with me throughout my childhood and was made the focus of my new venture,” she said.

“Now, being a 17-year-old and having the ability to afford things that I would otherwise have to ask my parents for, is a pride-filled experience, especially during the pandemic where finances in many families are strained. Another perk of being self-employed is the comfort and flexibly. I managed to juggle high school studies, extracurricular activities and money making in a way that wasn’t

Nickelodeon star Jennette McCurdy rises above childhood trauma with new book

By ALICIA RANCILIO Associated Press Jennette McCurdy is wellaware the title of her new book, “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” (Simon & Schuster) is attentiongrabbing. She also readily admits that she means every word. “It’s something that I mean sincerely, I’m not saying it to be flippant.”

McCurdy, who co-starred in Nickelodeon shows “iCarly” with Miranda Cosgrove and its spinoff “Sam & Cat ” opposite Ariana Grande, hopes readers will understand why she makes such a bold statement, “I hope that readers feel that by the end of it, ‘this makes sense.’”

The 30-year-old writes in her book that her mother Debra “was a narcissist” who “emotionally, mentally and physically abused” her. She pushed McCurdy into an acting career as a child and encouraged her to have an eating disorder, McCurdy says. Her mother insisted on giving her daughter showers through her late teens, claiming she didn’t wash her hair correctly, McCurdy says.

It wasn’t until seeking therapy after her mother’s death from complications of cancer in 2013 that McCurdy began to fully deal with the trauma she was put through. Before therapy, McCurdy, was drinking excessively and had unhealthy romantic

relationships. Now after years of work on herself, she’s sharing her story with the world. Writing the book, she says, was an emotional rollercoaster.

“I’d be crying while writing it and then I’d be laughing, remembering something. My mom’s way of speaking was humorous and very distinct and writing that out was a very dynamic, emotional experience.”

McCurdy, who hosts a podcast called “ Empty Inside, ” spoke with The Associated Press about looking back, therapy and how she may return to work in front of the camera.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

——

AP: It’s one thing to come to realizations about your childhood through therapy but another to share those discoveries with the world. What made you want to put it out there, first in a onewoman show (also called “I’m Glad My Mom Died”) and now in a book?

McCurdy:

I think finding shape is very important. There’s certainly many stages of processing. Processing the events that happened in my childhood took so long in therapy. I needed to do so much of that excavating work on my own.

overwhelming or being controlled by others.”

Mayflower Creations offers personalised necklaces, earrings, crystal rings, bracelets, anklets, wire nose cuffs, and of course, waist beads. Madison’s overall goal for her brand is to provide women with long-lasting products that make them look and feel great. She hopes to one say open a brick-and-mortar store to display all her creations.

“My product design is heavily based on what the customers enjoy and requests. For

example, with my name necklaces, customers have directly been responsible for the evolution. It started with a basic typewriter font only available in letters. One customer asked if it was the only font that I had available and I added a curlier font as quickly as I could. The same happened when another customer asked for a set of date necklaces to celebrate an anniversary, and another for a heart at the end of their name.

The customer knows best mindset is one that was quickly adopted as I realised the jewellery I made

McCurdy: Recently, and only since writing the book, there’s been a part of me that’s like, you know, maybe I’ll write something for myself. I could see something like that happening where I think there’s a version of acting that could potentially be healing for me now, especially if I were the one sort of writing the thing.

AP: When you think back now about your childhood and your mom, what do you think?

McCurdy: My grandfather passed away a few years ago, and I got to really experience what I consider a more conventional grieving process of a really close family member... It was heartbreaking and devastating.

With my mother’s death, I’d go from being so, so deeply angry to then feeling just so sorry for her.

And so I could feel compassion and sympathy and then just anger and rage.

I’d cry because I missed her and I’d be angry that I was crying that I missed her and feel she doesn’t deserve these tears. I think abusive love is so complicated ... It’s going to be mixed and messy.

AP: Now we should really shout out how great it is when you find the right therapist.

McCurdy: It’s so important, right? You’ve got to try a couple because you’re going to get some doozies. You’re going to get some people who just make you feel worse. They’re like very preoccupied with their doodling or whatever they’re doing.

AP: Are you still in therapy?

McCurdy: I am. I just saw my therapist yesterday. It’s funny because now if I look at my journal notes from when I first started therapy, it’s like, how many times did I binge and purge today?

And, like, trying to have a better relationship with alcohol. Now it feels like little tuneups or thinking about turning 30. What an amazing thing to be able to go into a therapy session and just talk about (expletive) turning 30.

AP: Your book is also a reminder of how you never really know what’s going on with someone because people would watch you on these shows and maybe think, ‘Oh, she’s got it all.’

McCurdy: Now my life is very boring. At the time, being on this children’s television show that’s so glossy and so polished and so exactly like perfect ... my actual life felt so the opposite.

Living in that dichotomy felt really confusing. But also now in retrospect, I see that there’s a lot of humor in that. As agonizing as it is to be in the ambulance with my mother while she’s convulsing in the middle of a seizure, to look up and see my face (on a

with beads and wire to wear for myself wasn’t what most people would spend their money on,” said Madison.

For the remainder of the year, she is hoping to add new products for the local market to enjoy, in addition to making international shipments more consistent.

“A note for aspiring entrepreneurs: working for yourself is not easy but it is worth the money, time and effort spent. Don’t be afraid to start over, change course, take breaks or a leap of faith during your journey.”

AP: How is your relationship with food now?”

JENNETTE McCurdy (AP Photo_Chris Pizzello) billboard) felt like my life was mocking me.

AP: Are you definitely done with acting?

McCurdy: I’m so happy you ask because I don’t obsess about food at all. I say this because I want people to know that I do believe it’s possible to not have it haunt you for the rest of your life. I feel great in my recovery.

I consider myself recovered. For anybody who might be struggling now, I want them to know it’s possible to recover.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, PAGE 13

Seeking erectile dysfunction treatment may save your life Routine medical workup for erectile dysfunction may lead to the diagnosis of early cardiovascular disease that can then be effectively treated before a life threatening event such as a stroke or heart attack occurs. Cardiovascular disease is a general term for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.

Cardiovascular disease is a very significant risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Approximately 50 percent of men with coronary artery disease have erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction may be an important early warning sign for cardiovascular disease. The link can be explained by understanding that atherosclerotic fatty deposit plaques will obstruct the smaller arteries that supply the penis, often many years before obstructing larger arteries that supply the heart and brain.

The cavernosal arteries of the penis are smaller in calibre than the coronary arteries of the heart, or the carotid arteries that supply the brain therefore vasculogenic erectile dysfunction related to poor supply, often happens more than five years before coronary artery disease, heart attacks and strokes may occur.

Patients presenting with erectile dysfunction related to impaired blood supply should have cardiovascular screening and appropriate treatment, so that potential strokes, heart attacks, peripheral artery disease and aortic disease can hopefully be prevented. Appropriate dietary, behavioural modifications and medical managements should be

commenced to prevent any future cardiovascular issues.

A scientific study published in the June 2018 issue of the American Heart Association Journal Circulation showed that erectile dysfunction on its own is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. 2000 men of diverse backgrounds and an average age of 69 years old, with no history of heart disease or stroke were included in the study; 46 percent of the study participants reported having erectile dysfunction. Four years after the start of the study, 115 participants had suffered a heart attack, cardiac arrest or stroke. It was determined that men who experienced erectile dysfunction were twice as likely to experience cardiovascular events.

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Database showed that having erectile dysfunction increased the cardiovascular risk profile in men nearly equivalent to the increased risk associated with nicotine smoking or having a strong family history of heart attacks. A meta-analysis of 14 studies that involved more than 90,000 male subjects, determined that men with erectile dysfunction had 62 percent more myocardial infections, 39 percent more strokes, 44 percent more cardiovascular events and 25 percent increased risk of death when compared to male study participants without erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction should never be ignored nor should it ever be suffered needlessly in silence. The causes of erectile dysfunction are multi-factorial;

vasculogenic erectile dysfunction occurs secondary to endothelial blood wall and cell dysfunction, coupled with atherosclerosis leading to artery plaque formation and obstruction. In addition to cardiovascular disease, other conditions that strongly correlate with erectile dysfunction include diabetes, low testosterone, obesity, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, stress, smoking, advancing age, abnormal cholesterol levels, hypertension and possible side effects of various medications.

THE UROLOGY DOCTOR IS IN...

Risk factors for ED

Dr Greggory Pinto

are nearly 40 percent more likely to suffer from ED when compared to men without depression.

Erectile dysfunction certainly doesn’t need to create a fear of impending future strokes or heart attacks, but it should lead to you as a sufferer being screened by your physician for potential increased cardiovascular risks. If the cardiovascular risk is determined to be intermediate then non-invasive testing for subclinical atherosclerosis and possible exercise cardiac stress testing should be performed. High cardiovascular risk men should be referred for comprehensive cardiologist assessment.

The cause(s) of erectile dysfunction should always be

determined and treated. No matter how severe erectile dysfunction may be; be assured that you can always rise again. Never give up hope. Never suffer in silence. Seek confidential, comprehensive and compassionate care for your erectile dysfunction.

Psychologist prescribes disease management treatment to violence To avert catastrophe, ‘anger immunisation’ is key Reasoning that anger is just as contagious as a virus, a prominent local psychologist is prescribing a treatment response that involves decontamination, contact tracing and prevention in a bid to curb criminality in the Bahamas.

“Not everyone exposed to COVID becomes sick, just as not everyone who has experienced violence, observed violence, or learned violent behavior will behave violently. Just as a person with a weakened immune system picks up COVID more easily, a person with a weak anger-immune system will respond with rage at the smallest provocation,” said Dr Valerie Knowles, a 20-year practitioner of child and adolescent psychology.

The Bahamas’ crime statistics indicate perpetrators of violence are predominantly young adult males.

Dr Knowles noted that community leaders and policies must focus more efforts on prevention, catching this segment of society early and attempt to change certain risk factors that contribute to

their dangerous behavior such as their home life, neighborhood and any early exposure to neglect and mistreatment.

“We cannot leave the solutions and the interventions to the government alone,” said the former section head of a Psychological Education.

“It has been said a million times that prevention solutions begin in the mindset of the family, in the neighborhood, but far too many families do not believe in positive conflict resolution, especially for males. In fact, there is open chastisement in some instances for not responding with violence when provoked,” she said.

The psychologist lamented that in too many instances, self-management training is left to schools where sometimes the curriculum, though scheduled, is not taught by educators who must cover other subject areas deemed more pressing.

“For today’s young men, the home and school deficits do not allow for anti-violence

immunisation, where there is a deliberate effort to learn to identify their triggers, challenge their thinking about violence, analyze the way violence is messaged and rewarded in their world so that there is a knowing that real men can discuss their emotions, resolve conflict through successful communication or even channel the negative energy into more constructive behavior and still feel and be viewed as a ‘real’ man,” she said.

“In the same way that COVID demanded that we adjust our thinking and behavior to respond to those already infected and institute precautionary measures to prevent infecting others, violence prevention demands a similar strategy.”

Shifting focus from individuals to communities, Dr Knowles believes there should be a violence disruption team and violence disruption plans for each community that should not only be activated

DR Valerie Knowles in the aftermath of an incident but be strongly engaged in social immunization strategies to prevent and counteract the pro-violent attitudes on full blast via the entertainment industry and in local communities.

Such intervention teams, tasked with entering neighbourhoods in the aftermath of a conflict, are essential to de-escalating said violence-soaked situations and car-

rying out the necessary contact tracing for those exposed and affected by the incident, the psychologist noted. needed, she said.

“They need the resources and collaboration with other community agencies to assist persons on a long- term basis to help divert them away from crime and violence,” Dr Knowles added. “The importance of applying these strategies in a systematic unified way cannot be overstated.”

PAGE 14, Tuesday, August 9, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

BODY AND MIND

Know when to say ‘no’ for your mental well-being

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

Saying no can be difficult. So many of us are brought up, conditioned really, to always say yes whenever possible, putting stress on ourselves to live up to other people’s expectations.

Many struggle with how and when to say no, therefore putting their own mental well-being on the back burner.

But our Tribune Health readers agree, it’s important to know when to be a bit “selfish” when it comes to preserving your sanity.

“This is a tough subject because it brings me back to a friendship I once had,” said Patricia Brown.

“We grew up like sisters, but over the years of our friendship and I became more mature, I realised our good terms were only based on me being what they call a ‘yes man’, well, I guess a ‘yes woman’ in this case. Once I agreed with her nonsense and didn’t share a difference in opinion, we were fine. But when I differed or called her out on things that I didn’t agree with, she would say it’s fine but I wouldn’t hear from her for weeks. This trend was unhealthy for me. I had to let it go and would encourage anyone to do the same. Set your healthy boundaries in your relationships and respectfully speak your mind at all times.”

Shante Culmer believes nothing can drain your energy more than not being able to say no to people.

“Sometimes people know you are a kind-hearted person and will just take advantage of that, and they always want something from you. Often those are the types of people who will never return the favour when you need it. But you have to learn to say no because you can run yourself ragged instead of sleeping, or you are stressed out because you are

worried about finding the time to do things for them when you barely have the time to do things for yourself,” she said.

According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, stress relief can be as straightforward as just saying no.

“The number of worthy requests isn’t likely to lessen, and you can’t add more time to your day. Are you doomed to be overcommitted? The answer is no, not if you’re willing to say no. It may not be the easy way, but it is

a path to stress relief,” said the American nonprofit academic medical centre in a newsletter.

“Keep in mind that being overloaded is individual. Just because your co-worker can juggle 10 committees with seeming ease doesn’t mean you should be able to be in several committees. Only you can know what’s too much for you.”

The Mayo Clinic’s contributor Dana Sparks went on to list a number of reasons one should

consider saying no. For example, realising that “saying no isn’t necessarily selfish.”

“When you say no to a new commitment, you’re honouring your existing obligations and ensuring that you’ll be able to devote high-quality time to them.

When you’re overcommitted and under too much stress, you’re more likely to feel run-down and possibly get sick. Don’t agree to a request you would rather decline out of guilt or obligation. Doing

so will likely lead to additional stress and resentment.”

“Saying no doesn’t have to be that difficult,” said Tribune Health reader Ronald Johnson.

“You just have to practice.

You can do it in a calm, collected manner. It doesn’t have to be rude; it can be brief and honest – but you don’t owe everyone your life story. Sometimes you have to repeat it until people get it, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes.”

Bahamian mothers ‘latch on’ to promote benefits of breastfeedin A group of mothers joined the Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association (BNBA) in a global attempt for women to breastfeed their babies around the same time.

On Friday, August 5, the BNBA held their Global Latch on Event at the Ministry of Health headquarters on Meeting Street. New and more experienced mothers who are still breastfeeding congregated.

They were given talks by experienced nurses and members of the BNBA, and received gift bags for their babies. Nurses Carlotta Klass, Linelle Thompson, Brenda Armbrister, Ampusam Symonette, Lillian Jones and Sarah Turnquest were among those on hand to encourage and educate the mothers and fathers in attendance.

Messages included that breast milk is instantly supplied to the baby without having to sterilise bottles or rely on a supplement. It is always the right temperature and helps to solve a myriad of possible issues. It corrects gastroenteritis, clears up colds, fights infections, and improves babies’ overall health. They spoke about myths such as breastmilk is not enough for the baby, and that it gives the baby gas. They explained that breast milk is nature’s perfect whole food for the baby - anytime, anywhere. Breastfeeding, they said, is an important start for a lifetime of good health.

Although abroad at the time, BNBA President Trineka Hall, along with Nurses Debbie Munnings and Bianca Edwards, assisted members in the planning and hosting of a series of events for World Breastfeeding Week, August 1 - 7. Nurse Edwards planned a special event at Lower Bogue Clinic, Eleuthera, where mothers on that island also took part in the Global Latch on.

The Princess Margaret Hospital Maternity Ward is currently involved in the 100 days challenge where labour nurses are encouraged to put every baby just born to the breast within the first hour of life.

(l-r) Senior Nurses Sonia Miller, Ampusam Symonette, Rhonda Kemp, Anna Forbes and Bertha Sands (head of Maternity Ward) during the launch

A GROUP of mothers breastfeeding at the Ministry of Health during the Global Latch On event

NURSING Practitioner Dr Lillian Jones assists new mother Rickia Pratt, who is blind and determined to exclusively breastfeed her baby

THE GLOBAL Latch On event at the clinic in Lower Bogue, Eleuthera

SPORTS PAGE 15

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

Bringing home the gold, silver TEAM BAHAMAS MAKES NATION PROUD WITH 2 MEDALS

TAHNAJ Thomas

THOMAS CONTINUES MOMENTUM AS RISING STAR FOR PIRATES AA AFFILIATE

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

MEDAL GLORY: Devynne Charlton, left, and LaQuan Nairn show off their silver (100 metre hurdles) and gold (long jump) medals respectively won at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. After 11 days of intense competition in seven disciplines, Team Bahamas will return from the Commonwealth Games with the two medals and tied in the 23rd spot on the medal chart with Grenada. Members of the team, including executives and athletes, left the games with varied experiences to cherish.

SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 17

PRO BASKETBALL PLAYER DWIGHT COLEBY OFF TO IMPRESSIVE START

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net DWIGHT Coleby is off to an impressive start with his new club - Heroes de Falcon - in the Venezuelan SuperLiga.

The veteran frontcourt player is averaging 9.4 points and a team high 7.8 rebounds per game. He also leads the team in blocks at 1.6 per game, while shooting 53 percent from the field in 25 minutes per game.

The Falcons are 5-4 thus far, third in the “West B” Division.

Coleby had his first double double of the season last night with 12 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots in a 97-86 loss to Centauros. He also had 11 points and seven rebounds in an 83-69 win over Toros, 14 points and eight rebounds in a 76-74 win over Centauros, 11 points and eight rebounds in a 77-71 win over Piratas, and

DWIGHT COLEBY nine points, eight rebounds and three blocks in an 88-74 loss to Gaiteros.

The SuperLiga is the top-tiered basketball league in the country. The winners and runners-up of each SuperLiga season qualify for the FIBA Americas League regular season.

The 6’10” veteran forward and senior national team player has been a member of three clubs during the 2021-22 season.

He most recently spent time with Al Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates National Basketball League. They finished with the league’s second best

record during the regular season and reached the league final.

Coleby previously spent time with Cholet Basket of the JEEP Elite Pro A League in France, the toptiered basketball league in France. He originally intended to join Anwil Wloclawek of the Polish Basketball League (PLK) for this season but a failed medical led to the contract being voided.

Coleby spent last season with Merkezefendi Belediyesi Denizli of the Turkish Basketball First League (TBL), his second stint in the country.

In a history-making milestone season for the club, he averaged 12.8 points, 10.1 rebounds per game and was named Eurobasket. com all TBL Honourable Mention and Player of the Week twice. Denzeli was also granted promotion to the ING Turkish Basketball Super League, the top division in the country.

TAHNAJ Thomas recorded his fourth win of the season for the Altoona Curve and continues his momentum after being recognised as one of the rising stars for the Pittsburgh Pirates AA affiliate.

Thomas and the Curve got the walk-off win over the Akron RubberDucks, 2-1, at PNG Field and Thomas improved to 4-4 on the season after making the move from starter to reliever.

In 28 games in AA Altoona this year, Thomas has pitched 38.2 innings, with a 3.26 ERA and 39 strikeouts.

He has not allowed a run in his last 9.1 innings and struck out 13 batters in that timeframe.

The 22-year-old 6’5” right hand pitcher, currently ranked no.23 in the Pirates organisation according to MLB Pipeline, has delivered a series of impressive performances.

Last month, Thomas was named to the MLB Pipeline Prospect Team of the Week for July 4-10.

He had a season high three strikeouts in two innings of an 11-5 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and got his first win of the season in the series finale against the Fisher Cats.

Thomas was one of the club’s non-roster invitees to major league Spring Training in Bradenton, Florida last month. He spent last season at the High A level for the first time with the Greensboro Grasshoppers.

Dallas clinches playoff berth behind Mabrey’s career-high 31 points ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Marina Mabrey scored a career-high 31 points, Teaira McCowan had 16 points and nine rebounds, and the Dallas Wings beat the New York Liberty 86-77 last night to clinch a playoff berth.

Dallas (17-16), which has won five straight games for the first time since the 2018 season, can clinch the sixth playoff spot with a win over the Liberty on Wednesday.

New York (13-20) fell a game behind Phoenix for the final playoff spot despite an incredible second half by Sabrina Ionescu. She scored 32 points for New York, one shy of tying

her career-high. Ionescu scored 18 of her points in the third quarter, including a four-point possession with a three-point play and a technical free throw.

Mabrey scored the first four points of the fourth quarter for a 67-64 lead and Dallas never looked back.

Mabrey’s third 3-pointer of the game, to set a career-high for points, gave Dallas a 79-71 lead.

Allisha Gray added 18 points for Dallas.

McCowan had her string of five straight double-doubles snapped and Arike Ogunbowale did not play due to an abdominal injury suffered on Saturday.

Marine Johannes scored 13 of her 19 points in the second quarter for New York (13-20).

Ionescu made all 12 of New York’s free-throw attempts and reached 30 points for the fifth time this season.

Ionescu passed Teresa Weatherspoon for the Liberty’s single-season record with 208 assists.

Ionescu is the first WNBA player to eclipse 500 points, 200 rebounds and 200 assists in a season.

New York trailed 24-13 in the first quarter after starting 3 for 16 from the field, and Dallas led 44-38 at halftime after Gray hit a 3-pointer with 1.3 seconds left.

PAGE 16, Tuesday, August 9, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

SUMMER TENNIS PROGRAMMES POSITIVELY IMPACTING THE YOUTH A number of successful tennis programs were held this summer.

Firstly, the National Tennis Centre (NTC) organized a number of tennis camps that allowed children to learn tennis in a fun-filled environment.

The participants included first-timers and active players. Forehands, Backhands, Serves, Volleys and Overhands were just a few of the skills taught. The kids were also taught to work together in teams and to exhibit good sportsmanship. During camp, there were opportunities to teach life lessons that they can carry with them.

“We thank all those who assisted with the NTC camps: Nolan Johnson, Paula Whitfield, Esther Newton, Mateo Smith, Elana Mackey, Donte Armbrister, Anthony Burrows, Marva Conyers and president Perry Newton,” the BLTA wrote.

“Coach Steve Taylor also held a tennis summer camp

at the NTC. Coach Taylor is consistently impacting the lives of kids through tennis. In addition, Coach Cory Francis held summer sessions at the NTC. Coach Francis’ positive contribution to the sport continues to be felt.

“Abaco Tennis Association (ATA) and Coach Artie Johnson also held very successful summer camps in Abaco and Eleuthera respectively. The ATA welcomed kids ages 7-17 to the courts in Forrest Heights, Abaco. Coach Artie organized his camp under the theme “Grip and Rip” at the Knowles Court, in Palmetto Point, Eleuthera.”

At the end of the camps held in Nassau and on the islands, there were improvements in the skills of the children. The camps were exciting and will spark the tennis journey of many.

The BLTA congratulates all the organizers, coaches and assistants on a job well done.

Russian tennis players collect three titles at US Open tuneups

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer

SUMMER CAMP: The National Tennis Centre has organised a number of tennis camps that have given children the opportunity to learn tennis in a fun-filled environment.

WASHINGTON (AP) — It was quite a week for Russia’s professional tennis players — four tournaments, three titles.

One of them, Liudmila Samsonova, thinks it might not be merely a coincidence that this recent run of success for her, Daria Kasatkina and Daniil Medvedev comes shortly after they were banned from competing at Wimbledon because of their country’s invasion of, and ongoing war in, Ukraine.

“We are are all very angry about the situation,” Samsonova said after beating Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the final of the Citi Open on Sunday for her second career WTA title.

“I mean, it was a really tough month.”

Samsonova earned her trophy in Washington a day after Medvedev, who leads the men’s rankings, defeated Britain’s Cam Norrie for the championship at Los Cabos, Mexico, and several hours before Kasatkina won the title at San Jose, California, with a victory over American Shelby Rogers.

All three events are hardcourt tuneups ahead of the year’s last Grand Slam tournament, the U.S. Open, which begins in New York on Aug. 29; Medvedev is the defending champion there. (The week’s fourth title, the men’s event at the Citi Open, was won by Australia’s Nick Kyrgios; a Russian, Andrey Rublev, reached the semifinals).

At the previous Grand Slam event, Wimbledon, which ran from late June into July, all athletes from Russia and Belarus were blocked by the All England Club from participating because of the attack on Ukraine. That prompted the WTA and ATP professional tours to withhold rankings points from the tournament, meaning whatever was earned there in 2021 fell off a player’s record and could not be replaced with how they fared there this year.

“It’s been a great week for us. I wouldn’t say that Wimbledon (gave) a lot of motivation to us, because we want to win these tournaments and matches in any case. I think it just happened that, in this particular week, three Russian players won titles. It’s not happening very often, let’s say,” said Kasatkina, who has called for an end to the fighting in Ukraine. “I think it’s just a coincidence.

It shows that we’re on a good level.”

When Samsonova arrived in Washington a week ago, her ranking had dropped from a careerbest of 25th in May to 60th. And she had not played a match on tour since June.

She used that time to go to her training base in Italy and work on her game — and herself.

She started collaborating with a mental coach (“I can’t thank her enough,” Samsonova said Sunday).

She sought to improve her topspin forehand, her serve and her return, all of which paid off during a victory over reigning U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu in the quarterfinals and against Kanepi in the final.

Asked Sunday about Wimbledon and the results she and other Russians produced this week, Samsonova said: “We (had) a lot of time to

LIUDMILA Samsonova (AP) work, so I think we (used) it very well.”

Up until a couple of weeks ago, she was not sure whether she would be able to play in Washington at all. That’s because her visa was due to expire in July and she was told there might not be enough time to complete the application process for a renewal.

That might have meant missing not just the Citi Open, but also other tournaments in the country, including perhaps the U.S. Open. (Unlike the All England Club, the U.S. Tennis Association announced it would permit athletes from Russia and Belarus to enter the draws).

Fortunately, Samsonova said, it did work out, otherwise she might have gone back to Europe to play in some lower-level events.

“I really don’t know” what would have happened, she acknowledged.

The paperwork came through, Samsonova made it to Washington, and on Sunday night, she was pondering something Medvedev and Kasatkina might have been, too: What’s the proper way to celebrate?

“For sure,” the 23-yearold Samsonova said, “some drinks.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, PAGE 17

Team Bahamas makes island nation proud

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net BIRMINGHAM, England — After 11 days of intense competition in seven disciplines, Team Bahamas will return from the 2022 Commonwealth Games with a gold and silver medal and tied for the 23rd spot on the medal chart with Grenada.

Members of the team, including executives and athletes, left the games with varied experiences to cherish, including experiencing the jammed-packed stadiums in both the morning and evening sessions every day.

While the triathlete and swimmers left last week, the wrestling, boxing, cycling and track and field teams departed yesterday with gold medallist LaQuan Nairn in the men’s long jump, silver medallist Devynne Charlton in the women’s 100 metre hurdles, joining high jumper Donald Thomas and boxers Carl Hield and Rashield Williams, who all headed to the United States.

The other team members headed to the Bahamas, while sprinter Tynia Gaither stayed in Europe to continue to compete on the circuit. The judo team and the remaining officials are due back in town today.

Boxing team manager Vincent Strachan, who is also the president of the Bahamas Amateur Boxing Federation, said both Hield and Williams performed as best as they could, despite getting knocked out in the first and long on points in the third round respectively.

Williams, the 32-year-old professional boxer who was allowed to compete with the amateurs, actually competed in a lower class and had to shed some 11 pounds in three days to make the weight limit.

“I think the team’s performance was as best as it could. There were challenges and as a result of those challenges, it might have mitigated the degree of performances from the boxers,” Strachan said.

“Again, we go back to the fact that the boxers are not being able to compete on a regular basis.

“You can train for three to six months, but if you don’t have competition in that time, you won’t be sharp and ready as you should be. But I congratulate the boxers on what they did. They represented the Bahamas to the best of their abilities.”

Strachan, however, said the federation needs funding to be able to assist the boxers so that they can be able to go to events like this and be able to compete on par with their peers whenever the opportunities arise.

Kendrick Thompson, who had to withdraw from the men’s decathlon with a left ankle injury he sustained during the pole vault competition on the final of the two days of the gruelling 10-event competition, said he’s now committed to getting ready for the next major event next year.

“It was a great experience competing against some of the best decathletes in the world,” said the 24-year-old University of the Bahamas standout. “The injury is coming along. I hope to get some therapy on it.

“I will rest up and get ready for next year. I want to be in this same position to compete in any decathlon

HEAD coach Bernard Rolle, Oria Wood, Denisha Cartwright, coach Ravanno Ferguson and Kendrick Thompson.

BOXING team manager Vincent Strachan. meet on the schedule as long as I’m healthy.”

Petite rookie sprinter Denisha Cartwright, who was always in a jovial mood, said she had a wonderful time, although she didn’t advance in both the women’s 100 with her 32nd placing and 25th in the 200m.

“My experience was wonderful this year. It just makes me want to work harder so I can compete next year,” said the 22-yearold Cartwright, who also had a sensational collegiate season for the Minnesota State Mavericks.

Although he also performed very well making it to the NCAA Championships this year for Ohio State, 21-year-old Shaun Miller Jr said he was disappointed that he didn’t come to Birmingham and perform as well as expected for the Bahamas in his debut at the games.

“It was a very good meet, but I felt I let the Bahamian people down, so I just have to go to the next meet at the Senior NACAC Championships and do better,” said Miller Jr, who was 10th in the field that saw national champion Donald Thomas fall short of getting a medal with fourth place.

“I didn’t jump as well as I am capable of jumping so I think I let the country down. But I will redeem myself.”

Also competing or the first time at a major international meet, 21-year-old Jahmaal Wilson chalked it up to a learning experience, especially considering the fact that he was disqualified from the heats of the men’s 110m hurdles.

“For me personally, it was a learning curve,” said the West Texas A&M standout. “It was an introduction to the big leagues for me,” he said. “I just have to do more training and work on my clearances over the hurdles and I will be okay.”

Ravanno Ferguson, one of the coaches for the track team, said they had a good mixture of youth and experience on the team, which bodes well for the future.

“I think it was a great experience for our athletes,” said Ferguson, who also serves as the first vice president of the BAAA. “We had six finalists from 10 athletes, so we can’t ask for anything more than that.

“Our finalists did a really good job with two of them winning medals. So to me, it’s been a very successful showing from such a small team. I think we have something to work on as we look ahead to the future.”

Track and field head coach Bernard Rolle said the athletes lived up to their expectations.

“We had some good performances from the athletes

as they went though the rounds,” he said. “We got the two medals from LaQuan Nairn and Devynne Charlton, but I think all of the athletes should be commended for how well they performed.

“This was a very good young and experienced team to work with. I think they all have a bright future ahead of them. They just need to stick with it. We are looking for more performances like we have from our medallists in the next international event.”

And veteran coach Peter Pratt, who worked directly with Nairn in the long jump and Kaiwan Culmer in the men’s triple jump, said he was glad that he got the opportunity to make the trip here to another games.

“The experience here was tremendous,” he stated.

“The athletes all did what they had to do. We expected to get a few more medals, but we’re happy with what we got. I think the athletes performed very well and they should be commended.”

This was the second time around for Rashji Mackey in wrestling. While he had another teammate this year making his debut in 32-year-old Thorn Demeritte, Mackey, 36, said he was glad that they both got to make their presence felt even though they were both stopped 10-0 in points by their opponents.

“The whole experience for free style wrestling was exciting,” Mackey said.

“Although we both lost, I think we got some experiences that should help to prepare us for the next competition. I know for me it was a challenge fighting out my weight class, but I did my best in the 85 kilo class.”

Oria Wood, one of the Bahamas Olympic Committee’s vice presidents who assisted chef de mission Roy Colebrooke and team manager Rudolph Ferguson in Birmingham, said if there was one regret, it was the fact that the team was split up in the three different Games Villages.

“We didn’t get to bond as a team because we were separated and so we didn’t get to see each other,” she said.

“Everything went well for us at the University of Birmingham, except for the selection of food sometimes. I don’t know about the other locations.

“Other than that, we had two more athletes getting on the medal stand in LaQuan Nairn and Devynne Charlton. So instead of us just looking at Shaunae (Miller-Uibo) and Stevie (Gardiner), we have some other athletes to look at because I know they will medal again at the next competition.”

CYCLIST Lorin Sawyer and his wife Diane.

TRACK athletes, from left to right, Shaun Miller Jr, Jahmaal Wilson and Denisha Cartwright.

COACH Peter Pratt and triple jumper Kaiwan Culmer, right.

Colebrooke, a vice president of the BOC who also serves as the president of the Bahamas Cycling Federation, said the team on a whole performed very well.

“Anytime you can come out with a medal or two and have athletes in the finals, I think you had a very successful games,” Colebrooke said.

“I wished the cyclists had performed better, but they had their share of challenges and were not allowed to continue to compete. They will learn from it.

“But on the whole, I think all of the athletes performed very well. We were

glad to see Devynne add to our medal count in the hurdles.

“But LaQuan was just outstanding in the long jump. Their performances helped to make the trip so successful. I want to thank all of the athletes who represented Team Bahamas.”

There were a few spouses and a number of parents who came along to support their children and Colebrooke said wherever possible, the BOC made every effort to accommodate them so that they could be in the stands at the various sporting venues cheering on Team Bahamas.

While the other disciplines, except boxing and cycling, will shut down their season, the majority of the track athletes will be heading to Grand Bahama for the NACAC Championships, scheduled for August 18-21 at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.

Also during that weekend, Sawyer and Neely are expected to compete in a race in Grand Bahama August 20-21 before they head to Guyana for the Caribbean Cycling Championships in September and Williams will be preparing for his next pro show in Florida at the end of August.

PAGE 18, Tuesday, August 9, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Birmingham’s hosting capability shines at Commonwealth Games

By COURTNEY WALSH Associated Press BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Birmingham has proven itself capable of hosting major sporting events, including the Olympics, the chief executive of this year’s Commonwealth Games said yesterday.

However, Ian Reid said the city would be bestplaced to co-host a global event like the Olympics as part of a multi-pronged bid with other cities in Britain.

“What I would say is that the people of Birmingham and the venues here have shown it could certainly be part of an Olympic bid,” Reid said. “Whether the city has the capacity to host the full Olympics in the region, I’m not sure. We need to look at the detail.

“But I think if it was part of a wider bid, perhaps with other cities in the country,

then Birmingham would certainly be a major, major part of that. The venues are world class. There is a huge amount of experience here.

The volunteers have been excellent. The ambition is certainly here.”

Speaking at Arena Birmingham, Reid was responding to comments from British sports minister Nigel Huddleston, who praised the city’s handling of the event.

Birmingham was given the opportunity when the Commonwealth Games Foundation stripped the initial host city Durban of the rights in 2017. That shortened the window Birmingham had to prepare for the multi-sports competition with its more than 5,000 para and able-bodied athletes.

More than 1.5 million tickets were sold for the 12-day competition, which

Sportlight - Usain Bolt wins 200 at Olympics

By The Associated Press AUGUST 9 1936 — Jesse Owens becomes the first American to win four Olympic gold medals as the United States sets a world record in the 4x100 relay at the Berlin Games. The record time of 39.8 seconds lasts for 20 years.

1950 — Lusty Song, driven by Delvin Miller, wins the Hambletonian Stakes in straight heats over Star’s Pride. Lusty Song wins by a length in the first race and by a neck in the second.

1981 — Larry Nelson beats Fuzzy Zoeller by three strokes to take the PGA Championship.

1984 — Britain’s Daley Thompson wins his second Olympic decathlon with a record 8,797 points and Valerie Brisco-Hooks sets her second Olympic record with a 21.81 time in the 200-metre run.

1987 — Larry Nelson sinks a 6-foot putt in the first hole of a playoff to beat Lanny Wadkins in the PGA Championship.

1992 — The Summer Olympics ends with the Unified Team holding a 112-108 lead in medals over the United States, the closest race since America won 90-86 in 1964 at Tokyo.

1995 — John Godina becomes the first American to win the shot put event at the World Championships with a toss of 70 feet, 5¼ inches.

2007 — Alexis Thompson becomes the youngest quarterfinalist in the 107year history of the US Women’s Amateur, beating fellow 12-year-old Pearl Jin 5 and 4 in the second round and Lizette Salas 5 and 4 in the third.

2007 — David Beckham makes his long-awaited Major League Soccer debut, entering in the 72nd minute of the Los Angeles Galaxy’s 1-0 loss to D.C. United.

2008 — Mariel Zagunis leads a US sweep of the women’s saber fencing for the first American medals of the Beijing Games.

Zagunis, the 2004 gold Olympic champion, beats Sada Jacobson 15-8 for the gold medal. Becca Ward takes the bronze.

2009 — Jennifer Song becomes the second woman to win two US Golf Association championships in the same year, beating Jennifer Johnson 3 and 1 in the US Women’s Amateur final at Old Warson.

The 19-year-old Song, coming off her freshman year at Southern California, won the US Women’s Amateur Public Links in June.

Pearl Sinn is the only other woman to win two USGA titles in a year, taking the 1988 Amateur and Public Links.

2010 — No American player appears in the top 10 for the first time since the men’s tennis computer rankings began in 1973.

Andy Roddick drops from No. 9 to No. 11 in the latest ATP rankings.

2012 — Usain Bolt wins the 200 metres in 19.32 seconds, making him the only man with two Olympic titles in that event. He adds it to the 100 gold he won August 5, duplicating the 100-200 double he produced at the Beijing Games four years ago.

This time, Bolt leads a Jamaican sweep, with his training partner and pal Yohan Blake getting the silver in 19.44, and Warren Weir taking the bronze in 19.84.

The American men take the top two spots in the men’s decathlon (Ashton Eaton and Trey Hardee) and triple jump (Christian Taylor and Will Claye), raising the US track and field total with three days to go to 24 medals.

USAIN BOLT 2012 — The U.S. women’s soccer team wins the Olympic gold medal, avenging one of its most painful defeats with a 2-1 victory over Japan. Carli Lloyd scores in the eighth and 54th minutes for the Americans, who lost to the Japanese in penalty kicks at last year’s World Cup final.

2012 — Maggie Steffens scored five times and the US women’s water polo team beat Spain 8-5 to take the Olympic tournament for the first time.

US middleweight Claressa Shields caps her swift rise to the top of women’s Olympic boxing with a 19-12 victory over Russia’s Nadezda Torlopova. The 17-year-old Shields dances and slugs her way past her 33-yearold opponent.

2014 — Nick Rimando breaks the MLS record with his 113th shutout in Real Salt Lake’s 3-0 victory over D.C. United.

Rimando broke a tie with Kevin Hartman for the record.

2016 — Michael Phelps adds to his Olympic record medal haul twice.

He avenges his London 2012 loss to South African rival Chad le Clos with a 200-metre butterfly victory and his 20th career gold. Then, he anchors the 4x200 freestyle relay team for his 21st gold.

TEAM Australia walk on the pitch during a break in the men’s final hockey match between Australia and India at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, yesterday. concluded yesterday, amid reports of television rating spikes in countries including Australia.

Officials from both the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2028 Los Angeles Games have been in the city throughout the competition assessing the methods used by organisers.

Representatives from the Australian state of Victoria, which will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games across several regional cities, have also been in attendance.

While the majority of events were based in Birmingham, nearby villages hosted sports including lawn bowling and road cycling, while the track cycling was held in London.

“It’s been absolutely fantastic. This was Birmingham’s time to shine and they have absolutely embraced it and taken it,” Huddleston told Britain’s Press Association.

“So, definitely, one of the elements of legacy is thinking about how we can use the facilities and the experience to bid for other major international sporting events. I don’t think it is an unrealistic ambition to say that the Olympics could be one of them.

“Of course, there has been a trend for multi-city bids in lots of international sporting events and, again, Birmingham will absolutely be in that mix going forward, because it has showcased itself in an incredibly professional way.”

Victoria has even less time to prepare for the next Commonwealth Games, with its bid only approved this year, though cities including Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo have strong existing infrastructure.

Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Katie Sadleir said the Birmingham crowds are comparable to the successful event hosted by

INDIA’s Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chandrashekhar Shetty, right, celebrate their victory in the Men’s doubles gold medal badminton match against England’s Ben Lane and Sean Vendy at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Manish Swarup) Melbourne in 2006 and raised confidence about the future of the competition.

She has held informal talks with representatives from “three to four” nations about editions from 2030 onwards with a view to giving future hosts more time to prepare.

“My gut feeling is (we will) look for board approval and we will come out in the first quarter and we will most likely look for 2030 and 2034 because LIAM PITCHFORD, of England, serves to Sharath Kamal Achanta of the nature of the discus- of India in the men’s singles table tennis gold medal match at the sions that we have been Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Rui Vieira) having,” she said.

“Not everyone can pull The Aussies won 178 Glovers scored one of off what Birmingham has medals overall to beat host Australia’s goals. “It’s awedone and Victoria is about England by two. some to do it without too to do in a very short lead Canada finished third much of a heart problem.” time in terms of staging a with 26 gold medals, while India had success elsespectacular Games.

India moved into fourth where ahead of the closing And because we’ve with 22 golds after a suc- ceremony at Alexander opened up the hosting cessful final day.

Stadium. model to be quite flexible Australia beat India 7-0 Former No. 1-ranked and innovative, for some in the men’s field hockey junior Lakshya Sen beat it will take longer than a final yesterday, maintaining Ng Tze Yong of Malaythree-and-a-half year or a perfect record of having sia 19-21, 21-9, 21-16 and four-year window to pull claimed the gold medal all Pusarla Venkata Sindhu something off.” seven times the sport has made it a golden double Australia finished the been included in the Com- by defeating Michelle Li of Commonwealth Games at monwealth Games.

Canada 21-15, 21-13 in the the top of the medals table “That is what we pride badminton finals. with 67 golds, 11 more than ourselves on,” said Blake India also claimed a gold England.

Glovers. medal in men’s doubles.

SERENA WILLIAMS EARNS FIRST WIN OF SEASON IN TORONTO TORONTO (AP) — Serena Williams hadn’t won in so long, she said she couldn’t even remember the feeling.

She picked up her first victory since the 2021 French Open yesterday, beating Nuria ParrizasDiaz 6-3, 6-4 at the women’s National Bank Open.

“I’m just happy to get a win. It’s been a very long time, I forgot what that felt like,” Williams said.

It’s just the second tournament of the season for the 40-year-old Williams, who returned to competition at Wimbledon just over a month ago.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion fell in the first round to Harmony Tan in three sets at the All England Club.

Before then, she last competed at the 2021 Wimbledon tournament, where she retired in the middle of her first match due to a torn hamstring suffered after slipping on the grass surface.

SERENA Williams returns the ball during a match with Nuria Parrizas-Diaz, at the National Bank Open tennis tournament in Toronto yesterday.

(Christopher Katsarov/ The Canadian Press via AP) Williams, who will turn 41 at the end of September, will next face either 12thranked Belinda Bencic or Tereza Martincova.

Williams has won this tournament three times and reached the final in her last appearance at the hardcourt event in 2019, losing to Bianca Andreescu when she was forced to stop because of injury.

But Williams has played little since and knows she needs time on the court.

“I feel good, I felt like I competed well today. I think that’s what I needed to do, is just compete,” she said. “Mentally, I’m getting there. I’m not where I normally am (or) where I want to be. Any match I play, whether I win or lose, helps me.

“I haven’t played a lot in the last year, (even) two years. I think that helps me physically. I feel much better in practice, it’s just getting that to the court.

Literally, I’m the kind of person (where) it takes one or two things and then it clicks.”

Williams started out strong, taking the first two games with relative ease.

Parrizas-Diaz tied it 2-2, but despite Williams’ struggles at certain points, the 31-year-old Spaniard couldn’t find enough of a consistent flow to get ahead.

Williams found her rhythm, mixing solid touch with her

signature power and putting shot after shot out of Parrizas-Diaz’s reach.

Williams’ effort had the fans on their feet roaring and some even bowing.

Williams won the final three games to take the first set, then surged ahead in the second after the 57thranked Parrizas-Diaz took a 4-3 lead. She endured a nine-deuce game to hold serve and even the set, then broke in the next game before serving out the victory.

While Williams says the end of her remarkable career is in sight, she’s enjoying her time and staying in the moment.

“I’m getting closer to the light. Lately, that’s been it, I can’t wait to get to that light,” she said, adding the light represents “freedom.”

“I love playing though, it’s amazing,” she added.

“I can’t do this forever, so sometimes you just want to try your best to enjoy the moments and do the best that you can.”

PAGE 20, Tuesday, August 9, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Wall Street ending flat as investors await inflation updates STATUES adorn the facade of the New York Stock Exchange Thursday, July 14, 2022, in New York. Stocks are opening slightly higher on Wall Street with gains spread widely across sectors on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022.

Photo:John Minchillo/AP

By DAMIAN J. TROISE AND ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writers MAJOR stock indexes on Wall Street gave up early gains and ended a choppy day of trading little changed Monday.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq each slipped 0.1% after shedding gains of 1% and 1.6%, respectively. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 0.1% higher.

Small-company stocks outpaced the broader market in a sign that investors were confident about the economy. The Russell 2000 rose 1%.

The market’s latest gyrations came as investors prepare for a busy week of economic updates that could help answer whether the Federal Reserve’s efforts to cool the economy and quell inflation are working, or whether the central bank will continue aggressively raising interest rates. Wall Street is worried that the Fed could hit the brakes too hard and cause a recession.

“Early indications of inflationary pressures appear to be easing, which will be an important catalyst for the market,” said Quincy Krosby, chief global strategist for LPL Financial.

The S&P 500 fell 5.13 points to 4,140.06, while the Nasdaq slid 13.10 points to 12,644.46. The Dow added 29.07 points to close at 32,832.54. The Russell

2000 rose 19.38 points to 1,941.21.

The benchmark S&P 500 index is coming off three consecutive weekly gains.

Investors remain focused on inflation and its impact on businesses and consumers, along with the Federal Reserve’s efforts to fight higher prices. The central bank has been aggressively raising interest rates to pump the brakes on economic growth and rein in record-high inflation. The Fed is expected to hike short-term interest rates by another 0.75 percentage points at its next meeting.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Monday released a survey of consumer expectations from July showing that there were “substantial declines” in inflation expectations for everything from food and gas to home prices.

The Labor Department will release its July report for consumer prices on Wednesday, followed by its report for prices at the wholesale level on Thursday.

This week’s inflation updates follow reports last week showing the employment market remains strong. While that’s good for the economy, it has complicated the job of the Fed, which may be forced to continue with aggressive interest rate hikes intended to cool the economy and soaring inflation.

Investors are still reviewing the latest round of corporate earnings, which could also provide more details on how hard inflation is hitting consumers and businesses. Nvidia fell 6.3% for one of the biggest declines in the S&P 500 after it warned investors that its second-quarter revenue will fall short of forecasts because of weaker gaming revenue.

Generic drugmaker Viatris rose 3.7% after beating Wall Street’s second-quarter earnings and revenue forecasts.

Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market Monday, outweighing modest gains in other sectors. Pricey stocks in the sector tend to push the market higher or lower with more weight. Microsoft fell 0.9%.

Retailers and communications stocks were among the biggest winners.

Best Buy rose 2.8% and Facebook’s parent, Meta Platforms, rose 1.9%.

Clean energy companies gained ground following the Senate’s approval for Democrats’ big electionyear economic package, which includes funding to help fight climate change.

First Solar rose 4.7%.

Bond yields fell. The yield on the 10-year Treasury, which influences interest rates on mortgages and other consumer loans, slipped to 2.76% from 2.83% late Friday.

FAA clears Boeing to resume deliveries of 787 Dreamliner WASHINGTON Associated Press

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

MONDAY, 08 AUGUST 2022

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX:

CLOSE

CHANGE

%CHANGE

YTD

YTD%

2617.61

0.87

0.03

389.37

17.47

(242) 323 2330 (242) 323 2320

BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 6.75 53.00 2.47 2.61 2.60 6.20 10.05 4.15 10.65 3.65 8.25 17.50 2.65 11.28 11.25 10.85 18.30 4.00 11.00 16.50

52WK LOW 5.30 33.80 1.60 2.20 1.30 5.75 7.50 2.82 5.40 2.27 5.95 9.80 1.99 8.25 10.02 10.00 13.10 3.50 8.20 15.50

SECURITY AML Foods Limited APD Limited Benchmark Bahamas First Holdings Limited Bank of Bahamas Bahamas Property Fund Bahamas Waste Cable Bahamas Commonwealth Brewery Commonwealth Bank Colina Holdings CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank Consolidated Water BDRs Doctor's Hospital Emera Incorporated Famguard Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) Limited Focol Finco J. S. Johnson

SYMBOL AML APD BBL BFH BOB BPF BWL CAB CBB CBL CHL CIB CWCB DHS EMAB FAM FBB FCL FIN JSJ

LAST CLOSE 6.70 39.95 2.44 2.46 2.51 6.20 9.75 3.91 10.10 3.54 8.06 16.00 3.02 10.26 11.24 10.85 18.30 3.90 11.00 15.50

CLOSE 6.70 39.95 2.44 2.46 2.51 6.20 9.75 3.91 10.15 3.54 8.06 16.00 3.03 10.26 11.49 10.85 18.30 3.90 11.00 15.50

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VOLUME 500

5,000

EPS$ 0.239 0.932 0.000 0.140 0.070 1.760 0.369 -0.438 0.140 0.184 0.449 0.722 0.102 0.467 0.646 0.728 0.816 0.203 0.939 0.631

DIV$ 0.170 1.260 0.020 0.080 0.000 0.000 0.260 0.000 0.000 0.120 0.220 0.720 0.434 0.060 0.328 0.240 0.540 0.120 0.200 0.610

P/E 28.0 42.9 N/M 17.6 N/M N/M 26.4 -8.9 72.5 19.2 18.0 22.2 29.7 22.0 17.8 14.9 22.4 19.2 11.7 24.6

YIELD 2.54% 3.15% 0.82% 3.25% 0.00% 0.00% 2.67% 0.00% 0.00% 3.39% 2.73% 4.50% 14.32% 0.58% 2.85% 2.21% 2.95% 3.08% 1.82% 3.94%

PREFERENCE SHARES 1.00

1.00

1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

Bahamas First Holdings Preference Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Colina Holdings Class A Fidelity Bank Bahamas Class A Focol Class B

BFHP CAB6 CAB9 CHLA FBBA FCLB

1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

CORPORATE DEBT - (percentage pricing) 52WK HI 100.00 100.00

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00

SECURITY Fidelity Bank (Note 22 Series B+) Bahamas First Holdings Limited

SYMBOL FBB22 BFHB

LAST SALE 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 96.69 99.98 100.09 100.54 100.34 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VOLUME

INTEREST Prime + 1.75% 6.25%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2022 30-Sep-2025

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) 115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 97.35 100.66 100.43 100.43 100.34 100.23 100.00 100.00 100.98 100.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 96.69 99.98 99.96 100.43 100.04 100.00 89.62 89.00 90.24 90.73

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y BGRS FX BGR107036 BGRS FL BGRS71023 BGRS FL BGRS97033 BGRS FL BGRS75022 BGRS FL BGRS81037 BGRS FL BGRS88028 BGRS FX BGR129249 BGRS FX BGR131249 BGRS FX BGR132249 BGRS FX BGR136150

BAH29 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0307 BG0330 BG0407 BSBGR1070360 BSBGRS710237 BSBGRS970336 BSBGRS750225 BSBGRS810375 BSBGRS880287 BSBGR1292493 BSBGR1312499 BSBGR1322498 BSBGR1361504

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 96.69 99.98 100.09 100.54 100.34 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

6.95% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.50% 6.25% 4.25% 5.40% 4.53% 4.31% 4.43% 4.87% 4.33% 5.55% 5.60% 5.65% 5.69%

20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2022 26-Aug-2036 22-Oct-2023 17-Apr-2033 7-Sep-2022 26-Jul-2037 26-Jul-2028 15-Apr-2049 15-Jul-2049 15-Oct-2049 21-Apr-2050

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.52 4.69 2.22 207.86 212.41 1.74 1.84 1.83 1.03 9.37 11.83 7.54 16.64 12.84 10.77 10.00 10.43 14.89

52WK LOW 2.11 3.30 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.69 1.75 1.76 0.97 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57 9.88 8.45 11.20

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund Leno Financial Conservative Fund Leno Financial Aggressive Fund Leno Financial Balanced Fund Leno Financial Global Bond Fund RF Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund RF Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund RF Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund RF Bahamas International Investment Fund Limited - Equities Sub Fund RF Bahamas International Investment Fund Limited - High Yield Income Fund RF Bahamas International Investment Fund Limited - Alternative Strategies Fund Colonial Bahamas Fund Class D Colonial Bahamas Fund Class E Colonial Bahamas Fund Class F

NAV 2.52 4.69 2.21 197.44 202.39 1.74 1.84 1.83 0.97 9.37 11.79 7.54 15.94 12.47 10.74 N/A 10.43 14.89

YTD% 12 MTH% 0.99% 4.22% 0.36% 5.78% 0.67% 2.74% -2.97% -2.35% -4.72% 6.04% 1.37% 3.03% 1.19% 5.23% 1.62% 4.13% -5.25% -6.07% -0.02% 10.36% -0.33% 18.23% 0.22% 3.05% -3.89% 14.76% -1.04% -2.57% 0.81% 4.20% N/A N/A 3.00% 25.60% 7.90% 48.70%

NAV Date 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 25-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-May-2022 31-May-2022 31-May-2022 31-May-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021

MARKET TERMS BISX ALL SHARE INDEX - 19 Dec 02 = 1,000.00 52wk-Hi - Highest closing price in last 52 weeks 52wk-Low - Lowest closing price in last 52 weeks Previous Close - Previous day's weighted price for daily volume Today's Close - Current day's weighted price for daily volume Change - Change in closing price from day to day Daily Vol. - Number of total shares traded today DIV $ - Dividends per share paid in the last 12 months P/E - Closing price divided by the last 12 month earnings

YIELD - last 12 month dividends divided by closing price Bid $ - Buying price of Colina and Fidelity Ask $ - Selling price of Colina and fidelity Last Price - Last traded over-the-counter price Weekly Vol. - Trading volume of the prior week EPS $ - A company's reported earnings per share for the last 12 mths NAV - Net Asset Value N/M - Not Meaningful

TO TRADE CALL: CFAL 242-502-7010 | ROYALFIDELITY 242-356-7764 | CORALISLE 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225 | BENCHMARK 242-326-7333

FEDERAL regulators said Monday they are satisfied with changes Boeing has made in the production of its 787 Dreamliner passenger jet, clearing the way for the company to resume deliveries.

American Airlines said it expects to get its first new 787 in more than 15 months as early as Wednesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration announcement confirmed reports late last month and came days after the agency’s acting chief met with safety inspectors who oversee Boeing. The FAA said acting Administrator Billy Nolen wanted to hear about steps Boeing has taken to fix manufacturing problems and ensure independence

for Boeing employees who work with regulators.

Production of the big, two-aisle 787 has been marred by several problems including gaps between panels of the carbon-composite skin, and use of unapproved titanium parts from a supplier in Italy.

Those issues prevented Boeing from delivering any of the planes for most of the last two years, and about 120 have been parked while Boeing tried to fix the production process.

The FAA said it will inspect each plane before it is approved for delivery.

American Airlines was hit particularly hard by the halt in deliveries. Earlier this year, it delayed some planned international flights because Boeing wasn’t able to deliver the planes on schedule.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, PAGE 21

Pfizer buying spree continues with $5.4B hematology deal

By TOM MURPHY AND MICHELLE CHAPMAN Associated Press PFIZER will spend about $5.4 billion to buy Global Blood Therapeutics as the pharmaceutical giant continues to invest some of the cash influx reaped during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pfizer said Monday that the acquisition will boost its work in rare hematology.

Global Therapeutics, which was founded in 2011, makes Oxybryta tablets for treating sickle cell disease.

Pfizer has been flush with cash since its COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, and its treatment, Paxlovid, have hit the market, starting with the vaccine in late 2020.

The drugmaker has now announced deals valued at a total of nearly $19 billion,

counting debt, since late last year.

The latest deal follows Pfizer’s $11.6 billion acquisition of Biohaven, which the companies announced in May, and a $6.7 billion acquisition of Arena Pharmaceuticals announced last December.

Pfizer also detailed in April a smaller acquisition of the privately held ReViral Ltd., which is developing a treatment for respiratory syncytial virus.

Pfizer Inc.’s vaccine and treatment brought in more than $16 billion combined just in the recently completed second quarter.

Comirnaty rang up nearly $37 billion in sales last year alone, but those sales are expected to fade in a few years. Pfizer also faces over the next decade the loss of

THE HEADQUARTERS of the German biotechnology company “BioNTech” is pictured in Mainz, Germany, March 30, 2022. BioNTech, which teamed with Pfizer to develop the first widely used COVID-19 vaccine, has reported higher revenue and net profit in the first half of the year. The German pharmaceutical company said Monday Aug. 8, 2022, that it expects demand to grow as it releases updated vaccines to target new omicron strains.

Photo:Michael Probst/AP

BIONTECH REPORTS STRONG FIRST HALF, EXPECTS DEMAND TO GROW BERLIN Associated Press BIONTECH, which teamed with Pfizer to develop a powerful COVID-19 vaccine, has reported higher revenue and net profit in the first half of the year and expects demand to grow as it releases updated vaccines to target new omicron strains.

The German pharmaceutical company said Monday that revenue hit about 9.57 billion euros ($9.76 billion) in the first six months of 2022, up from nearly 7.36 billion euros in the same period a year earlier.

But revenue dropped to about 3.2 billion euros in the second quarter from 5.31 billion euros in April through June of last year.

BioNTech said the dynamic nature of the pandemic has led to changes in orders and revenue but that it expects a strong end to the year. It said it plans to release revamped vaccines tailored to the latest

omicron variants as early as October, which could lead to a fall booster campaign.

“With our initiatives around variant-adapted COVID-19 vaccine candidates, we expect an uptake in demand in our key markets in the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to regulatory approval,” Jens Holstein, chief financial officer of BioNTech, said in a press release.

Moderna, another major COVID-19 vaccine producer, also is working on updated versions of its shots to release this fall.

BioNTech expects to report revenue of 13 billion to 17 billion euros from COVID-19 vaccines this year.

The German company’s net profit also was higher for the first half of the year compared with the same period of 2021 — 5.37 billion euros vs. 3.92 billion euros — and lower for the second quarter — 1.67 billion euros vs. 2.79 billion euros.

FOOT CARE RX SURPASSES MINIMUM GOAL FROM PAGE A24 success to come which all of our investors will share in.”

One area of focus of Foot Care Rx is to reduce diabetic amputations nationally by 50 percent through preventative treatments. The company also treats a wide variety of ailments associated with the feet, including gout and arthritis. Foot Care Rx has stated plans to go international after mastering the franchise system locally.

“We are delighted at the progress of the equity crowdfunding raise at this juncture. We know the company is offering a service that is badly needed in the community and this is exactly how crowdfunding is intended to work,” says D’Arcy Rahming Jr., ArawakX Co-Founder and company spokesperson.

Tropical Gyros the other current listing on ArawakX

has also exceeded their minimum goal of pledges with a minimum goal of $320,000 and pledges of $351,509.

“Since our launch on June 7 we have seen a 30 percent increase in volume and new customer base. This has created a direct revenue increase of about $29,000 per month these past two months,” says Chef Kevin Culmer, Founder of Tropical Gyros.

ArawakX is committed to bringing more companies to its platform. “We have shifted our focus to companies that you can go and see, sample their services and products,” says Rahming Jr. “Equity Crowdfunding was a missing part of the ecosystem that the public is widely embracing. We are now attempting to get institutional investors to become more active. These companies deserve our support and are already successful with customer demand.”

THE PFIZER logo is displayed on the exterior of a former Pfizer factory, on May 4, 2014, in the Brooklyn borough of New York.

Pfizer is buying sickle cell drug maker Global Blood Therapeutics in an approximately $5.4 billion deal as it looks to accelerate growth after its revenue soared during the pandemic. Both companies’ boards have approved the deal, which still needs regulatory approval and approval from GBT shareholders.

Photo:Mark Lennihan/AP

patent protection for key products like Eliquis for preventing blood clots and strokes.

The company plans to have about $25 billion in sales by 2030 come from new business developments.

Aamir Malik, the company’s chief business innovation officer, told analysts recently that Pfizer was

“leaving very few stones unturned” in looking for expansion opportunities.

Malik said Pifzer was looking for deals that will add substantial value either scientifically or commercially.

“I think we’re very excited about the opportunities that are ahead of us and the flexibility that our balance sheet gives us

to pursue those,” he said during a call to discuss second-quarter results.

Malik told analysts that the Biohaven deal alone could add $6 billion in peak sales to Pfizer’s business.

The drugmaker said Monday that the sickle cell disease franchise of Global Blood Therapeutics, which includes treatments still in development, could eventually reach worldwide peak sales of more than $3 billion.

Oxbryta sales were about $195 million last year, but

Pfizer said it plans to speed up distribution of the drug to parts of the world most impacted by the disease.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that can lead to bouts of acute pain and organ damage. It occurs particularly among people of African descent. The companies say there are 4.5 million people living with the disease globally.

Pfizer will pay $68.50 per share in cash for each share of Global Blood Therapeutics.

PAGE 22, Tuesday, August 9, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

The future of debt A

S well thinking individuals, we are rooting for the success of the country. Unfortunately, often, commentary is misconstrued and misunderstood as being otherwise. Regardless it is fundamental that public discourse remains factual, balanced and unimpeachably honest.

While some would wish to conclude differently, the future of national debt in The Bahamas rests squarely on the continued positive cadence of the fiscal consolidation, policy adjustments that will become necessary, consistency between what is captured in the Debt Management Strategy and actions of the administration and the strategic decisions emanating from the Debt Management Committee. Each of these elements, together with the outcomes of the recent engagement of Rothschild & Co., will be fundamental in “creating more headroom for the country to be able to move ahead”.

This quote from the Prime Minister potently underlining the gravity of our circumstances, our fiscal headroom is significantly challenged and debt is a major contributor thereto.

Bonds yields The Bahamas is at an important crossroad with its debt management strategy and the current state of affairs demands urgent action. Monitoring the country’s 09/29 (6.95% coupon) and 20/32 (8.95% coupon) bonds over the last few months, together with various press reports, paints a disconcerting picture of the challenges the country faces with debt. At the time of writing the price of these bonds were 50.89 (one month ago – 72.73) with a yield of 21.03% and 57.31(one month ago - 69.15) with a yield of 19.81%, respectively. Comparing the trending yields to the coupon rates and the trajectory of decline over the last twelve months delivers a very unsettling picture. The credit market is not convinced of the country’s credit-worthiness as espoused by policy makers.

There are two main things happening. The price being offered for the bonds

is dropping rapidly, both down to the fifty-percentile discount range. Consequently, the yields are up significantly, indicative of the cost of debt to the country should it issue additional debt at this time. These yields are well beyond levels that prevailed at the time of the recent debt transaction led by Goldman and Sachs. At face value, the current information suggests an untenable premium approximately 17% above the recently increased US Treasury reference rate of 2.5%.

The recent budget The PM’s recent budget presentation had one area that I discussed then as a potential “big miss”, suggesting that the debt strategy discussion was not as robust as anticipated.

In that presentation, there was only a brief mention of what the Debt Management Committee would be doing. The fear was that this could be misinterpreted by the market as a signal that we are not yet fully on top of the issues. I wrote the following in an article: “The biggest miss in the budget presentation by the PM might be in not having a fuller discussion around debt and the debt management strategy. The fact that there is not yet any tangible outcome to report might not be well received by the credit market. Juxtaposed against the importance and state of the debt stock, a more tangible position would be preferred.

‘Contextually, projected deficits for FY2021/22 of $756.6 million and 2022/23 of $564.3 million easily makes this case. Laying out a persuasive narrative around the debt management - an issue which seemingly the IMF and the administration is yet to be on the same page would have been valuable.”

It was my belief then that while the budget offered

DIRTY MONEY - THE BIGGEST POLICY FAILURE OF ALL

HUBERT EDWARDS BY

a number of positive initiatives, having regards for constraints and limitations, a less than comprehensive discussion on the debt strategy itself could have created adverse messaging.

Based on subsequent developments it would appear that this is the case. Policy makers, based on their own expressed views, and the credit market, based on the trading activity of the Bahamian bonds, are in full disagreement on The Bahamas’ credit worthiness.

Unfortunately, it is what the market believes or can be convinced of which matters. Potential high priced debt coupled with highly disruptive uncertainties continue to create pressure both for debt management in and of itself, but also the plans of the administration as detailed in the budget.

Headroom is needed to effect initiatives, to facilitate adjustments and to come to terms with the future of the debt.

I further stated in the article, “This exclusion might represent the most significant area of risk to government’s overall plans as improvements in our credit circumstances is urgently needed to start creating fiscal space to create greater flexibility.

This should also be seen through a credit worthiness lens. If the question were raised as to how this budget has improved the credit worthiness of the country, an honest answer would be that the projected trajectory is positive, but overall the needle will not move significantly. The inability to do that at this stage demands greater focus on lenders and the credit FROM PAGE A24 biases in national AML risk assessments,

which

con-

cluded that dirty money in

market”. The recent explanation of the reason for the engaging Rothschild speaks directly to this. The government has so far not able to effectively convey to the credit market its views as to the improvements in our economic fortunes. There is great urgency in this happening as it affects and has the potential to significantly damage the foundations of our economic projections. Economic Dignity, a cornerstone of the budget presentation and an intriguing developing economic philosophical stance of the Prime Minister, has come under pressure because of the increasing inflationary environment and the lack of room to maneuver.

This mention of Economic Dignity is not a passing reference. On analysis, it is emerging as a culturally shifting economic thinking of the administration, a matter I will address later.

The current budget is built on the underlying assumption of consistent and significant economic consolidation and recovery.

To date the numbers appear to be holding, even if one makes the argument of benefiting from the current inflationary environment.

However, the most recent projections by the World Bank and pronouncement by the Central Bank suggest that the fortunes may be changing. The Governor has indicated that the economy is not bad but not where we expect it to be.

The expectation for growth now takes us further away from pre-2019 levels than was initially expected. The inflationary impact because of war has become more sustained and is imposing significant pressures on consumers, especially in two areas, food and energy.

The government is consistently being pressured to bring relief to the public, a move that holds important implications for both fiscal performance and the concept of Economic Dignity. The US and other developed economies have signaled great seriousness in seeking to tame inflation.

The combination of these developments exposes the country, increasingly, to the uncomfortable possibilities of reduced revenue, which strikes at the heart

of the current budget, and increased costs – unwanted development which would make the current effort to convince the credit market even more difficult.

aggregate is much more of a problem in white majority countries and for major financial institutions in those countries, than in non-white countries.

His analysis showed that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which was established by the seven richest countries in 1989 to rein in AML, has assessment processes that display a bias in favour of the US, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

The technical compliance assessment by FATF is not demonstrably biased against black majority jurisdictions, but the FATF effectiveness ratings are largely a function of whether or not the country in question is black majority and/or a small island state.

He also said: “America and the UK are the world’s two biggest arbiters of which countries are good or bad, but they are also the two biggest collective recipients and probably originators of dirty money and until they fix that basic problem, the whole system is just going to drown in its own hypocrisy.”

Mr Littrell also said: “One problem with the international AML framework is billions of honest people are inconvenienced or shut out of the system who are honest.

“There’s zero evidence that crime is reduced as a result of all this AML. The best estimates say that over 99 percent of the world’s cross-border, illicit funds is all happily proceeding along.

“So, we’re in a system where if you have a child who wants to go to Oxford University, that child will have more trouble opening a £5000 bank account with a British bank than a Russian kleptocrat would have putting £5 billion in the same British bank. What’s wrong with that picture?”

Mr Littrell, has been retained as consultant to the Bahamas Central Bank to run its annual AML conference for the next two years. “In our world, if someone commits fraud, they’re probably going to go to prison, and if a company is said to be rotten, that company is going to be closed or merged and the shareholders are going to get hammered,” he noted.

He also believes there is a lot of merit in the findings of a controversial paper published in 2020 by Ronald Pol, who is a senior researcher at La Trobe University.

Pol argued that AML policy intervention has less than 0.1 per cent impact on criminal finances, compliance costs exceed recovered criminal funds more than 100 times over, and banks, taxpayers and ordinary citizens are penalised more than criminal enterprises.

Mr Littrell also said that although many disagree with some of the calculations and analysis in Pol’s paper, there is a strong consensus that there is a yawning gap between criminal funds generated annually and the AML success rate.

Lack of questioning of the regulatory paradigm is a function of the incentives in the AML ecosystem for hundreds of thousands of businesses and professionals, according to Pol’s paper.

“Banks must also avoid or mitigate regulatory sanction, which means implementing AML programmes and complying with laws dictated by standards framed in the global policy prescription,” Pol’s paper says.

Mr Littrell also said: “In a compliance-oriented intervention model, if such laws achieve their policy objective, or not, is immaterial.

Banks and other firms must comply, or risk ruinous

The Rothschild effect The Rothschild engagement holds the potential to unpack the message that has been missing in this ongoing “conversation” between The Bahamas and the international credit market. Many have decried its existence, but I am of the view that this is a step in the right direction, a seemingly very necessary step.

There is no value in being too self-conscious about the matter, urgent solutions are needed. However, we should not ignore the fact that they are unable to do for us what we have to do for ourselves. Ultimately Rothschild can only tell the story which exists. Additionally we must not ignore the reality that as many positives as can be numerated from this move there are equally as many if not more inherent negatives.

Why are we unable to tell the credit story? If Rothschild fails in telling the story what are the implications? Is their presence here indicative of a step closer to accepting that the options are extremely limited? What exactly will be the new information that it will deliver to the market?

Will the conversation rest on credit fundamentals or does there exist important qualitative information that we are unable to communicate effectively?

The way in which the engagement of Rothschild & Co came to public awareness created space for speculation and might have itself caused more challenges than were necessary. It was reported suggesting that there was a path towards broadbased restructure being contemplated.

Despite subsequent clarifications, this would have sent important information into the market place. Further, the explanation may have not fully cleared the air. It was stated that Rothschild was engaged to help the government “better appreciate what can be done and where headroom can be created”. The fact is that

headroom is either a function of increased revenue or reduced cost. The only way therefore to achieve fiscal headroom from the current debt perspective is to have cheaper debt, an immediate replacement, or significantly extended maturities neither of which seems a high possibility at the moment. The cost of debt is being impacted by the US Treasury actions and others in the European market, which increases the possibility that investors have started to make serious risk comparisons.

Rothschild, therefore, has a challenging task on its hands. While there may be no correlation, the downward shift in the bond yields over the last week or so following the announcement has been significant. Rothschild, from my perspective, must deliver spectacular results or it will place the country in a lurch causing it to potentially suffer important setbacks. Bottom line is that every sensible citizen and well-wisher of The Bahamas should be praying for the best possible outcomes, I am!

Debt turns on performance Since the start of the Pandemic, the Bahamas is in the best position to tell a different credit story. We must always remain mindful that the pandemic only made our circumstances worse it did not create it.

The fiscal consolidation appears to be moving well; intake of revenue is increasing, compared to the last two years; the demand for touristic service is high; and despite significant headwinds, the world is back to a high level of normalcy. None of this though appears to be translating into positive developments on the national debt front.

In fact, the movement is trending rapidly in the other direction in an almost contradictory manner.

There might in fact be a significant disconnect at play that demands urgent response and remediation from policy makers.

reputational damage and financial penalties.”

He also notes that reform of AML regulation requires four things: a switch in focus from monitoring transactions to finding out where the money is landing; removing the use of currency notes for illicit purposes; forcing the disclosure of beneficial interests behind trust corporations, foundations and shell companies; and making a clear distinction between financial crime and terrorism financing.

“When the money stops, someone buys a luxury mansion, someone invests in a trust, someone buys a suitcase full of $100 notes, or whatever – it’s just sitting there, and you can find it,” he added.

He continued, “Redirect your effort to focus on illicit assets starting with currency notes – 80 per cent of the value of US currency is in $100 notes. If you go to America, you never see them. But they turn out close to $150bn a year of $100 notes, it’s their most lucrative export.

“If America and Europe and Canada and Australia and all these places withdrew their large denomination notes from circulation, let’s call it $2tr or $3tr worth of assets, of which probably more than half is illicit.

“Let’s not talk about financial crime as one big thing – it is not true. Terrorist spending is very different from drug dealer spending.

“Drug dealers commit a crime and then try to invest the money in legal things.

Terrorists take legal money, typically, and try to spend it on illegal things, and in very different amounts and patterns of distribution.

“But they’re all lumped together in the same financial crime basket. They are not at all the same thing.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 9, 2022, PAGE 23

SAN SALVADOR BUSINESSMAN BEATING COVID ECONOMIC SLUMP FROM PAGE A24 Enterprises in honour of his first daughter.

He said: “I opened a food store on my island because I saw an opportunity to establish one, but it was never my passion. After things didn’t work out, I sat down with my oldest daughter, Aaliyah, who encouraged me to pursue my passion for the mechanic trade. After thinking about it, I decided that I would give it a try.”

Fueled by ambition and his eldest daughter’s encouragement, Mr Fernander launched his trucking and automotive business in 2019. Though he shifted from selling snacks, he kept the name Aaliyah’s Enterprises, specializing in auto

repairs, diagnostics, car part sales, and trucking services.

“Mechanical work has been my passion for years,” Mr Fernander also said. He was first introduced to the trade as a teenager when he apprenticed for a mechanic after high school. Later, he moved to New Providence and began working for the Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) in 1996. “When I told them I was interested in mechanics, they allowed me to work in that area, and I obtained my automotive and industrial mechanics certifications,” he said.

After gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience in New Providence, Mr Fernander returned to San Salvador. He started small, initially offering trucking services to a hotel on the

island and in 2019 expanded his services, officially opening his mechanic’s shop.

“Funding is always a key factor in starting any business, and while I started with the little resources I had, it was not enough,” Mr Fernander said. “I learned about Access Accelerator on the news, and then a friend of mine told me more about the programme. I decided to sign-up because I realized it was an opportunity for me to grow my business and develop it into the vision I had in mind.”

Through Access Accelerator, Mr Fernander developed a business plan, mapping out his strategy to replace his ailing truck and purchase the inventory and equipment he needed

to run a one-stop shop for auto parts and repairs.

He added: “The idea was when people brought their cars to my shop for diagnostics and repairs; parts would be available for them to purchase.” He continued, “I received $20,000 in funding and used the money to repair my truck and buy as much equipment and inventory as I could.”

At the time, Mr Fernander was using his truck to haul containers from the mail boat to hotels. He originally planned to use the profit from his trucking services to purchase more inventory for his store, but “COVID-19 came and shut everything down.”

“After the hotels closed down, everything on the island came to a standstill,”

Mr Fernander said. “That caused my income from trucking not to materialize, but my overhead expenses still existed. That meant that whatever little income I generated had to go towards paying different bills.”

Although the pandemic veered Mr Fernander’s business plans off course, he is steering Aaliyah’s Enterprises back in the right direction.

He also said: “I never got the amount of inventory and equipment I wanted for my shop because of the pandemic, but now that the hotels are trying to reopen, they have expressed interest in using my services again.”

While COVID-19 may have set Mr Fernander

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-DAY FORECAST

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 94° F/34° C Low: 76° F/24° C

TAMPA

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Mostly cloudy with winds subsiding

Mainly clear and very warm

A t-storm in spots in the morning

Mostly sunny

Clouds and breaks of sun

Partly sunny, a t-storm in the p.m.

High: 90°

Low: 81°

High: 90° Low: 79°

High: 91° Low: 78°

High: 90° Low: 77°

High: 89° Low: 79°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

100° F

88° F

100°-86° F

101°-85° F

100°-85° F

101°-87° F

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

ALMANAC

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

8-16 knots

S

High: 93° F/34° C Low: 81° F/27° C

8-16 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 82° F/28° C

E

W S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

N

| Go to AccuWeather.com

TONIGHT

High: 93° F/34° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 79° F/26° C

MIAMI

High: 91° F/33° C Low: 81° F/27° C

8-16 knots

KEY WEST

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 81° F/27° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2022

N

UV INDEX TODAY

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

TIDES FOR NASSAU High Today

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

5:40 a.m.

6:22 p.m.

2.7 3.6

11:49 a.m. 0.0 ---------

Wednesday 6:41 a.m.

7:19 p.m.

2.8 3.8

12:54 a.m. 0.4 12:50 p.m. -0.1

Thursday

7:39 a.m.

8:12 p.m.

3.0 3.8

1:48 a.m. 0.2 1:48 p.m. -0.2

Friday

8:34 a.m.

9:03 p.m.

3.2 3.8

2:40 a.m. 0.0 2:43 p.m. -0.2

Saturday

9:27 a.m.

9:52 p.m.

3.3 3.7

3:29 a.m. 0.0 3:37 p.m. -0.1

Sunday

10:18 a.m.

10:41 p.m.

3.3 3.5

4:16 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

0.0 0.0

Monday

11:09 a.m.

11:28 p.m.

3.3 3.3

5:02 a.m.

5:23 p.m.

0.0 0.3

SUN AND MOON Sunrise Sunset

6:41 a.m.

7:49 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

6:06 p.m.

3:37 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Aug. 11

Aug. 19

Aug. 27

Sep. 3

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 78° F/26° C

N

S

E

W

10-20 knots

S

10-20 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 88° F/31° C Low .................................................... 79° F/26° C Normal high ....................................... 89° F/32° C Normal low ........................................ 76° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 92° F/34° C Last year’s low ................................... 77° F/25° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.12” Year to date ............................................... 38.36” Normal year to date ................................... 21.17”

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 78° F/26° C

back, he said he refuses to allow the pandemic to keep him down and is hopeful for the future. `“In the years to come, I want Aaliyah’s Enterprises to be the leading trucking company in San Salvador,” he added. “No one else on the island is offering the services I do right now.

That’s why I’m trying to capitalize on that fact as best as possible.”

Now that Mr Fernander is back on the path to success, he said he is grateful for the help he received along the way. “I don’t think I’d be where I am right now without the help of the Access Accelerator,” he said. “I still have a long way to go, but I am grateful for their assistance, and I look forward to the road ahead.”

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 90° F/32° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 81° F/27° C

N

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 80° F/27° C

S

LONG ISLAND

TRACKING MAP

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 78° F/26° C

10-20 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 88° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and

H

E

W

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 88° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 78° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 90° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

12-25 knots

12-25 knots

MARINE FORECAST ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:

WINDS SE at 8-16 Knots E at 7-14 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 10-20 Knots ENE at 8-16 Knots E at 12-25 Knots ENE at 10-20 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots NE at 12-25 Knots ENE at 12-25 Knots E at 12-25 Knots ENE at 10-20 Knots E at 10-20 Knots ENE at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 12-25 Knots ENE at 10-20 Knots E at 10-20 Knots ENE at 8-16 Knots

WAVES 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet 4-7 Feet 3-6 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet

VISIBILITY 7 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022

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Dirty money - The biggest policy failure of all

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE Central Bank’s former chief enforcer says the US and UK are the biggest recipients of “dirty money” and suggests racial bias against countries like The Bahamas in antimoney laundering (AML) programmes.

Charles Littrell, the former banks and trust companies

inspector, said in an interview with Financial Review that: “America and the UK are the world’s two biggest arbiters of which countries are good or bad, but they are also the two biggest collective recipients and probably originators of dirty money. It’s just an astounding policy failure,” He continued, “The AML system we have is a child of the American war on drugs, which has been an utter failure

except in one respect – it’s been a huge success as a war on black families. It exceptionally kicked the (expletive) out of them.”

Governments of developing nation states like The Bahamas have been vocal about the apparent racial overtones of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in addition to the European

Union (EU) and their carefree approach to attacking small, non-European jurisdictions but fail to examine countries like Luxembourg and Liechtenstein and now even failing to examine themselves like the US and UK. A paper Mr Littrell published on the enforcement of AML last year in The Bahamas had a section dedicated to

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San Salvador businessman beating COVID economic slump AS the sole company offering trucking services in San Salvador, Aaliyah's Enterprises was well on its way to becoming a thriving venture. After receiving funding from Access Accelerator in 2019, the road to success looked smooth until the onset of COVID-19 a few months later brought the business to a screeching halt. Now that the world has returned to normalcy, Alan Fernander (pictured) is determined to get his trucking company back on the road again.

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net A SAN Salvador businessman is beating COVID-19 economic slump with the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) $20,000 funding he received in 2019.

Alan Fernander, owner/operator of Aaliyah’s Enterprises, describes himself as a jack-of-all-trades. As a budding entrepreneur, he established his first business in, 2010 in the settlement of United Estates, San Salvador - a convenience store he named Aaliyah’s

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Fiscal snapshot: Farmers and fishermen $33m revenue bank being considered increase over by ADO chairman 12 months

By YOURI KEMP Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Finance yesterday released its fiscal snapshot that showed a $33m increase in revenue over 12 months as the economy continues to rebound.

The MOF statement said: “Revenue receipts during the month of May 2022 decreased by 38.0 percent ($127.1m) to $207.3m compared to the prior month in line with seasonal trends. Year-over-year, tax revenue collections grew 23.1 percent ($34.8m) to $185.3m owing to increased collections of VAT ($94.5m), taxes on international trade and transactions ($51.6m) and other taxes on goods and services ($29.8m).

“Total expenditure decreased by 1.8 percent ($5.4m) to $288.2m relative to the same period of the prior year. Recurrent spending during the month comprised $57.0m in personal emoluments, $55.1m for the purchase of goods and services, $50.9m in public debt interest payments, $40.0m in other payments and $12.1m in subsidies. Capital spending during the month totalled $15.6m for the acquisition of non-financial assets and transfers.

“As a result of these factors, a deficit of $80.8m was realized during the month, representing a 32.2 percent ($38.4m) decline from the prior year.

Consequent of repayment efforts, net debt expansion during the month was contained to $0.5m.”

By YOURI KEMP Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE chairman of the Agricultural Development Organisation is considering starting a bank this year, particularly for farmers and fishermen.

Philip Smith, speaking at a launch event announcing a partnership between the ADO and The Church Commercial Farming Group (TCCFG), said that ADO is in a “good space,” to deliver on aid for agricultural entrepreneurs and that they are poised to do even more.

Mr Smith said: “We have even been considering a bank for agriculture and we have some people on the board that can truly make that happen.”

Board member Charlene Paul is leading the drive for an agricultural bank on behalf of the ADO. “So we’re going to do our best to make that happen,” Mr Smith said.

“I think we have a incredible reach into persons’ monies throughout The Bahamas and I think if we can bring that money in and we can use that money in this field, in this area, for this project of growing our own food, I think we can do a really good job.”

Clay Sweeting, Minister for Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, said this was the “first time” he had heard about an agricultural bank and was “not sure of the specifics.” “I would have to speak more to them in that regard,” he added.

PHILIP SMITH He also said: “I would say that the Bahamas Development Bank is working along with the ministry to assess persons getting in the agricultural sector.”

The Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) will also be launching their farming and fishing grant, which will help agri-business entrepreneurs and “be taught to make money in the business,” Mr Sweeting noted.

Despite the lack of consultation with the government on this agricultural bank, Mr Smith is “excited” nonetheless about the possibilities.

Mr Smith added: “Another reason why I’m extremely excited is because we have someone managing this. Management I believe is the key to success. In pastor Patrick Paul, we have an excellent manager and I believe in him.”

CENTRAL BANK OF THE BAHAMAS

Foot Care Rx surpasses minimum goal

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net AN ArawakX crowdfunded company has surpassed its minimum goal by 16 percent in less than a week.

Foot Care Rx successfully surpassed its minimum goal of $150,000 with pledges of $173,860 within four days of being listed on the ArawakX crowdfunding platform.

Foot Care Rx, owned and operated by Dr Daniel Johnson, a former cabinet minister, is developing a series of community based affordable clinics using the latest medical technology for healthier feet. Each clinic costs about $150,000 to $200,000 to set up and administer.

“My initial motivation was simply to help my mom and her friends who were

DR DANIEL JOHNSON suffering from various foot ailments. It’s humbling and it’s also an overwhelming show of support that we are deepening the ownership of Bahamian people in the economy by giving people an opportunity to invest in a health care company,” says Dr Johnson. “Our goals are aligned with ArawakX and this is an indication of the

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