08102023 BUSINESS

Ex-DPM: ‘Disgraceful’ failure to improve BPL

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Government was yesterday accused of a “disgraceful” failure to build on prior upgrades at Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) with an ex-deputy prime minister asserting he will “fully defend” what was done under his oversight.

Desmond Bannister, who had ministerial responsibility for BPL under the former Minnis administration, told Tribune Business that the Clifton Pier power plant’s Station A - which houses the seven Wartsila engines that meet New Providence’s baseload energy demand - was

“almost a new building after we finished” its overhaul. Speaking after Alfred Sears KC, minister of works and utilities, said the results of a forensic investigation into Station A’s implementation will be eventually be made

public, he argued that the real issue is whether the Davis administration has enacted any changes at BPL that have “made a difference to the Bahamian people” since it took office in September 2021.

FTX consumes 21% of Commission costs

Mr Bannister told this newspaper that comparing BPL’s present performance to what was achieved in the latter years of the Minnis

Developer sparks ‘500 leads’ with community’s sales start

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN developer yesterday disclosed it has generated “well over 500 verified leads” for potential purchasers in its south-western New Providence community just over a week after launching its sales drive.

Robert Myers, principal of the former Adelaide Pines project, which has been renamed Windsor Lakes, told Tribune Business that the project is now only waiting on the Ministry of Works to review its performance bond submission before it can convert

‘reservations’ into actual sales agreements. With this final approval though to be imminent, he estimated that the developers will invest at least $35m-$40m in building-out

all the roads, common areas, gated entrance and other infrastructure required for the project as they eye a “substantial” completion date of end-2024.

Mr Myers, who has partnered with Bahamas resident, Michael Huttman, to develop Windsor Lakes, also disclosed that Park Ridge Securities, the entity that developed Albany, is no longer involved with the project. Documents filed with the National Economic Council (NEC) previously showed it as holding a minority 20 percent interest in the 179 residential lot community that will be located across the street from its own existing development. “We gave all the permits in place,” Mr Myers told this newspaper. “We have started work, putting in roughing for

Fresh oil contamination ‘tragic’ for GB’s tourism

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

FRESH oil pollution was yesterday described as both “tragic” and “treacherous” for Grand Bahama’s tourism industry and wider economy with environmental activists estimating that up to 25 miles of beach could be contaminated.

Magnus Alnebeck, the Pelican Bay resort’s general manager, told Tribune Business that the situation is “very, very concerning” for the hotel and tourism sector given that The Bahamas’ waters, beaches and overall environment are a prime attraction that draws visitors here.

“I haven’t had any complaints from guests staying in the hotel, but I have seen all the chatter on social media,” he said. “Of course it’s very, very concerning. It really is. One of the greatest things we have is our beaches. Let’s hope we can get it quickly cleaned up and make sure it doesn’t happen again. It’s never nice if people go to the hotels and get covered in oil, but I just hope we get it under control.” Tribune Business contacts yesterday suggested that the latest pollution is not connected to the recent spill at the Buckeye Bahamas terminal, which involved just five to ten barrels, and

SEE PAGE B6

North Andros demands ‘answers’ over BPL woe

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

NORTH Andros residents and business owners yesterday protested over their energy woes and the frequent power outages suffered since a fire destroyed Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL) power plant last month.

Lisa Sweeting, owner of 20 restaurant and Snack Supplies, said her grocery store is operating on generator power most of the week to ensure inventory remains fresh. She added that the costs of frequently replenishing the generator’s

fuel have significantly impacted her business. She said: “Right now, I’m operating the gas generator and that is costly. I have to fill that probably three or four times a week. I just went yesterday, now this afternoon. We have to call the truck back so they can fill it up again. I have a wash house that is run on the generator also, and I have to fill the generator to operate that because, even though I might say we close because of the electricity, people still made the trip to come and I don’t want to turn them away.”

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

FTX’s implosion consumed 21 percent of the Securities Commission’s near-$15m operating expenses last year as it raced to preserve client assets and tackle the legal and regulatory fall-out.

The capital markets regulator’s just-released 2022 annual report disclosed that it incurred some $3.15m in costs dealing with the crypto currency exchange’s collapse as fraud and other multiple corruption-related allegations were levied against Sam Bankman-Fried, its founder, and his closest associates.

However, with Chief Justice Ian Winder subsequently ruling that the Securities Commission is entitled to recover “reasonable costs” associated with actions such as securing, and safeguarding, FTX customer assets, the regulator has estimated that 82 percent of its $3.15m costs - some $2.57m - is recoverable and has included this in its accounts receivables.

“The Commission experienced a major test of the DARE (Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges) legislation in November 2022 with the collapse of FTX Digital Markets,” the 2022 annual report said. “The Commission exercised its regulatory powers to seize the entity’s assets for the protection of its customers and creditors.

“Asset custody, legal and other expenses incurred for the seizure of the assets and the associated liquidation proceedings totalled $3.15m, representing 21 percent of operating

DESMOND BANNISTER

CHRISTINA ROLLE

WINDSOR LAKES ARTIST RENDERING

$5.70 $5.75 $5.80 $5.71

The ‘leaky bucket’ syndrome represents a major obstacle to The Bahamas’ economic growth and development. This metaphor symbolises the continuous loss of resources, opportunities and potential that impedes the country’s progress. At the heart of this syndrome is the pervasive issue of corruption. In this segment, we will explore how corruption perpetuates the ‘leaky bucket’ phenomenon in The Bahamas, worsening several interrelated challenges.

Brain Drain Corruption erodes the trust and confidence of skilled professionals in the governance and institutions of The Bahamas. Rampant corruption creates an environment of uncertainty and discourages talented individuals from staying and contributing to their home country. Instead, they seek better opportunities abroad where they can avoid corruption-related challenges and establish a secure future. Consequently, the so-called ‘brain drain’ of Bahamian professionals intensifies, depleting The Bahamas of human capital that is vital for sustainable economic growth.

Furthermore, corruption perpetuates a cycle where individuals are appointed due to their political connections rather than merit, and may lack the necessary qualifications and expertise for their roles. As a result, efficiency and productivity decline, discouraging more qualified individuals from pursuing opportunities that could contribute to economic growth.

Over-reliance on Tourism Corruption undermines the diversification of the Bahamian economy by

perpetuating an overreliance on tourism. In a corrupt environment, potential investors in other sectors face significant obstacles such as bribery, favouritism and regulatory hurdles. As a result, the tourism sector remains the primary avenue for economic growth, leaving the country vulnerable to external shocks and fluctuations in global markets. Breaking free from this cycle requires an environment where transparency, fairness and equal opportunities prevail across industries.

Inadequate Infrastructure

Corruption negatively impacts infrastructure development in The Bahamas. Misappropriation of funds, kickbacks and lack of oversight in public infrastructure projects compromise their quality, efficiency and timely completion. As a consequence, inadequate infrastructure hinders the country’s ability to attract investments, expand businesses and provide essential services to its citizens. Tackling corruption, and ensuring transparency in infrastructure projects, is crucial for plugging the leaks and facilitating sustained economic growth.

Education and Workforce

Development

Corruption undermines education and workforce development efforts in The Bahamas. When corruption infiltrates educational institutions, it affects the quality of education, perpetuates nepotism in academic appointments, and erodes the value of qualifications. Because of limited resources or inadequate investment, the quality of education available to young talents may be compromised, potentially discouraging them from pursuing their educational goals and resulting in a reduction of skilled workers. By eradicating corruption from the education system, implementing merit-based practices and promoting transparent policies, The Bahamas can nurture a skilled workforce that contributes to economic growth and innovation.

Economic Inequality Corruption worsens economic inequality, intensifying the ‘leaky bucket’ syndrome. Corruption diverts public funds meant for social welfare programmes, infrastructure development and poverty alleviation into the hands of a few, widening the gap between rich and the poor. As a result, marginalised communities face limited access to essential

services, educational opportunities and economic resources. Addressing corruption through robust anti-graft measures, increased accountability and transparent governance can help level the playing field, promote social inclusion and foster equitable economic growth.

The National Development Plan

How our ‘leaky bucket’ threatens development SIMMS

The National Development Plan (NDP) can contribute significantly to addressing the ‘leaky bucket’ phenomenon and fostering sustainable development in The Bahamas. The NDP can prioritise initiatives aimed at retaining and attracting skilled professionals. By investing in education and training programmes, scholarships and career development opportunities, the plan can encourage talented individuals to contribute their expertise to the Bahamian economy, reducing brain drain and strengthening key industries. The NDP can emphasise good governance principles, transparency and accountability in public institutions. By promoting effective regulatory frameworks, combating corruption and ensuring transparent procurement processes, the plan can develop a favourable business environment that attracts domestic and foreign investors, thus helping to reduce economic leakage. Overall, the plan can provide a comprehensive road map for addressing the ‘leaky bucket’ syndrome by focusing on human capital development, economic diversification, infrastructure investment, good governance and social inclusion. Through its implementation, the NDP can help foster sustainable economic growth and improve the overall well-being of the Bahamian people.

Conclusion

By implementing effective measures to combat corruption, such as transparency, accountability and good governance, The Bahamas can create an environment that fosters trust, attracts investment and reduces economic leakage. Diversifying the economy beyond tourism, investing in infrastructure development, and prioritising education and skills development will also contribute to plugging the leaks in the economic bucket.

Additionally, promoting social inclusion, reducing economic inequality and implementing targeted poverty alleviation measures will ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach all segments of society. By prioritising the goals outlined in the National Development Plan, The Bahamas can lay the foundation for a more resilient, diverse and inclusive economy.

It is through the collective efforts of government, private sector, civil society and the Bahamian people that the ‘leaky bucket’ can be plugged, and sustainable economic growth is achieved. By seizing the opportunities and challenges at hand, The Bahamas can truly thrive, harnessing its natural beauty, human capital and resources to create a prosperous future for all.

RODERICK A.

AN ADVOCATE FOR SUSTAINABLE FAMILY ISLANDS

RESTAURANT CHAIN EYEING 20% BOND FOR EXPANSION

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A RESTAURANT entrepreneur, who financed his expansion via crowdfunding, yesterday said he now plans to offer a short-term bond paying 20 percent interest to fund the $150,000 required for outfitting a third location.

Chef Kevin Culmer, chief executive of Tropical Gyros, told Tribune Business upon the release of his latest update to shareholders that the company has now secured the lease for a third location on Carmichael Road. It is targeting a December opening once the renovations begin at the end of this month, and is aiming to raise the necessary finance via a two-year

bond with an extremely high interest coupon. “The cost to build out this location will be in the area of $150,000, but we have locked into a five-year rental agreement of $1,250 per month,” Mr Culmer told shareholders. “While the cost to build this location out may be a bit costly, as we have to do some repairs to the exterior of the building as well, I felt that when comparing the rent of other units and the cost to build them out that, over the five-year period, we would actually be saving upwards of $75,000.

“For example, most rents were coming in around the $4,000 per month range, which works out to $48,00 per year as opposed to $15,000. That translates to $240,000 as opposed to $75,000 over that same period. When you factor in the build out costs of,

say $60,000 as opposed to $150,000, we are looking at a cost of $300,000 as opposed to $225,000 over the first five years. In addition to that, our yearly overall operational costs will be saving us some $33,000 per year, increasing our net profit.”

Tropical Gyros does not plan to go back to the Arawak X crowd-funding platform for a second round because it would take too long, and it is also aiming to avoid commercial bank loans. “We’re looking at offering an interest bond over two years where we pay 20 percent over two years to private investors. We will pay it monthly and, at the end of the two years, they will get their money back with simple interest,” Chef Culmer said.

“I prefer to take on a little bit of debt right now to do that as opposed to trying

to take the reserves we built up over the past six or seven months, and then we’re right back to not having any reserves to fall back on in the event of anything happening.” Chef Culmer added that if had sought to raise financing via Arawak X, the proceeds would not be available until December 2023 and this would push the Carmichael opening back to mid-2024.

Chef Culmer added: “All of our projections reflect that this location, with the increased sales hours and day, will help this location to achieve sales upwards of $2m per year, bringing our collective revenue to almost $5m per year.

“Even if we continue at this [growth] level we anticipate achieving a gross profit margin of at least 16 percent on the $5m in revenues for a company-wide profit of about $800,000 per

year. This will bring hefty dividend returns for our investors and, at the end of the day, you will all be happy with your choice to invest in Tropical Gyros.

“Additionally, we have also engaged two persons who are keenly interested in owning a franchise territory for a Tropical Gyros franchise. I will always give shareholders an opportunity to not only be shareholders in the parent company but own a franchise if you so desire.”

Sales at Tropical Gyros are holding at “$535 per service hour, with our peak lunch hours of 12pm-2pm, where our sales per hour average is $1,065 per service hour”.

Chef Culmer added: “Sales at both locations have exceeded my expectations and projections. One of the concerns I had was the thought that

opening the JFK location would result in a dilution of sales at the Rosetta Street location. That has not happened. In fact, sales have increased at Rosetta, with an estimated increase of 40 percent prior to the introduction of the share offering last June.

“We are currently averaging $219,136 per month combined for both store for total sales of $1.315m, with a monthly high in June of $238,971 and a low in January of $196,007. What this has also shown is that the brand is being well received and we are in a good position to explore new locations and to introduce franchise opportunities for perspective entrepreneurs.”

Excursion provider says boating fee hikes ‘crazy’

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN excursion operator yesterday branded up to ten-fold increases in annual and first-time boat registration fees as “crazy” and warned it threatens to increase the number of unlicensed tour companies.

Nicholas Pinder, general manager of Born Free Fishing Charters, told Tribune Business that the “drastic” increase in boat registration fees is “going to force people” to not licence their boats.

“Operators were already having issues with licensing their boats. Now there is no form of encouragement when the fees jump from $20 to $200, or $140 to $700. One of our boats is as high as $2,300 just to licence the boat,” he added.

“There is no enforcement now, so imagine how much worse it’s going to get when there is no enforcement and the fees are ten times higher than what they were before. An operator like myself who had about an average of $1,200 for licence fees at the end of the year, it’s now going to be about $20,000 to licence my fleet.”

Excursion operators, albeit somewhat late, are thus joining marina operators and fishermen in voicing concerns about the potential consequences of the sharp boat registration fee increases that were contained in legislation accompanying the 20232024 Budget. For example, reforms to the Boat Registration and Water Skiing and Motor Boat Acts mean a 50-foot commercial fishing boat that would have previously cost $250 to register for a year is now $2,300

plus a $125 inspection fee. And the first-time registration fee was also raised to $10,000.

First-time registrants of vessels between 40 to 49 feet in length, and 50 to 59 feet, saw fees increase from the previous $1,000 to $7,000 and $10,000, respectively. And a 200-foot yacht presently has to pay a $35,000 first-time registration compared to the current $4,000, which represents an eight-fold hike, although the Government’s position is that this has been more than offset by the removal of a 20 percent tax rate via Customs duty and VAT elimination.

The removal of those two levies, which were each imposed at a 10 percent rate, mean that the owners of a $200,000 yacht being imported into The Bahamas from overseas will no longer face having to pay $40,000 in upfront taxes to do so. The Government’s thinking

is that this, by more than offsetting the hike in registration fees, will cause more boat owners to register their vessels in this nation and aid in the development of a local yacht registry.

However, the excursion operators and fishermen are arguing that, in the process, the Government ignored the impact the registration fee increases will have on Bahamian companies by sharply increasing their costs of doing business.

Mr Pinder added: “Initially when I heard about the increases, I had called to find out if these were established prices and they told me ‘no’. They were back and forth and still trying to iron the kinks out.

“Recently, I went to the Port Department and these same exact fees are published and advertised as the new fees. So, come December, when everybody has to licence, that’s what they are going to be faced with

paying, but how many operators are going to pay it?”

“Before I went into tourism, I used to be a fisherman. How can a fisherman going out day by day make enough just to provide for his family and to own a little fishing boat? How can they pay those fees?”

Arguing that it will be “even worse” for pleasure

boat owners who only use their vessels “at most three times a year, who now have to pay hundreds of dollars more to maintain something they get very little use out of, Mr Pinder said: “I can understand if it was just for businesses like myself, but we have people who have boats for their pleasure. They should not have to pay these fees.”

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Developer sparks ‘500 leads’ with community’s sales start

the roads and common areas and the lakes, plus site clearing etc. We are this year going to build the entrance gate house and one of the storage facilities. We are currently taking reservation agreements, and those will convert to sales agreements once we get the bond in place.

“The bond review is being done by the Ministry of Works, and all those numbers are in. We’re waiting for the bond review, and once that’s complete we post the bond and get subdivision approval. We’re then permitted by law to sell the lots. It’s a very involved process, but it’s understandable.

“Once we get that letter from them [the ministry], which we hope and are told should be this week, then we can post the bond next week and convert our reservation agreements to sales agreements and close on the lot sales.”

The Planning and Subdivision Act requires all developers to provide a financial security, or guarantee, to cover the costs of

installing infrastructure for their projects. This must be done before they can sell any lots, and it acts as a safeguard should developers fail to perform, as it will cover the Government’s costs of having to step in and do this while also protecting purchasers from acquiring real estate in a project that has no utilities, roads or other essential infrastructure.

Mr Myers said Windsor Lakes currently can only accept “non-binding” reservation agreements from potential purchasers who want to secure a particular lot site by paying a small deposit ahead of other potential purchasers. All sums involved are being held in escrow until the development receives its final go-ahead from the Ministry of Works.

Reaffirming that the development is targeted at the upper middle and middle income brackets, as New Providence’s population increasingly moves westwards in line with economic expansion and development, he added that initial buyer interest has been “excellent” given that the sales effort

launched only last week. Some 42 of the 179 residential lots are multi-family and geared to triplexes.

“We have introductory pricing going out based on it being a new development at the infrastructure stage,” Mr Myers explained. Prices start at $195,000 on the interior lots, and up to “$300,000 and something” on lake front sites depending on their size.

“They’re in line with other gated communities. Average lot size is 7,200 square feet. We have some that are 8,000-9,000 square feet, and we have some that are 6,500 and 6,800 square feet,” he added.

“It’s an excellent deal not far above our costs,” he added of the starter prices.

“We’ll probably get at least 20 or so lots sold and then have a price increase. Last week we signed six, I believe, and then did another five or six storage units. I haven’t checked in with the guys this week, but assuming we have got verified leads we will have well over 500 new verified leads. I think we’ve seen a very generous interest and people are very excited about the offering.

“We’ve had some people looking at two or three lots and wanting to build in the middle of them. They want a bigger footprint, so we have people reserving multiple lots. I would have liked to see the numbers [the costs] come in a bit lower to make it affordable, but it is what it is. Inflation is a reality, not just in product but properties and the development of properties. Developing properties is getting more and more expensive.”

Mr Myers signalled that Windsor Lakes’ layout has some flexibility. While it includes commercial and light industrial lots, he said the developers were “not going to sell” the latter right now until they obtained a better handle on demand for the storage units.

“We’re going to see what happens with the storage facility,” he added. “If that is oversubscribed we will expand the storage facility and take out the light industrial lots.” There are some 120 storage units, measuring 20 feet by 30 feet, with some climate controlled and to be powered by solar.

FTX consumes 21% of Commission costs

FROM PAGE B1

expenses in 2022. The Supreme Court issued an order that entitled the Commission to indemnification for reasonable costs associated with the liquidation proceedings.

“Management estimated that reimbursement of $2.57m was highly probable.

This lead to the 76 percent increase in accounts receivable and the 58 percent increase in other income when compared to 2021.”

The Securities Commission’s 2022 financial statements, audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), revealed that the regulator had sought to recover $2.986m of its expenses.

“Of this amount, $2.566m was recorded as a receivable for reimbursement of those expenses for the year ended

December 31, 2022, based on management’s estimate of the highly probable amount to be recovered,” the financial statements added.

“The Commission subsequently received a Supreme Court Order confirming full reimbursement of those expenses sought, and the variable consideration amount of $419,721 was not recorded as of December 31, 2022, related to these ongoing licensee liquidation proceedings. [It] will be recognised in 2023.” This reimbursement will also cover all costs incurred by the Securities Commission in its role as trustee of FTX Digital Markets’ customers assets.

K Neville Adderley, the former Supreme Court judge who now chairs the Securities Commission, said FTX’s collapse had presented the

Bahamian regulator with an “unprecedented challenge”. He wrote: “In November 2022, the Commission faced an unprecedented challenge with the collapse of FTX Digital Markets, at that time one of the world’s largest crypto currency exchanges.

“The event proved the Commission’s foresight to put in place a regulatory framework for digital assets, and to have carved out robust enforcement powers as well as the legal powers to freeze and seize assets to protect customers, and its expertise, as it reacted swiftly and decisively in exercising those powers.

“That event, along with the preceding ‘crypto winter’, brought into sharp focus the need for global standards and co-operation with respect to crypto regulation. The Commission

is committed to using its full investigative and regulatory powers to address these types of events, and to continue to develop and improve the regulatory framework to meet the challenges of the evolving digital assets space.”

Christina Rolle, the Securities Commission’s executive director, said the regulator is “limited” in what it can say about FTX on the grounds that the crypto currency’s failure is being dealt with by the court system in both The Bahamas and Delaware. However, she pledged that it will “learn” from the experience and share its findings when all investigations are completed.

“In November 2022, FTX Digital Markets, one of the largest crypto-broker-dealers in the world, suffered

“In about two to three months you’ll be able to drive around every single road in the community. All the lakes will be installed, all the roads will be installed, the storage facility will be started and the gate entrance started. There will be a temporary gate for the sales office.”

Mr Myers said he and his development partners were in the process of finalising their estimated infrastructure investment, but said this is projected to be “well over $35m” once everything is completed. The total number of construction jobs that the developers will create themselves is likely to “ebb and flow”, but will “definitely” be in the hundreds.

“When you add all the stuff up it’s expensive,” he added. “On top of the cost of land acquisition and everything else it gets very expensive. The big thing for us is controlling the costs now. The infrastructure cost per lot has got higher and higher with the introduction of new legislation. Now we have to have Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Environmental Management

a liquidity crisis that triggered the Commission to use its regulatory powers to freeze and secure client assets, and set off a series of events, which have rocked the crypto world as FTX floundered globally and ultimately collapsed,” Ms Rolle wrote.

“The event, which had iterations and implications for FTX operations across the globe, tested the consumer and investor protection provisions embedded in the DARE Act 2020, and the Commission’s commitment and ability to use the enforcement tools at its disposal.

“It confirmed that the DARE regulatory framework, and the Commission’s regulatory experience, worked under the most difficult conditions to identify and swiftly act to safeguard assets in The Bahamas licensed entity – FTX Digital Markets, which was

Plans, environmental monitors out here every day.

“It’s gotten very, very expensive on top of doing civil works, engineering, architectural works, when you add all these things up.

I think it’s necessary to have this legislation, such as the Planning and Subdivisions Act, but it all makes development more expensive because you have to put up bonds to get all the infrastructure done. It costs a hell of a lot to get development done and that has to be taken into consideration when looking at the cost of doing business.”

Mr Myers also disclosed that Park Ridge Securities, the Albany developer, is no longer among the Windsor Lakes investors. “They’re not involved any more,” he confirmed. “They were initially involved, and decided they had enough to deal with on their own. We mutually agreed that they will no longer be involved, but they’re still very supportive and we will co-exist. We’re neighbours and we need to co-exist.”

headquartered in New Providence,” she added.

“The Commission is limited in what it may speak to about the details of the FTX case while the matter remains under investigation and before the courts. However, we seize the opportunity to learn from the event and deepen our understanding of operational and other risk factors in the evolving digital asset industry.

“The Commission is leveraging this learning (both knowledge and insights) to improve digital asset regulation in The Bahamas, and ultimately to benefit and shape digital asset regulation globally. We look forward to being able to share the lessons we have learned from the FTX matter when our investigations are complete and the surrounding legal environment permits.”

Ex-DPM: ‘Disgraceful’ failure to improve BPL

administration is “like night and day”, adding that a “credible” forensic probe would show the prior government “managed BPL better than it ever had been before or since”.

And he asserted that there is “no credibility” to assertions by Prime Minister Philip Davis and others that the seven Wartsila engines, which can provide a combined 132 Mega Watts (MW) in generation capacity, have never all run together at the same time for fear they would compromise a “dilapidated” Station A’s structural defects.

Mr Bannister said the then-Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) Board, which had ultimate responsibility for regulating BPL and the energy sector, visited Station A to inspect the Wartsila engines shortly after their December 2019 installation and found all seven were “operating satisfactorily” together. Shevonn Cambridge, BPL’s current chief executive, was URCA’s head of energy regulation at that time.

While Mr Bannister was unable to confirm if Mr Cambridge was present for that inspection, he accused the BPL chief of “changing his story three times publicly” over the Wartsila engines’ purchase and implementation, adding that the Government has yet to respond to the Opposition’s challenge to produce the utility’s logs so that its operational performance under both governments can be compared.

Mr Cambridge described Station A as “already compromised” before the Wartsila engines were installed, as the 40-plus year-old building was already showing signs of “structural deterioration”.

However, this was rejected by Mr Bannister, who told Tribune Business that the Minnis administration had

left “almost a new building” for its successor.

“The FNM met that building in place,” he said. “There are photos the media would have of the conditions that building was in. If you tried to walk in there, you would have had oil and residue almost up to your knees. It was an entirely different place after the FNM put those engines in, cleaned the place up and did our best to improve that. That was almost a new building after we finished doing our work.”

Other contacts familiar with the Wartsila engines’ installation, but speaking on condition of anonymity, also contradicted Mr Cambridge’s description of Station A’s condition.

They revealed that Lambert Knowles, the Bahamian engineer, was hired to assess the building and determined that it was “fit for purpose” with the steel structure that held it up sufficiently robust.

Concrete pedestals were then poured for each engine at a cost of around $1m-$2m. However, none sits directly on these pedestals, as Tribune Business understands that the seven lie on springs which are bolted to those pedestals. Asked about the Government’s forensic probe, Mr Bannister said it must be conducted by a reputable firm or individuals with the findings presented to the Bahamian people.

“I am fully prepared to defend what was done at that time,” he told this newspaper. “Whatever was done at that time, I am fully prepared to defend because I signed off on it. What I will say is that it’s clear that nothing was done to continue to improve that facility since 2021.

“That is a shame, that is disgraceful and it’s disappointing that the Bahamian people are now faced with outages when we went through the whole pandemic, with everybody home, everyone using air conditioning and we had virtually no outages. It’s a huge contrast to what we have now, and shows the difference in the approach we were taking.”

Mr Bannister’s comments are likely to further intensify the political battle that is currently raging over BPL’s dire condition. With Bahamian households and businesses presently enduring spiking energy bills to enable BPL to reclaim previously under-recovered fuel costs, after the Davis administration opted not to execute the trades to support the utility’s existing fuel trades, the Government has sought to shift attention to Station A’s execution.

The former deputy prime minister yesterday argued that shifting the blame for BPL’s woes to the former Minnis administration, over what the Government is

seeking to portray as flawed decision-making surrounding Station A, is “part of what they are trying to do”.

However, he added: “I’ve heard too much innuendo about matters that cannot be supported. I’ve heard the chief executive [Mr Cambridge] change his story three times publicly and he’s not been taken up on it. Initially, he responded to an interview I gave, and in that interview he said the seven engines have not been operating at the same time.

“I issued as press release rebutting what he said, and asked him to produce the logs. The Government was asked to produce the logs in the House of Assembly. No logs have been produced to support what the Government was saying. The chief executive made a second statement which is easily rebuttable, when last week he came and said the engines cannot run at the same time because it would endanger the building.

“They have absolutely no credibility on this issue,” Mr Bannister continued. “Mr Cambridge was formerly the URCA executive with responsibility for BPL. The entire former URCA Board went there, inspected the engines and all were operating satisfactorily.”

BPL spent around $95m to acquire the Wartsila engines as a means to end New Providence’s then-load shedding crisis, which had been sparked by the loss of 60 Mega Watts (MW) in generation capacity due to the 2018 fire that destroyed the utility’s then-two most efficient engines.

However, Mr Davis told the House of Assembly that “the smell is rotten” surrounding the acquisition as he asserted that the Wartsila engines did not match their tri-fuel billing and had cost a cashstrapped BPL an extra $3m in maintenance costs.

Mr Cambridge was subsequently reported as suggesting the engines’ installation was rushed,

adding that the decision to use Clifton Pier’s borehole cooling system for Station A - rather than a closedloop radiator system - along with shared auxiliaries meant the Wartsila turbines failed to achieve optimum output.

Tribune Business, though, was told that a radiator system would face deterioration because of its exposure to salt air. As a result, several sources suggested that the borehole cooling system - which all other Clifton Pier engines use - was preferable. Some four boreholes were dug for the Wartsila engines, double what was required, although the harder limestone rock present at the site meant drilling them took longer than anticipated.

Mr Bannister said:

“What is disappointing is that, for the last two years

or year-and-a-half, there is nothing the Government can do to show what they’ve done to improve BPL. There’s nothing they’ve done to improve BPL’s infrastructure. Absolutely nothing. That’s what’s most disappointing. After we did all that work, and left it there for them, they did absolutely nothing.

“I doubt there will be any kind of audit of BPL. They’ve been talking about all kinds of things and have done nothing. If there’s one that’s credibly performed it will show the FNM managed BPL better than it had been before or since. The issue is what the Government has done at BPL since coming to office to make a difference for the Bahamian people. That question has not been answered.”

BAHAMAS POWER & LIGHT STATION A

Fresh oil contamination ‘tragic’ for GB’s tourism

FROM PAGE B1

appears to have originated from a different - but as yet unknown - source. Several suggested that the sticky balls, or clumps, of congealed tarlike oil probably came from a tanker or vessel cleaning its tanks at sea and were blown to Grand Bahama by recent strong southerly winds.

Multiple tourists were yesterday said to have stepped in the oil contamination. Joe Darville, Save the Bays chairman, told this newspaper that the Government must carry out a “thorough investigation”

to determine the culprit as he warned that Grand Bahama and, by extension, the wider Bahamas’ reputation as a tourism destination could suffer once word of the pollution hit the Internet and is spread via word-of-mouth in visitors’ home countries.

“It’s a bigger situation,” he said. “It stretches from what we call the Coral Beach all the way to Gold Rock Beach. It’s 25 miles of beach area that has been impacted. It has to be a large amount of material that’s been dumped in our waters. All these beaches today and yesterday have been inundated with these clumps of tar. It’s the full length of the southern side of Grand Bahama, but has nothing to do with the oil spill at Buckeye.

“We have all these tourists coming here and, because of the heat wave, they want to go out on to the beach and cool off in the water. Hundreds of them have their feet covered in tar because they were not

aware of it. This is absolutely treacherous. This tar is lodged in seaweed and buried in the sand. What I’m saying to the authorities is they must thoroughly investigate this.

“It’s going to be tragic. What message are these visitors going to go back with? It’s definitely going to affect our economy, but our reputation is going to be the one. What are they going to be taking back home? They will say: ‘Don’t go there because the beaches are covered in tar and oil.”

The Government and Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) agencies and subsidiaries were yesterday said to have formed “a joint task force” to investigate the spillage and clean it up. The Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) and Port Department are leading the Government’s effort, and have been joined by Lucaya Service Company (LUSCO) and the GBPA’s environmental department. With clean-up and remediation efforts underway, LUSCO said: “We are all working together to determine the initiating cause of this incident and it remains a high priority of the task force.” The company said earlier this week it was aware of the discovery of trace amounts of oil particles along the shoreline and embankments near Fortune, Churchill and Spanish Main beaches.

“The matter is under investigation and being contained and remediated with the utmost level of urgency,” it added then.

NORTH ANDROS DEMANDS ‘ANSWERS’ OVER BPL WOE

Ms Sweeting said she is aware BPL is having some difficulties restoring normal service in North Andros, but maintained that business owners and residents should be updated on its progress so that they can plan accordingly. She added: “We just need some answers. We just need help. Even if a representative would come out and speak to us about what’s going on so that we can understand. But no one is saying anything about what’s going on. They need to come out and let the people know help is on the way, they’re working on this or we are waiting on that or what went wrong. But we don’t know anything.”

BPL released a statement yesterday to inform Andros residents that technicians

have been dispatched to the island to address the issues customers have been experiencing since the fire.

“BPL advises its customers in North and Central Andros that a team from New Providence is on the island to address supply challenges in both North Andros and Central Andros. The company has experienced intermittent challenges in North Andros stemming from last month’s fire that destroyed the North Andros power station,” it said.

“Containerised units that are a part of BPL’s generation fleet, as well as new units, were shipped in to provide immediate relief. Since that time, there have been minor challenges resulting in periods of supply interruption for the company’s North Andros customers.”

The statement added that efforts to improve service in North Andros are scheduled, and that over the next 18 months power generation will be “leaner, greener and more reliable”. “As recently as Tuesday, August 8, 2023, technicians from New Providence were flown in to address and resolve supply issues. Although electricity was fully restored Tuesday evening, further operations are scheduled to improve the service reliability of the units in North Andros,” BPL advised.

“While the company will continue to address immediate concerns and improve service reliability, it also continues to forge ahead with its plan to fully upgrade Andros’ energy network with leaner, greener and more reliable generation within the next year and a half. BPL sincerely apologises to its customers in Andros as it experiences challenges with the island’s power grid.”

Leonardo Lightbourne, MP for North Andros and the Berry Islands, noted the demonstration by residents and said staff at BPL have been working “assiduously”

to resolve the electrical woes. He said: “Kindly be advised that I am aware of the demonstration that took place this morning regarding the interruption in electricity service over the last few days.

“Further, please note that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) workers have been working assiduously since the fire on July 5, 2023, that totally destroyed the power plant in North Andros. The workers were able to get the generators fully up and running with minor load shedding.”

Mr Lightbourne said residents must understand that a major power generation source was lost in the fire, and that BPL employees should be praised for their efforts under “challenging conditions”.

He added: “While I understand the valid concerns of the residents and the business owners due to the interruptions and the unprecedented temperatures we are experiencing, I want to reassure them that BPL workers are doing their best to fully restore the electricity in the shortest time.

“We must consider that we have lost a power plant during the fire. The BPL staff in North Andros are to be commended for the time and effort they have been giving since day one while they are working under some challenging conditions.”

Mr Lightbourne said energy concerns are a priority, and that he will continue to engage with the relevant stakeholders to find a resolution. He also encouraged residents to not make their energy woes a “political matter”.

He added: “Finally, to the residents of North Andros, this matter is being treated with the highest level of urgency and it will continue to be addressed as such. Also, we remain in dialogue with all stakeholders as we try our best to bring resolve to this vexing load shedding in North Andros. Please do not allow individuals with other agendas to make this a political matter because it affects all of us and goes beyond the political boundary lines.”

By MARK LONG, JULIE WALKER AND FREIDA FRISARO Associated Press

A SINGLE ticket sold in Florida is good for a $1.58 billion Mega Millions jackpot, ending weeks of anticipation over who would win the eye-popping top prize. A Publix grocery store in Neptune Beach sold the winning ticket, according to the Florida Lottery. The winning numbers drawn Tuesday night were 13, 19, 20, 32, 33 and the yellow ball 14. A message was left seeking comment Wednesday from Publix.

James F. Davis, secretary of the Florida Lottery, said Wednesday that officials don't yet know who bought the winning ticket. He noted that the person has 180 days to present the ticket to lottery officials in Tallahassee to receive the winnings.

WALL STREET SLIPS AS MARKETS BRACE FOR COMING REPORT ON INFLATION

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer

STOCKS slipped

Wednesday, as Wall Street braced for a highly anticipated report on inflation that's on the way.

The S&P 500 fell 31.67, or 0.7%, to 4,467.71 for its sixth drop in the last seven days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 191.13, or 0.5%, to 35,123.36, and the Nasdaq composite sank 162.31, or 1.2%, to 13,722.02 as Big Tech stocks led the declines.

Stocks have cooled in August since soaring 19.5% through the first seven months of the year. Several reasons are behind the mini-pullback, including criticism that Wall Street too quickly formed a consensus that inflation will keep cooling, the economy will keep growing and the Federal Reserve has already finished its hikes to interest rates.

A report on Thursday will offer a big clue on how warranted those hopes are. The U.S. government will give the latest monthly update on inflation that consumers are feeling across the country, and economists expect to see an acceleration to 3.3% in July from 3% in June.

Such a reading would be down sharply from its peak of more than 9% last summer, but economists say the last bit of improvement to get inflation down to the Fed's 2% target may be the toughest part. Fed officials have said repeatedly recently that their upcoming decisions on interest rates will depend on what the data tells them,

and they've pointed to reports on inflation and the job market in particular.

"With risks turning increasingly two-sided, Fed officials are beginning to shift the focus toward how long to hold rates steady at sufficiently restrictive levels," according to economists at Deutsche Bank.

A reading on Thursday that's much worse than expected could raise fears that the Fed's job in battling inflation is far from done and that it may have to keep hiking interest rates. At the least, it could push the Fed to keep rates high for longer than expected. High rates slow inflation by grinding down the entire economy and hurting investment prices. The Fed has already pulled its federal funds rate to the highest level in more than two decades. With rate hikes historically taking a long time to take full effect across the economy, the risk of a recession still remains.

In the meantime, companies continue to offer profit reports for the spring that are mostly better than analysts expected. Axon Enterprise, the company behind Tasers and Axon body cameras, jumped 14.1% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500. It reported much stronger profit for the spring than analysts expected.

Akamai Technologies also helped to lead the market after beating forecasts for both profit and revenue. Its stock rose 8.5%.

Outside of earnings, Penn Entertainment jumped 9.1% after the company said it's paying $1.5 billion for the exclusive rights to re-brand its sports-betting app with the ESPN name. On the losing end of Wall Street was Lyft, which skidded 10%. The ride-share company reported better results for the latest quarter than expected, and its forecasts for the current quarter also topped forecasts.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, AMY-CARLA KELLY of P.O Box N649 New Providence, Bahamas intend to change my name to AMY CARLA MACKEY If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Offcer, P.O.Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that DAYNE A. BARNES of Faith Avenue off Carmichael, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 9th day of August 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that

WADSON SAINT-FORT of P.O. Box N-3961, Mount Tabor Estates, 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 3rd day of August, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that DIOMENE TIMOTHEE OXILIEN of Podoleo Street, Cordeaux Avenue, 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 3rd day of August, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

Biden issues an executive order restricting US investments in Chinese technology

By JOSH BOAK Associated Press

PRESIDENT Joe Biden signed an executive order Wednesday to block and regulate high-tech U.S.based investments going toward China — a move the administration said was targeted but it also reflected an intensifying competition between the world’s two biggest powers.

The order covers advanced computer chips, micro electronics, quantum information technologies and artificial intelligence.

Senior administration officials said that the effort stemmed from national security goals rather than economic interests, and that the categories it covered were intentionally narrow in scope. The order seeks to blunt China’s ability to use U.S. investments in its technology companies to upgrade its military while also preserving broader levels of trade that are vital for both nations’ economies.

The United States and China appear to be increasingly locked in a geopolitical competition with a conflicting set of values. Biden administration officials have insisted that they have no interest in “decoupling” from China, yet the U.S. also has limited the export of advanced computer chips and kept the expanded tariffs set up by President Donald Trump. China has engaged in crackdowns on foreign companies.

Biden has suggested that China’s economy is struggling and its global ambitions have been

tempered as the U.S. has reenergized its alliances with Japan, South Korea, Australia and the European Union. The administration consulted with allies and industry in shaping the executive order.

“Worry about China, but don’t worry about China,” Biden told donors at a June fundraising event in California.

The officials previewing the order said that China has exploited U.S. investments to support the development of weapons and modernize its military. The new limits were tailored not to disrupt China’s economy, but they would complement the export controls on advanced computer chips from last year that led to pushback by Chinese officials. The Treasury Department, which would monitor the investments, will announce a proposed rulemaking with definitions that would conform to the presidential order and go through a public comment process.

The goals of the order would be to have investors notify the U.S. government about certain types of transactions with China as well as to place prohibitions on some investments. Officials said the order is focused on areas such as private equity, venture capital and joint partnerships in which the investments could possibly give countries of concern such as China additional knowledge and military capabilities.

J. Philip Ludvigson, a lawyer and former Treasury official, said the order was an initial framework that

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could be expanded over time. “The executive order issued today really represents the start of a conversation between the U.S. government and industry regarding the details of the ultimate screening regime,” Ludvigson said. “While the executive order is limited initially to semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies, and artificial intelligence, it explicitly provides for a future broadening to other sectors.”

The issue is also a bipartisan priority. In July by a vote of 91-6, the Senate added as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act requirements to monitor and limit investments in countries of concern, including China.

Yet reaction to Biden’s order on Wednesday showed a desire to push harder on China. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., said the order was an “essential step forward,” but it “cannot be the final step.” Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said Biden should been more aggressive, saying, “we have to stop all U.S. investment in China’s critical technology and military companies — period.”

Biden has called Chinese President Xi Jinping a “dictator” in the aftermath of the U.S. shooting down a spy balloon from China that floated over the United States. Taiwan’s status has been a source of tension, with Biden saying that China had become coercive regarding its independence.

Restaurant Manager

Responsible for ensuring the attainment of targeted revenues and and providing appealing restaurant service; managing staff and ensuring the smooth operation of the restaurant.

Essential Duties

• Maintain operations by enforcing company’s policies, standard operating procedures; implement production, productivity, quality, patron- service standards; determine and implement system improvements.

• Maintain patron satisfaction by monitoring, evaluating, and auditing food, beverage, and service.

• Ensure that all food and products are consistently prepared and served according to the restaurant’s recipes, portioning, cooking, and serving standards.

• Maintain a safe, secure, and healthy facility environment by establishing, following, enforcing sanitation standards and procedures; complying with health and legal regulations; maintaining security systems.

• Develop employees by providing ongoing feedback, establishing performance expectations and by conducting performance reviews.

•

• Prepare schedules and ensure that the restaurant is staffed for all shifts.

• • Work with C. E.O/C.O. O and Head cook to plan and price menu items.

• Control food cost and usage by following proper requisition of products from storage areas, product storage procedures, standard recipes, and waste control procedures.

• Oversee and ensure that restaurant policies on employee performance appraisals are followed and completed on a timely basis.

• Conduct training for all personnel in conjunction with H.R and Sr. Manager or Regional Manager.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Flexible and long hours sometimes required.

• Ability to stand during entire shift.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors Degree in Business/ Hospitality or a related feld from an accredited college/university with at least 3 years of proven supervisory/management experience. Please forward your resumes to hr@sapodillabahamas.com Application deadline 18th August, 2023.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview.

NOTICE is hereby given that NOEL SEDLER of Fox Hill, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 10th day of August 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that EMMANUELLA JEAN BAPTISTE of #160 Kemp Road, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 3rd day of August 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

The FAA, lacking enough air traffic controllers, will extend limits on New York City-area flights

Associated Press Writer FACING a shortage of air traffic controllers, the Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it will let airlines continue to limit flights in the New York City area into October without penalties that they would normally face for such reductions.

Airlines that fail to use enough of their takeoff and landing rights or "slots" at those airports risk losing them to competitors.

The FAA said, however, it will extend current easing of those rules through Oct. 28 because the staffing shortage is beyond the control of the airlines. The waivers were set to expire

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that TIMOUNI ANTHONEY WALTON of P. O. Box SB-52750, #5 Mount Tabor Estates, 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 10th day of August, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

Sept. 15, after the peak summer travel season.

Airlines including Delta, American, United and JetBlue had agreed to cuts at LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy airports in New York and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

"The relief provided by the FAA during the peak

of the summer season has provided stability at the NYC area airports," the FAA said. The agency said canceled flights at the three big New York City-area airports from May 15 through June 30 fell 40% from the same period last year.

The FAA said airlines have reduced their New York flights this summer

NOTICE is hereby given that NIXON JONASSAINT of First Street, Coconut Grove, 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 3rd day of August, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

by 6%, but increased the number of seats by 2% by using larger planes on average.

The waiver of penalties also applies to some flights at Reagan Washington National Airport near Washington, D.C.

United Airlines, which has cut flights at its big hub in Newark, and trade group

Airlines for America had asked FAA to extend the penalty waivers. In a report to Congress this spring, the FAA detailed its efforts to hire and train about 3,000 new air traffic controllers. The agency is only half-staffed at a key facility that directs planes in and out of the New York City area.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that DOMINIQUE JEAN LOUIS of Wallace Road off Farrington Road, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 10th day of August 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NASSAU AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY NOTICE OF VACANCIES

Maintenance and Engineering Department

Electrician Level III

HVAC and Plumbing

Maintenance Laborers

The Maintenance Laborers are responsible for performing a range of duties including, but not limited to assisting with HVAC and Plumbing system Electrical, Facilities and Structures repairs, inspections, and check of equipment. The job is also responsible for the installation, removal, painting and cleaning of HVAC and Plumbing system components throughout the Terminals to maintain a high level of standard.

Facilities and Structures

Maintenance Laborers –

Facilities and Structures

The Maintenance Laborers are responsible for performing a range of duties including, but not limited to assisting painting, drywall, masonry, and door repairs throughout the Terminals to maintain a high level of standard.

Electrical Power Systems & Fleet Supervisor, Maintenance Response Team

The Supervisor, Maintenance Response Team primary responsibility is the supervision of the Electrical maintenance team and multi-disciplinary maintenance team including performance of inspection and execution of repairs of critical Terminals system and airside infrastructure. The job requires exceptional knowledge and skills to troubleshoot, repair and maintenance of three phase electrical and industrial systems.

Electrician Level I

The Electrician Level I is responsible for providing support to the Electrical Team in the day-to-day operational functions at LPIA. The job also performs daily checks, repairs, and preventative maintenance of all electrical systems throughout the Terminals and on the airfeld to maintain a high level of standard.

Manager, Airfeld Maintenance & Environmental Affairs

This position is responsible for monitoring all airfeld maintenance works in compliance with local and international regulations necessary for the safe, secure aircraft operations at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). Additionally, this position is also responsible for environmental sustainability through the implementation of policies and programs in line with applicable regulations and industry standards.

The Electrician Level III is responsible for providing support to the Electrical Team in the day-to-day operational functions at LPIA. The job also performs three phase electrical installation and troubleshooting of motors, control circuits and perform preventative maintenance of electrical system throughout the Terminals and on the airfeld to maintain a high level of standard.

Maintenance Laborer Level I

The Maintenance Laborer is responsible for performing a range of duties including, but not limited to assisting with Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing system and Facilities and Structures installation, maintenance, repairs, inspection check and removal of Electrical equipment at LPIA. The job is also responsible for painting and cleaning rooms and system components throughout the Terminals and on the airfeld to maintain a high level of standard.

Information Technology & Electronics Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer responsibility includes assisting with the upkeep of the IT infrastructure at LPIA, performing maintenance on a range of instrumentation and controls equipment. HVAC maintenance, MS network troubleshooting and repairs, VFD maintenance and troubleshooting, repairs of computer equipment and network systems throughout the airport campus.

Apron Drive Bridges (ADB) & Baggage Handling Services (BHS)

Supervisor Preventative Maintenance Team

The Supervisor Preventative Maintenance Team has responsibility for the daily activity for Preventative Maintenance of the BHS & ADB systems and equipment at LPIA. This will include the supervision of all assigned ADB & BHS Team to ensure that all the agreed key performance standards between NAD and its stakeholders are maintained. Supervisory skills must be demonstrated to provide leadership for the ADB & BHS Team, liaise between local/external contractors to resolve technical issues and to position the team to resolve any disruption to the ADB & BHS

Cleaning Technicians

This position is responsible for the ongoing cleaning and maintenance of the terminal facilities to world class standards.

The Revenue Collection Clerk

services in the shortest possible time with minimal impact to operations for the overall success of the ADB & BHS Team/NAD.

Supervisor, ADB & BHS

ADB & BHS Supervisor is responsible for the BHS & ADB Team operations at LPIA. This will include all daily activity Operational/Maintenance and supervision of the ADB & BHS Team to ensure that all the agreed performance specs between NAD and stakeholders are maintained. Contribute to the success of the ADB & BHS Team/NAD. Supervisory skills must be demonstrated to provide leadership, liaise between local/external contractors to resolve technical issues and to position the team to resolve any disruption to services in the shortest time possible with the least impact to operations for the overall success of the ADB & BHS Team/NAD.

Work Coordinator

This position is responsible for coordinating all work requests to ensure the accurate and timely creation, dissemination and documentation of work orders submitted and gather critical data for the BHS Team to ensure an effcient, safe operation for the department. The coordinator will provide another layer to the Supervisor/BHS Admin in organizing critical manpower resources and checking the performance of BHS & ADB Team members through the computerized maintenance management system. The coordinator will offer another position of leadership on the BHS & ADM Team that will assist in focusing the team along with the supervisor and senior personnel.

BHS Technician Level I

The BHS Technician Level I is responsible for providing support to the BHS & ADB Team with the day-to-day operational functions at LPIA. The job details performing daily checks and assists with the preventative maintenance (PM & DMs) on all BHS/ ADB/ BIWIS/GPU Systems.

BHS Technician Level II

The BHS Technician Level II is responsible for providing support to the BHS & ADB team in the day-to-day operational functions at LPIA. The job also performs daily checks and assists with the PMs on all systems (BHS/ADB/GPU/BIWIS), and any other duties that contribute to the success of the ADB

Operations Department Finance Department

Lead, to ensure that they provide Extraordinary Customer Service, while effciently and effectively assisting the traveling public.

contractual and reporting relationships with fnancial institutions, government entities and airlines as well as other duties of strategic and fnancial importance to the Airport’s operation.

Manager, Revenue

This position is responsible for the collection of all of NAD’s parking and ground transportation revenue. This will include both paid lots, domestic and international, along with the AVI system and Ground Transportation Fees. The Revenue Collection Clerk will work closely with the Car Park

Director of Finance

This position is primarily responsible for managing fnancial forecasts and projections, evaluating investment and fnancing arrangements, corporate cash management, and managing

This position is responsible for the proper accounting of the Company’s revenues including billing, receivables, credit and collection, compilation of the annual revenue budget and maintenance of the Accounts Receivable ledger.

Journalists seek regulations to govern fastmoving artificial intelligence technology

NEW YORK

Associated Press

SEVERAL news organizations, writers and photographers groups are pushing to be involved in creating standards for the use of artificial intelligence, particularly as it concerns intellectual property rights and the potential spread of misinformation.

In an open letter sent on Wednesday, they outlined priorities for setting rules on the technology, which is developing faster than regulators can keep up with.

"We ... support the responsible advancement and deployment of generative AI technology, while believing that a legal framework must be developed to protect the content that powers AI applications as well as maintain public trust in the media," the organizations said. The letter was signed by The Associated Press; Gannett; the News Media Alliance, which represents hundreds of publishers; Getty Images; the National Press Photographers Association; Agence France-Presse and others.

The organizations want to make sure intellectual property owners maintain their rights when AI operators use material for training. The AP last month made a deal with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI to license the news agency's archive of news stories. The letter also calls for artificial intelligence companies to take specific steps to eliminate bias and misinformation in the material it produces.

In particular, photographers are concerned about the ability of artificial intelligence to create false images.

Seven U.S. companies that are leading AI developers agreed in July to voluntary safeguards set by President Joe Biden's administration for building their technology, but the commitments aren't enforceable and don't touch on intellectual property concerns.

Special counsel got a search warrant for Twitter to turn over info on Trump’s account, documents say

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Associated Press

SPECIAL counsel Jack Smith's team obtained a search warrant in January for records related to former President Donald Trump's Twitter account, and a judge levied a $350,000 fine on the company for missing the deadline to comply, according to court documents released Wednesday.

The new details were included in a ruling from the federal appeals court in Washington over a legal battle surrounding the warrant that has played out under seal for months. The court rejected Twitter's claim that it should not have been held in contempt or sanctioned.

Smith's team repeatedly mentioned Trump's tweets in an indictment unsealed last week that charges the former president with conspiring to subvert the will of voters and cling to power after he lost the 2020 election to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump, a Republican, has pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of Congress' certification of Biden's win. He posted on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday that the Justice Department "secretly attacked" his Twitter account, and he characterized the investigation as an attempt to "infringe" on his bid to reclaim the White House in 2024.

It's unclear what information Smith may have sought from Trump's account. Possibilities include data about when and where the posts were written, their engagement and the identities of other accounts that reposted Trump's content.

The search warrant underscores the breadth of the investigation and the lengths Smith has gone to to obtain evidence to build his case. In a recent signal that Smith's investigation is continuing, former New York Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik met Monday with investigators from special counsel Smith's team.

Prosecutors obtained the search warrant on Jan. 17 directing Twitter to produce information on Trump's account after a court "found probable cause to search the account for evidence of criminal offenses," according to the ruling. The government also obtained a nondisclosure agreement that had prohibited Twitter from disclosing the search warrant, the filing says.

The court found that disclosing the warrant could risk that Trump could jeopardize the ongoing investigation by giving him "an opportunity to destroy evidence, change patterns of behavior" or notify his allies, the filing says.

Twitter objected to the nondisclosure agreement, saying four days after the compliance deadline that it would not produce any of the account information, according to the ruling.

The judges wrote that Twitter "did not question the validity of the search warrant" but argued that the nondisclosure agreement violated its First Amendment right to communicate with Trump

Twitter said if it had to turn over the records before the judge assessed the

legality of the nondisclosure agreement, it would prevent Trump "from asserting executive privilege to shield communications made using his Twitter account," the document says.

The warrant ordered Twitter to provide the records by Jan. 27. A judge found Twitter to be in contempt after a court hearing on Feb. 7, but gave the company an opportunity to hand over the documents by 5 p.m. that evening. Twitter, however, only turned over some records that day. It didn't fully comply with the order until Feb. 9, the ruling says.

X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, sent an automated reply to a request for comment, saying it would respond soon.

In the broader case against Trump, his legal team has indicated it will argue that he was relying on the advice of lawyers in 2020 and had the right to challenge an election he believed was rigged.

Trump used his Twitter account in the weeks leading up to his supporters' attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to spread false statements about the election that prosecutors allege were designed to sow mistrust in the democratic process. The indictment details how Trump over Twitter encouraged his followers to come to Washington on Jan. 6, pressured his Vice President Mike Pence to reject the certification and falsely suggested that the mob at the Capitol — which beat police officers and smashed windows — was peaceful.

The warrant arrived at Twitter amid rapid changes instituted by Musk, who purchased the platform last year. Since taking over he's transformed the influential site, laying off much of its staff, including workers dedicated to ferreting out misinformation and hate speech. He also eliminated Twitter's policy on COVID-19 misinformation and welcomed back a long list of users who had been previously banned, including neo-Nazis, COVID deniers and Trump, who was kicked off after the attack on the Capitol for glorifying violence.

Trump has yet to post to the site since being allowed back on. As Trump once did, Musk has used the platform as a partisan megaphone.

Last year Musk urged his many online followers to vote Republican in the midterm elections. This year he hosted Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis for a glitch-filled campaign kickoff.

The election conspiracy case is the second case Smith has brought against Trump. The former president is also facing dozens of felony counts stemming from classified documents found at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Trump's legal team in court papers Wednesday urged the judge to allow for the reestablishment of a secure facility at Trump's home where the former president can discuss classified evidence with his attorneys while they prepare for trial in that case.

Prosecutors say Trump should only be to do so at sensitive compartmented information facilities — or SCIFs. But Trump's lawyers say "immense practical and logistical hurdles and costs" would make traveling to government-approved locations difficult. He wants to recreate the same secure facility at Mar-a-Lago in which he was allowed to discuss classified materials as president.