08162016 business

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016

business@tribunemedia.net

Sandals outlines ‘fast tracked’ $4m renovation Winter season shaping up to be its best ever

BY NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

By NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net Sandals yesterday outlined a $4m renovation to be undertaken during a two-month closure of its Cable Beach property, saying that the work was being ‘fast tracked’ for what is shaping up to be its best winter season ever.

The resort’s management had been mum on the reasons for its abrupt closure since a letter by a senior sales executive acknowledging the closure was reported on by local media some two weeks ago. Sandals executives said yesterday that the repairs and upgrades which forced the 60-year-old Royal Bahamian resort’s closure yesterday are being fast-tracked at an estimated cost of $4m. Those upgrades

Nearly 500 members of Sandals staff received severance pay today as the hotel closed for two months for extensive repairs. Hotel management said every redundant staff member will have an opportunity to be interviewed for a position when interviews begin as early as next week.

Photo/Alexavia Dorsett/Diane Phillips & Associates and repairs are to be implemented within 14 weeks, which is described as a “massive feat itself’, considering the original time-frame for completion was appraised at four months.

Medical association president: Make ‘maximum use’ of healthcare infrastructure

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Medical Association of The Bahamas president Dr Sy Pierre yesterday reiterated calls for a sustainable national health insurance funded universal healthcare system, stressing that we must make “maximum use” of the country’s current healthcare infrastructure.

“We want universal healthcare. We have that now but is poorly managed.

I think the great benefit of a national health insurance plan is that it will allow some of the private entities to take some of the burden off of the public,” said Dr Pierre.

“The idea of national health insurance-funded universal healthcare is really good. We want it to be sustainable and we want it to have minimal disruption of the present structure as we know it. We also want to make maximum use of the present infrastructure.

We have a lot of physicians and other providers who have other facilities which they may want to utilise for national heath insurance or for public patients and NHI will allow that. We also want it to be flexible so that moving forward more benefits will be added.

We don’t want a complete breakdown of the system,” said Dr Pierre.

Dr Pierre further noted that an effective universal

DNA blasts Govt over failure to ‘stand up’ for Sandals workers

NHI Bill ‘quite good’ healthcare system is also dependent on the quality of physicians. “We want more Bahamian physicians to come home. What we are seeing quite often is Bahamian physicians who have trained in certain countries are opting not to come back home. If you don’t have the best physicians, the system won’t work.”

Having looked at the NHI Bill 2016, Dr Pierre told Tribune Business: “I took a look at the Bill. The Bill is actually quite good.

See pg b3

“Simultaneously, the screening and re-hiring processes to engage the resort’s full complement of 750 staff are currently underway. This will also involve the SRI team

carrying out extensive training of talents, to guarantee full mobilisation upon re-opening and thus ensuring the company’s award winning services are See pg b3

$315M tax loss underscores Govt receivership flaw

By NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Opposition Finance spokesman and East Grand Bahama yesterday said that the $315m in lost taxes to the Government as a result of the delayed Baha Mar opening only further underscored the impact of government’s intervention in the resort’s receivership, telling this newspaper: “All is not well”.

It is estimated that the government has lost $315m in tax revenue from the beleaguered Baha Mar resort due its opening delays and the court appointed receivership process, according to an economic impact report of the $3.5 billion property. Of this figure, the government has lost an estimated $25m in stamp conveyance at a rate of 10 per cent; more than $30m in casino taxes on winnings; $16m in business license fees; $33m in National Insurance Board contributions; $13m in departure tax; $114m in import duty and $81m in occupancy tax/value added tax, among other losses. The report also estimates that $451m in wages

K Peter Turnquest and salaries for direct and indirect workers has been lost, as well as a $48m loss in government utility payments and a gross domestic product (GDP) loss of $1.9m.

“We can’t say with any certainty whether the project would have been opened by now if it had gone through the bankruptcy process but we do know that would have been See pg b3

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) yesterday expressed “dismay” yesterday after some 600 workers at Sandals Royal Bahamian were made redundant, blasting the Christie administration for failing to “stand up” for the workers and make the resort “fall in line”.

DNA finance spokesman Youri Kemp yesterday told Tribune Business: “We are dismayed by this entire affair, particularly when the labour minister said he didn’t know that Sandals was laying off 600 people. I find that hard to believe. I don’t think that Sandals made the determination to lay off 600 people just last week. We understand that there is some angst between Sandals management and the union and this may simply be a union busting tactic where they don’t want those people to organise and fire the persons leading the charge in the union.

They may have a soft season but they definitely waited until the time was right to let go a lot of people. It’s just ridiculous.

I call on the government to stand up in this situation. They have to have the courage to Youri Kemp make them fall in line.”

The Bahamas Hotel Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU), which falls under the Trade Union Congress (TUC) umbrella, has since 2009 been seeking to negotiate an industrial agreement. Last week, Sandals Royal Bahamian general manager Gary Williams and the resort’s financial controller, Ronnie Mirza, both appeared in a magistrate’s court for failing to negotiate with the union, unlawfully terminating several union executives and intimidating union executives. The men pleaded not guilty and were each granted $5,000 bail with one surety.

TUC president Obie Ferguson has slammed the resort for its abrupt closure notice, noting that it was just days before the back-to-school period. It is understood that the all-inclusive Cable Beach property will be closing its doors on August 15 with plans to re-open on October See pg b3

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PAGE 2, Tuesday, August 16, 2016 THE TRIBUNE

Dr. Darville, RBC Royal Bank team and campers share a smile together. The students hold their packs with pride as the dental segment is concluded.

Teaching the best in dental hygiene More than 50 children between the ages of five and seven benefited from an interactive session on proper dental hygiene when RBC partnered with Dr Kristen Darville, paediatric dentist, to host a community dental hygiene forum at the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Summer Youth Camp, at Claridge Primary School.

Dr Darville, who is a client of RBC Royal Bank and supported by her trusty sidekick “Dr Croc”, coached the campers on the best practices for avoiding cavities - including thoroughly brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day to guarantee fresh breath, healthy teeth and gums and a big bright smile.

“I always explain to my young clients what cavities are, how we get them, as well as the benefits of good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing their teeth are only part of the process,” said Dr Darville. “We also need to impress upon our children, at an early age, the importance of a well-balanced diet, eating healthy snacks and how this all plays a

critical role in maintaining good teeth and a beautiful smile.”

A young Bahamian professional, Dr Darville has a passion for working with children and contributing to the community in a meaningful way. She is scheduled to open her paediatric dentistry practice called, “My First Dentist” in September 2016. The practice will cater to infants, children and those with special needs.

Also, on campus for Dr Darville’s presentation was Jerome Pinder, head of RBC Business Banking and his team of relationship managers who distributed RBC dental kits inclusive of a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and a two-minute timer perfect for timing teeth brushing, to the campers.

Mr Pinder said: “This client partnership is an example of RBC’s ongoing commitment at helping our clients thrive and communities prosper.”

He added: “Dr Darville is a dedicated and community-driven professional.

She has added immense

value to the dentistry profession in The Bahamas, and we are extremely proud to know that RBC was there and continues to be here every step of the way as she fulfills this significant career goal of opening her own practice.”

Dr Darville further explained that returning home, owning a practice and contributing to the Bahamian community was very important to her.

“With the dedication and support of RBC Business Banking and the personalized service I received from my relationship manager, I am seeing my dream unfold,” concluded Dr Darville.

Each year, RBC Royal Bank is privileged to support youth development by way of sponsoring numerous summer programmes across the country that aim at enriching the lives of its participants through education, social interaction, fun adventures and knowledgebased activities. Numerous Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Summer Youth Camps were among this year’s recipients.

Using Dr. Croc as the volunteer, Dr. Darville shares tips on effective teeth cleaning methods with the campers.

Scotiabank donates $25,000 to hurricane relief Scotiabank has donated $25,000 to The Bahamas Red Cross Society to help with hurricane relief efforts.

“The Bahamas Red Cross plays a critical role in our society, particularly in the wake of disaster,” said Leah R Davis, senior manager of marketing and public relations at Scotiabank.

“We are proud to partner with the Red Cross as an active demonstration of our commitment to those impacted by hurricanes, especially those in our Southern Islands still recovering from Hurricane Joaquin.”

The Bahamas branch of the International Red Cross is a humanitarian organisation which seeks to improve

the lives of the most vulnerable in our communities. The Bahamas Red Cross Society responds to national disasters, partners in the response to social needs, helps to alleviate human suffering through training, empowerment and heightened awareness, and focuses on increasing its resources.

THE TRIBUNE

Sandals outlines ‘fast tracked’ $4m renovation From pg B1 consistently maintained at the highest level,” Sandals said in a press release issued yesterday.

Sandals Royal Bahamian is set to unveil a newly renovated Windsor pool and restored Balmoral pool deck as well as major upgrades to five of its restaurants to include re-roofing.

The Windsor Ballroom will also undergo significant improvements to include updated audio visual equipment and soft furnishings.

Other repair work being undertaken extend to the resort’s Red Lane Spa and an overhaul of electrical systems in select areas. Several rooms and suites affected by recent emergency maintenance issues are also being restored.

“We are excited about the future of Sandals Royal Bahamian and look forward to celebrating its re-opening in October. The resort is on track to realize its best winter season and our actions now are in preparation for that very feat. This necessary remedial work is aimed at preserving our place in the market by ensuring Sandals Royal Bahamian is in the best shape of its life and its staff, who have the privilege of serving our guests, are also the industry’s very best,” Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts International was quoted as saying, adding, “Our guests deserve nothing less and neither does the world-class legacy of Bahamian tourism.”

“We have been in The Bahamas for over 20 years,” says Stewart, “and we absolutely love The Bahamas.

We want to express our gratitude and appreciation to The Bahamian government and its people for working with us in a spirit of cooperation to ensure a successful and timely re-opening; a celebration we will mark with our re-energised staff, industry partners, travel agents, airline executives and key players who build businesses for a better Bahamas.”

In a letter from Gary Sadler, Unique Vacations’ senior vice-president of sales, which was seen by Tribune Business, the resort blamed “circumstances” beyond its control for the pending closure and offered affected guests a chance to re-book their stays with any of the resort chain’s properties throughout the Caribbean.

The letter read: “We appreciate your patience as we work through this challenging time. We have instituted a streamlined and efficient course of action for these guests who may be affected and are extending all of our call centre resources to you.”

Trade Union Congress President Obie Ferguson had accused Sandals Royal Bahamian of the “highest level of union busting” and blasted the resort for its imminent abrupt closure, which he said was almost treasonous to the Bahamian people. The Bahamas Hotel Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU), which falls under the TUC umbrella, has since 2009 been seeking to negotiate an industrial agreement. Last week Sandals Royal Bahamian general manager Gary Williams and the resort’s financial controller Ronnie Mirza both appeared in a magistrate’s court for failing to negotiate with the union, unlawfully terminating several union executives and intimidating union executives. The men pleaded not guilty and were each granted $5,000 bail with one surety.

Tuesday, August 16, 2016, PAGE 3

Obama urges Democrats to campaign aggressively for Clinton CHILMARK, Mass.

(AP) — Adding a touch of politics to his vacation, President Barack Obama on Monday urged Democrats to campaign aggressively for the next 80 days to elect presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, saying “if we do not do our jobs, then it’s still possible for her to lose.”

“When I say do our jobs what I mean is we are going to have to continue to be engaged, write checks, make phone calls, rally people behind her candidacy,” Obama said, urging Democratic donors at a fundraiser to help counter an “unrelenting negative campaign” against the former secretary of state “that has made a dent in the opinion of people who even are inclined to vote for her.”

Clinton’s standing among voters has suffered from perceptions that she is dishonest, along with her use of a private email server when she ran the State De-

the best commercial possibility for it to had opened in a timely fashion. The whole

partment and the appearance of conflicts of interest between that department and her family foundation.

“We have to be aggressive

claim about sovereignty was political nonsense. As a result of this government intervention the whole deal

Medical association president: Make ‘maximum use’ of healthcare infrastructure From pg B1

Whenever you have large parties trying to come to some sort of agreement you are going to have disagreements. The governments mandate in a democratic

and free society is that they would provide national health insurance funded universal health coverage.

That is also our mandate. I think overall the Bill is not that bad.”

DNA blasts Govt over failure to ‘stand up’ for Sandals workers From pg B1

ronments

13. However, union executives said yesterday that Sandals had still not met with them or spoken to the employees regarding the closure.

DNA leader Branville McCartney in a statement issued yesterday noted that labour relations in the country have continued to deteriorate. Mr McCartney accused labour minister Shane Gibson of failing to intervene on behalf of the Sandals works.

“What hotel workers in this country need now, more than ever, is a government that will work to protect their interests first. An administration committed to not just the growth and development of the current tourism product, but also to creating opportunities for Bahamians to own a part of the country’s number one industry,” he said.

The statement noted that at the heart of the DNA’s tourism strategy for tourism is a people first agenda which places more value on Bahamians working on the frontline of the industry. “At all points in negotiations with foreign direct investors, the value of our workforce must always be paramount, and the importance of their role in creating successful hotel envi-

to hoteliers in a way that is

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than electing Clinton to continue the economic and other progress he described under his leadership.

Democrats Hank Gold-

is much more complicated, it now involves politics and it invokes government.

Whenever you inject government into a commercial matter it begins to cloud the business decision that have to be made,” said Mr Turnquest.

“With the extended delay we now see the end result which is this $315 million that has been missed unfor-

tunately. With the government incurring the kind of debt that it is; the economy underperforming as it is and jobs being lost as they are this is a significant downstream effect. It is regrettable that Baha Mar is not open and we have not been able to see our way clear to have the project restarted with a current or new developer and the effect it has on

the economy overall. This recent development with Sandals and what will be lost with that over the next couples of months will also have an impact. We are in a situation where our economy is not performing well.

Contrary to the government story, all is not well neither in the tourism sector or the economy overall,” said Turnquest.

President Barack Obama waves as he walks across the South Lawn of the White House, in Washington, as he returns from Charlotte, N.C. where he participated in a campaign event with Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Obama is interrupting his summer vacation to do some campaigning for Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee. Obama is slated to headline a Democratic Party reception yesterday, on Martha’s Vineyard, the tony Massachusetts island where he’s been vacationing with his family. (AP Photo)

$315M tax loss underscores Govt receivership flaw From pg B1

in our campaign for 80 days and that’s not a lot,” Obama said. “But when you think about the stakes, there’s nothing more important”

berg and his wife, Carol Brown Goldberg, hosted the event at their home in Chilmark, the same town where the president is renting a vacation home. About 60 Obama and Clinton supporters paid between $10,000 and $33,400 to attend the event that was held in a tent on the sprawling property. Servers wore white aprons that said, “Thank You, President Obama.”

The proceeds will benefit Clinton’s campaign, the Democratic National Committee and state parties across the country.

Obama pointedly did not mention Donald Trump, Clinton’s Republican opponent, by name and said he’s tired of talking about the New York businessman he earlier this month dismissed as “unfit to serve.”

“I don’t have to make the case against her opponent because every time he talks he makes the case against his own candidacy,” Obama said.

communicated

mutually beneficial for all parties.”

PAGE 4, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

US homebuilder sentiment rises in August as sales improve Associated Press – U.S. homebuilders are feeling more optimistic about the housing market this month, reflecting strong growth in new-home sales and prices.

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index released Monday rose two points to 60 following a downwardly revised reading of 58 in July.

Readings above 50 indicate more builders view sales conditions as good rather than poor. The index has mostly held at 58 this year since rising to 61 in January.

Builders’ view of current sales and their outlook for sales over the next six months improved this month, while a gauge of traffic by prospective buyers declined slightly.

The latest builder survey follows a recent surge in the sales of new U.S. homes.

Sales accelerated in June to a seasonally adjusted rate of 592,000, the fastest pace in more than eight years.

While the median sales price of a new home climbed to $306,700, an increase of 6.1 percent from June last year. July sales figures are due out next week.

New-home sales have risen 10.1 percent through the first six months of this year versus the same period in 2015, aided by a strong job market and low mortgage rates.

Employers added the most jobs in eight months in June and hiring was also healthy in July. Meanwhile, the average for the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 3.45 percent

last week, down sharply from 3.94 percent a year ago, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac. The benchmark for the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage remains close to its all-time low of 3.31 percent set in November 2012.

Those trends should keep housing “on an upward path during the rest of the year,” said Robert Dietz, the NAHB’s chief economist.

Even so, sales of new homes have yet to rebound to their historic average rate of 650,000.

The rise in prices for newly built and previously occupied homes coupled with tight inventories remain challenges for many wouldbe homebuyers. Builders also continue to face growing competition for labor and land that’s ready for new development.

This month’s builder index was based on 341 respondents.

A measure of current sales conditions for singlefamily homes rose to two points to 65, while builders’ view of sales over the next six months increased one point to 66. A gauge of traffic by prospective buyers fell one point to 44.

On a regional basis, the index found builder sentiment improved in the Northeast and South, but declined in the Midwest and West.

Though new homes represent only a fraction of the housing market, they have an outsized impact on the economy. Each home built creates an average of three jobs for a year and generates about $90,000 in tax revenue, according to NAHB data.

a shopper buys a product at a dry seafood shop in Tokyo. Japan’s economy grew at a slower than forecast 0.2 percent annual rate in the April-June quarter, as the recovery was sapped by weaker exports and business investment, the government said yesterday. (AP Photo)

Japan’s economy slows to snail’s pace as exports falter hensive assessment” of the impact of the bank’s monetary easing on the economy, citing “considerable uncertainty” over the outlook for prices and global markets.

A recent strengthening in the value of the Japanese yen, and weaker oil prices, have slowed progress toward the inflation target set by Abe and the central bank.

In February, the central bank began charging retail banks on excess reserves, implementing a negative interest policy in its quest to get lenders to put money to use.

That policy has helped spur a flurry of refinancing and could support demand

through new housing investment. Residential investment was relatively strong in the last quarter, rising 5 percent from a year earlier.

However, corporate investment fell 0.4 percent.

And consumer spending inched up 0.4 percent, despite a 2.5 percent increase in incomes.

Still, the improvement in household incomes offers some hope, Masamichi Adachi of JP Morgan said in a research note.

“While the softer-thanexpected 2Q outcome was somewhat disappointing, we think that consumption momentum remains positive,” he said.

Foreign holdings of Treasury debt rose in June

owes itself, including holdings in the Social Security trust fund.

Foreigners own about 45 percent of the publicly traded debt. Most of those holdings — more than $4 trillion — belong to foreign governments, primarily central banks. They see Treasury securities as one of the world's safest investments.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury securities rose in June after falling in the two previous months.

The Treasury Department reported Monday that total foreign holdings climbed 1.1 percent in June

to $6.28 trillion after declining 0.5 percent in May and 0.8 percent in April.

Japan, the second-biggest foreign owner of Treasury securities, increased its holdings by 1.3 percent to $1.15 trillion. That helped offset a reduction by China, the top foreign owner

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s economy barely grew in the April-June quarter, as weaker exports and business investment weighed on the faltering recovery.

Growth for the world’s third-largest economy was flat on a quarterly basis, adding to pressure on the Bank of Japan to take further action to stimulate slack corporate spending.

The economy expanded at a 0.2 percent annual pace in the last quarter, compared with a revised 0.8 percent rate in January-March period. Economists had forecast that it would maintain or even slightly better that pace in April-June. But private demand, which accounts for

of Treasury debt, which trimmed its holdings in June by 0.3 percent to $1.24 trillion.

Ireland ranked third in foreign ownership of Treasury debt. It boosted its holdings 4.2 percent to $270.6 billion. The Cayman Islands, an offshore bank-

nearly two-thirds of business activity, rose only 0.2 percent.

Moving to salvage his “Abenomics” strategy for fighting stagnation, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently proposed 28 trillion yen ($267 billion) in spending initiatives meant to get consumers and businesses to spend more and support the recovery.

The Bank of Japan also recently announced it would modestly increase its asset purchases from financial institutions to help inject more cash into the world’s thirdlargest economy and pursue its 2 percent inflation target.

It also plans a “compre-

ing center, ranked fourth, expanding its holdings by 3.5 percent to $269.4 billion.

The national debt stands at $19.37 trillion and is projected to increase in coming years as the annual budget deficits rise, reflecting the higher costs of financing

Social Security and Medicare for retiring baby boomers. That rising debt burden means the United States will need foreigners to keep buying Treasury securities.

Of the debt total, $14 trillion is publicly traded on financial markets. The rest is money the government

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 16, 2016, PAGE 5

US stocks again rebound as miners and machinery makers rise NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks closed at a record high Monday behind gains for chemical and machinery companies. Energy companies rose as the price of oil continued its recent recovery.

Makers of chemicals and mining companies made the biggest gains, and machinery companies and banks followed. Investors sold government bonds and utility and phone companies.

Those stocks climbed earlier in the year as investors sought safety. Stocks have seesawed between small gains and losses for more than a week as investors consider mixed reports on the health of the economy and a decline in corporate earnings. That hasn’t stopped them from setting records, but it’s kept investors wary.

“The market has run up in anticipation of better earnings ahead,” said Brian Nick, chief investment strategist for TIAA Investments. “If those earnings don’t come, we have the Wile E. Coyote moment where we’re off the cliff...and we’re gonna fall.”

The Dow Jones industrial average climbed 59.58 points or 0.3 percent, to 18,636.05.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 6.10 points, or 0.3 percent, to 2,190.15. The Nasdaq composite added 29.12 points, or 0.6 percent, to 5,262.02.

Second-quarter earnings are nearly all in the books, with this week’s releases from retailers Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Target among the last to appear. Corpo-

rate earnings are down once again this quarter and investors don’t expect much growth in the third quarter either, but they are starting to expect improvement after that.

U.S. crude jumped $1.25, or 2.8 percent, to $45.74 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, a benchmark used to price international oils, rose $1.38, or 2.9 percent, to $48.35 a barrel in London.

After a steep slide for most of June and July, the price of U.S. crude gained 6.4 percent last week.

Drilling rig operator Transocean added 53 cents, or 5.4 percent, to $10.43. National Oilwell Varco picked up $1.04, or 3.1 percent, to $34.85 and ConocoPhillips rose 81 cents, or 2 percent, to $42.18.

Chemicals company LyondellBasell Industries rose $2.16, or 2.9 percent, to $77.49 and mining and energy company Freeport-McMoRan climbed 35 cents, or 3 percent, to $12.17.

Aluminum producer Alcoa gained 35 cents, or 3.4 percent, to $10.52.

Utility companies took the largest losses, as Southern Co. declined 86 cents, or 1.6 percent, to $51.49 and Consolidated Edison sank $1.88, or 2.4 percent, to $76.24. Phone companies and household goods makers also slipped.

Real estate investment trust Mid-America Apartment Communities will buy competitor Post Properties for about $3.9 billion in stock. Both companies own large numbers of rental

LEGAL NOTICE PUMA ENERGY AFRICA VENTURES LTD.

American flags fly in front of the New York Stock Exchange. Global stocks mostly rose yesterday, despite subdued growth figures for Japan, as investors looked ahead to U.S. economic data this week as well as the minutes to the Federal Reserve’s last meeting. (AP Photo) properties, and demand for rentals has boomed in recent years because many people are being priced out of the housing market.

The deal values Post Prop-

erties at about $72.53 a share based on Friday’s closing prices. The stock rose $5.86, or 9.4 percent, to $68.08 and Mid-America stock lost $5, or 4.9 percent, to $97.15.

Water treatment company Xylem announced a $1.7 billion deal for Sensus, a company that provides smart meters, network technology, and analytics used by water,

Legal Notice

electric and gas utilities. Xylem stock advanced $1.87, or 3.9 percent, to $50.32.

A survey showed that U.S. homebuilders are feeling more optimistic about the market as prices and sales of new homes rise. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index rose from last month.

In June new home sales grew by the fastest pace in eight years, aided by continuing job growth and low mortgage rates. Toll Brothers gained 89 cents, or 3.2 percent, to $28.86 and Lennar added 55 cents, or 1.2 percent, to $47.30.

In other energy trading, wholesale gasoline rose 3 cents to $1.40 a gallon.

Heating oil gained 4 cents to $1.45 a gallon. Natural gas held steady at $2.59 per 1,000 cubic feet.

The price of gold rose $4.30 to $1,347.50 an ounce.

Silver advanced 14 cents to $19.85 an ounce. Copper picked up 1 cent to $2.15 a pound.

The dollar fell to 101.25 yen from 101.27 yen and the euro rose to $1.1183 from $1.1164.

Legal Notice

NOTICE

NOTICE

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No. 45 of 2000)

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No. 45 of 2000)

FALZON MANAGEMENT LIMITED

LINDEN OVERSEAS LIMITED

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000), FALZON MANAGEMENT LIMITED, has been dissolved and struck off the Register according to the Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 27th day of July, 2016.

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000), LINDEN OVERSEAS LIMITED, has been dissolved and struck off the Register according to the Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 27th day of July, 2016..

Thomas Brunhart, Langacker 49, Ll-9491 Ruggell Liquidator

Mr. Roman Kaverin

In Voluntary liquidation

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) PUMA ENERGY AFRICA VENTURES LTD. is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of The International Business Companies Act, 2000.

In Voluntary liquidation

of Zvenigorodskaya Street 5-47, Moscow, Russia Liquidator

(b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 8th day of August, 2016, when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted and registered by the Registrar General. (c) The Liquidator of the said company is Christophe Guido Zyde of 1855 Vallon Place, Dainfern Valley, 2191, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Dated this 12th day of August, 2016.

CHRISTOPHE GUIDO ZYDE (Liquidator)

Legal Notice

NOTICE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No. 45 of 2000)

SAWARD LIMITED In Voluntary liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000), SAWARD LIMITED, has been dissolved and struck off the Register according to the Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 27th day of July, 2016.

ROCKWELL LTD., 25 Mason Complex Stoney Ground, The Valley, British Anguilla Liquidator

Legal Notice

NOTICE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No. 45 of 2000)

QUANDER MANAGEMENT INC. In Voluntary liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000), QUANDER MANAGEMENT INC., has been dissolved and struck off the Register according to the Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 28th day of July, 2016..

GUSTAVO ANGEL VEIGA DOBRICH Galarza Street Teniente General Pablo 3565 Apt. A802, Montevideo Uruguay Liquidator

MARKET REPORT MONDAY,15 AUGUST 2016

t. 242.323.2330 | f. 242.323.2320 | www.bisxbahamas.com

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE 1,968.28 | CHG -6.47 | %CHG -0.33 | YTD 144.33 | YTD% 7.91 BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 4.05 17.43 9.09 3.50 4.70 0.18 8.34 8.40 6.10 10.60 15.50 2.72 1.60 5.80 8.76 11.00 8.10 6.90 12.25 11.00

52WK LOW 2.25 17.43 9.09 3.15 4.70 0.12 6.09 7.25 5.50 7.00 14.00 2.25 1.27 5.51 6.00 9.85 6.12 5.55 11.75 10.00

PREFERENCE SHARES 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1.00 105.50 100.00 100.00 100.00 105.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

1.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

SECURITY AML Foods Limited APD Limited Bahamas Property Fund Bahamas Waste Bank of Bahamas Benchmark Cable Bahamas CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank Colina Holdings Commonwealth Bank Commonwealth Brewery Consolidated Water BDRs Doctor's Hospital Famguard Fidelity Bank Finco Focol ICD Utilities J. S. Johnson Premier Real Estate

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

LAST CLOSE 4.05 15.85 9.09 3.50 5.22 0.12 6.50 8.40 5.83 10.59 14.49 2.59 1.50 5.80 8.76 10.95 8.10 6.40 11.93 10.00

CLOSE 4.05 15.85 9.09 3.50 5.22 0.12 6.50 8.40 5.83 10.59 14.00 2.54 1.50 5.80 8.76 10.95 8.10 6.40 11.93 10.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.49 -0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA CBLE CBLJ CBLK CBLL CBLM CBLN FBBA FCLB

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

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

SECURITY Fidelity Bank Note 17 (Series A) + Fidelity Bank Note 18 (Series E) + Fidelity Bank Note 22 (Series B) +

SYMBOL FBB17 FBB18 FBB22

LAST SALE 100.00 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2014-12-3Y BGS: 2015-1-3Y BGS: 2014-12-5Y BGS: 2015-1-5Y BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-3Y BGS: 2015-6-5Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y

BAH29 BG0103 BG0203 BG0105 BG0205 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0303 BG0305 BG0307 BG0330

115.41 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

115.53 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

0.12 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 8 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Cable Bahamas Series 10 Colina Holdings Class A Commonwealth Bank Class E Commonwealth Bank Class J Commonwealth Bank Class K Commonwealth Bank Class L Commonwealth Bank Class M Commonwealth Bank Class N Fidelity Bank Class A Focol Class B

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

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00 100.00

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) 115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

113.70 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

VOLUME

1,500

VOLUME

EPS$ 0.304 1.351 1.086 0.220 -1.134 0.000 0.185 0.551 0.508 0.541 0.528 0.094 0.166 0.510 0.612 0.960 0.650 0.703 0.756 0.000

DIV$ 0.090 1.000 0.000 0.160 0.000 0.000 0.187 0.260 0.200 0.360 0.610 0.060 0.040 0.240 0.275 0.000 0.280 0.120 0.640 0.000

P/E 13.3 11.7 8.4 15.9 N/M N/M 35.1 15.2 11.5 19.6 26.5 27.0 9.0 11.4 14.3 11.4 12.5 9.1 15.8 0.0

YIELD 2.22% 6.31% 0.00% 4.57% 0.00% 0.00% 2.88% 3.10% 3.43% 3.40% 4.36% 2.36% 2.67% 4.14% 3.14% 0.00% 3.46% 1.88% 5.36% 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 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

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

INTEREST 7.00% 6.00% Prime + 1.75%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2017 31-May-2018 19-Oct-2022

6.95% 4.00% 4.00% 4.25% 4.25% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.00% 4.25% 4.50% 6.25%

20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2017 30-Jul-2018 16-Dec-2019 30-Jul-2020 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2018 26-Jun-2020 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 1.99 3.90 1.92 167.58 138.35 1.44 1.67 1.55 1.06 6.67 8.16 5.81 10.66 10.12

52WK LOW 1.67 3.04 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.38 1.53 1.47 1.03 6.11 6.93 5.55 10.37 8.65

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund FG Financial Preferred Income Fund FG Financial Growth Fund FG Financial Diversified Fund FG Financial Global USD Bond Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund Royal Fidelity Bah Int'l Investment Fund Principal Protected TIGRS, Series 5 Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund

NAV 1.99 3.90 1.92 167.58 136.68 1.44 1.67 1.55 1.06 6.67 8.01 5.81 10.66 8.65

YTD% 12 MTH% 2.33% 4.05% 3.34% 6.09% 1.63% 2.99% 3.41% 5.18% 2.95% -0.58% 1.89% 3.91% 2.32% 8.70% 1.68% 5.28% 2.77% 1.26% -0.14% 9.15% -1.87% 15.62% 0.83% 4.82% 70.00% 2.80% -6.29% -13.65%

NAV Date 31-Jul-2016 31-Jul-2016 27-Jul-2016 30-Jun-2016 30-Jun-2016 30-Jun-2016 30-Jun-2016 30-Jun-2016 30-Jun-2016 29-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016

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 | FG CAPITAL MARKETS 242-396-4000 | COLONIAL 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225

Solution next Saturday.

STAyS 18 August 10 3 16, 8 2016 PAGE 56, Tuesday, Difficulty: 8/10 Target: 26 mins

18 Sh

THE TRIBUNE

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THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 16, 2016, PAGE 7

b o dy a n d m i n d

A spotlight on the Bahamas Family Planning Association There are many local organisations dedicated to various causes whose presence sometimes flies under the radar.

The role that many of these organisations play are vital in helping improve the quality of life for Bahamians.

One such organisation is the Bahamas Family Planning Association, which has been drawing community attention to the relationship between family planning and economic stability.

The association operates the Bahamas Family Planning Clinic, a nonprofit clinic, and the only one of its kind in New Providence.

The Bahamas Sexual Health and Rights Association – the advocacy and education arm of the organisation – is made up of a council of members and is administered by a board of directors.

The association advocates for the reproductive health and rights of all Bahamians, and conducts workshops on matters such as contraception, sexual health, reproductive cancers, etcetera, for corporate and civic groups.

Given the recent discussions regarding the need for family planning to be brought back to the forefront of public attention, Tribune Health is taking a closer look at the Bahamas Family Planning Association, its goals and the part it plays in meeting the needs of Bahamians.

The beginning Since April 13, 1984, the Bahamas Family Planning Association has operated the country’s only charity medical health clinic.

With the original vision of its founders – Dr Bernard Nottage, Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson, Dr Timothy McCartney, Janet Bostwick, Rita Sands Spriggs, Beryl Higgs, Joan Hanna and others – the Association has had a long and successful history of leadership in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

When Dr Nottage initially proposed the idea of family planning to the Bahamian society, he was sternly admonished that “man should not cast thy seed upon the ground.” While family planning services are now widely accepted and available in all community health clinics across our archipelago, there are still unmet needs for sexual and reproductive health.

The non-profit clinic

spirit of volunteerism to be central to achieving its mandate.

Teenagers and adolescents A flagship project of Bahamas Family Planning is its “Baby Can Wait” programme, which is an intervention for girls and young women, ages 15 to 24, at risk for premature parenthood and school/job performance failure. It employs a research-based curriculum which aims to counteract social and interpersonal forces that impede young women’s personal development, by promoting emotionally safe settings within which participants can analyse life goals and choices.

Groups of 12 participants meet weekly with a trained facilitator. If you wish to host a “Baby Can Wait” programme at your church or community organisation, please contact Bahamas Family Planning.

Bahamas Family Planning consultant Lowena West (far right) facilitates a workshop.

As the country’s only non-government, non-profit clinic, and as a member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Bahamas Family Planning is in a unique position to offer comprehensive reproductive health services, including new-generation contraceptive methods, along with general family practice medical services.

Headed by a medical director, Dr Steven Rolle, the Bahamas Family Planning Clinic offers pap smears, HIV/AIDS testing and treatment and care, contraceptive services, including IUD insertions and removals, and general family medicine.

Both men and women, as well as college students are welcome.

The clinic is also proud to offer Jadelle implants, which are inserted just below the skin of the forearm, and offer protection for up to five years.

Its mission is “to provide outstanding service, happy member experiences and comprehensive quality healthcare.”

Sexual and reproductive health advocacy Bahamas Family Planning is committed to working in partnership with the government and other community organisations.

On March 21, 2016, at the Harry C Moore Library, the Bahamas Family Planning Association, under its Bahamas Sexual Health and Rights Section, along with the Student Affairs Division of the College of the Bahamas, hosted part-

Conclusion

Bahamas Family Planning members at a monthly lecture series.

The Bahamas Family Planning Clinic, a nonprofit clinic, is the only one of its kind in New Providence. ners to a conclave to create a unified, national strategy for the reduction of teenage pregnancy.

The partners analysed the CARICOM/UNFPA Framework for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy in the Caribbean.

Under the leadership of its advocacy chairs Audrey Roberts and retired CARICOM Ambassador Leonard Archer, the association emphasised that sexual,

reproductive and human rights should be the unifying theme of the collaboration amongst all stakeholders, as well as any national strategy.

Sexual and reproductive health education Bahamas Family Planning maintains that youth should be equipped with age-specific knowledge that

can help them to protect themselves when trusted adults are not around.

During July, the association conducted its “Good Touch/Bad Touch” summer camp at Columbus Primary School in Centreville.

Executive Director Denise Curry and camp facilitators also assisted Urban Renewal and H M Police Force Summer Camps.

More than 100 children learned to define appropriate touches and what to do when touched in body zones that are off-limits, except by trusted adults.

The organisation is now appealing for additional volunteers, especially mothers (both stay-at-home and working) to become trainers in the “Good Touch/ Bad Touch” programme, and commit to teaching one session per week for eight weeks.

Bahamas Family Planning said it considers the

The Bahamas Family Planning Association said it applauds the efforts of the government in advancing many of the treaties that speak to reproductive and sexual health and rights, such as the UN SecretaryGeneral’s Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health. However, progress has been uneven, with marginalised and underserved groups, making the least progress. It is crucial that no one be left behind, the association said.

According to Bahamas Family Planning, both government and civil society must work together to ensure that sexual and reproductive health information, education and services are available to all, and uphold this access as an inalienable human right.

Interested persons can join the Bahamas Family Planning Association and to attend monthly meetings and lectures, receive a electronic newsletter, take part in socials and the Sexual and Reproductive Rights Advocate Honouree banquet, held at the end of each year, or to volunteer in an education programme for young people.

For more information about Bahamas Family Planning, visit them at 37 East Avenue, Centreville, or call 325-1663, e-mail bfpa@batelnet.bs, or visit the website at www.mybashra.org.

Healthy eating tips for kids when dining out (BPT) - Whether they’re travelling, celebrating a special occasion or simply spending quality time together, families across the country enjoy going to restaurants and dining out together.

As consumers become more sophisticated in their tastes and diets, restaurateurs are re-engineering their menus to accommodate those needs. Today, more than ever before, restaurants are offering an array of healthful, delicious and great-tasting options that appeal to taste buds of all ages.

“Many restaurants are updating their menus so children have more nutritious choices when they dine out,” says Annika Stensson, the National Restaurant Association’s direc-

tor of research communications. “More kids’ menus feature fresh ingredients that are cooked creatively and make eating out not only healthful, but fun.”

Even though there are more nutritious choices available for children, it can sometimes be confusing for parents to figure out the better options from the more indulgent ones. Healthy Dining founder Anita Jones-Mueller, MPH, has provided five simple tips to help parents find more healthful kids’ meals:

dren can choose from. Give salmon kabobs or grilled chicken strips a try.

1. Seek out high-quality ingredients: Look for options that are made with unprocessed ingredients and have a flavour profile kids will love. There are lots of foods prepared in various ways that parents and chil-

3. Go for creativity: Kids have sophisticated palates so give them the opportunity to try new things. The fact is they like to have fun when eating out. Look for menus featuring creative kids’ meals. From bento

2. Opt for more fresh veggies and fruit: When a meal includes fresh produce, kids not only get more nutrients, but also enjoy a rainbow of tantalising colours. Look for kids’ meals that include salads, dippable sliced fruit or steamed vegetables. Fresh ingredients provide different textures that will keep young diners interested in their food.

The vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro creates an energetic dining atmosphere in Carioca’s on the Disney Magic. Buffet meals are served with a festival theme during daytime hours, and the restaurant transforms into an after-hours scene with table service each evening. (Kent Phillips, photographer) boxes and kid-friendly sushi to turkey sliders and creative noodle bowls, chefs are thinking beyond the traditional to create fun and memorable items.

4. Look for lean proteins, whole grains: To ensure that kids feel full and satisfied after eating their meals, choose options made with lean proteins and whole

grains. They are two important components of a wellrounded diet. Proteins and whole grains also help you feel fuller longer.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, August 16, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Breaking the ‘Sickle Cycle’

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

U

NDER the theme, “Let’s Break the Sickle Cycle”, the Bahamas Sickle Cell Association (BSCA) will host its third annual fun run/walk on September 10.

The event aims to not only raise money for its ongoing education forums, but also for its programmes to assist Bahamians living with sickle cell disease (SCD).

SCD is a group of genetically passed down blood disorders. The most common type is known as sickle-cell anaemia. It results in an abnormality in the oxygen-carrying protein haemoglobin found in red blood cells.

BSCA director Danielle Ferguson said there is a lot of information that Bahamians need to be aware of in relation to SCD, including it being an inherited genetic disease and the importance of getting tested early enough to take proactive measures.

“Understanding the importance of oxygen, the need to stay hydrated, getting out of wet clothes and limiting physical exertion are just some of the core things every person with SCD needs to be aware of,” she said. “Not every pain is a growing pain. Feeling tired and not wanting to play or asking to stay home should not be ignored. It is important for parents to get the facts and speak to their doctors. There are options out there for health insurance that is not costly to employers or persons with this pre-existing disease.

BSCA is there to support persons with the disease and we want persons to reach out to us.”

The upcoming walk/run, which is being held during World Sickle Cell Month, starts at 6am from Goodman’s Bay, continues to Sandyport, and back to Goodman’s Bay. Organisers are also offering a shorter route option for those interested. This route will start from Goodman’s Bay, continue to the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort and also conclude at Goodman’s Bay. As a BSCA director, Ms Ferguson’s role is to ensure that the association meets its goals.

The annual fun run/walk, she said, is just one of many ways the association chooses to raise awareness during World Sickle Cell Month.

Ms Ferguson explained that funds raised at such events allow the BSCA to continue to host ed-

Fun run/walk aims to raise $3,000 ucation forums, produce printed material for the public, distribute care baskets to “sickle cell disease warriors”, and more importantly, assist persons with surgeries and medical treatments both locally and abroad.

Last year, approximately 180 persons participated in the fun run/walk. The group’s goal this year is get at least 275 participants and to raise the sum of $3,000.

“I am one of the spokespersons for the organisation and I have SCD; it doesn’t have me,” said Ms Ferguson.

“The fun run/walk is the brainchild of our immediate past president, Dr Nisha Armbrister, who wanted to host events that will bring persons with the disease and their families together to raise awareness. The board decided to host the event again mainly because of its previous success and as a way to support healthy lifestyles that are so needed today in the Bahamas.”

Moreover, she said, the annual walk/run has evolved into an event that not only raises money, but also awareness of sickle cell disease. This year, the organisation has printed brochures and flyers with information about the disease.

“We will also be hosting other fundraising events during this World Sickle Cell Month. We are having our second annual raffle and mini fair on September 24 at the R M Bailey Park, Robinson Road. Food tickets and raffle books will be on sale in the upcoming weeks. We are hoping to raise $10,000 from the mini fair and raffle. BSCA has also established its regular monthly meeting held on the last Thursday of each month at Dr Patrick Roberts’ office on Dean’s Lane, Fort Charlotte at 6pm. We have also introduced quarterly education forums with topical issues which are open to the public free of charge. We will host our third forum for the year at Doctors Hospital on August18 at 6.30 pm,” said Ms Ferguson.

BSCA members are advising all interested persons to registed for the fun run/walk by August 31. For more information call 4367130 or 427 4849, or visit the website, www.bahamassicklecell.org, or Facebook and Instagram pages for registration details. Walk-ups are welcomed and pre-registration on the morning of the event will begin at 5am.

CANCER survivors, fitness enthusiasts and supporters take part in Soca for the Cure.

WENDI Lewis and Dyson Knight get the crowd going.

THE ORGANISING committee for “Soca for the Cure” – (l-r) Antionette Fox of CIBC FirstCaribbean; Andrea Sweeting of the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, and Tonia Miller-Cartwright, manager of Sales Support at CIBC FirstCaribbean.

EMCEE Bodine Johnson and CIBC FirstCaribbean Head of Human Resources Antionette Turnquest present a lucky winner with a prize.

Cancer survivors and fitness enthusiasts “fete” for the cure MORE than 200 participants recently came out to jump, wave and work up a sweat while raising money for cancer research and awareness.

Cancer survivors, fitness enthusiasts and supporters filled the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort’s ballroom for the CIBC FirstCaribbean “Soca for the Cure” fitness fundraiser – the first in a series of activities leading up to the annual Walk for the Cure.

Renowned fitness instructor Macumbla “Comby” Smith of Caribbean Sweat Fitness led the group in an exciting “socaerobics” workout. The “feting” was punctuated with performances by local artists Bodine Johnson, Wendi Lewis and Dyson Knight, who rocked the crowd between aerobic sets.

Soca enthusiast Sarsha Taylor said she couldn’t think of a better way to support a great cause.

“The event was amazing. The energy was crazy. I am looking forward to many more events like this,” she said. “I am a part of Comby’s Caribbean Sweat Fitness group, so I wanted to support (this). I have had friends that have been affected by cancer and it touched their whole families. I do whatever I can to support this cause; if cancer touches one of us it touches all of us.”

The Bahamas Cancer Society, which has received proceeds from Walk for the Cure for the past five years, was present to distribute information about cancer detec-

tion and prevention.

“The Cancer Society has been partnering with Walk for the Cure since its inception, and CIBC FirstCaribbean has been a donor for much longer,” said Patrice Adderley, Bahamas Cancer Society member. “We know partnership is needed for the fight against cancer so we are delighted to come to events like this to raise awareness.”

Several members of the local business community provided in-kind donations that helped to make the event possible. The D’Albenas Agency provided healthy snacks and representatives of Caribbean Bottling Company were on-site giving Dasani water and PowerAde to participants.

“We partnered with CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Walk for the Cure last year and it was very successful. We are looking forward to the event again this year,” said Sasha Pratt, marketing coordinator for Caribbean Bottling Company.

“We love to help out whenever we can so we came on board very quickly when we heard about the Soca for the Cure.”

The Meliá donated the space for the event.

Latoya Hanna-Moxey, senior sales and marketing manager, said: “We have a few co-workers at Meliá Nassau Beach AllInclusive who have been affected by the disease so this is our way of showing that we care. There’s room for all of us to be a part of

assisting this cause.”

Maya Nottage, marketing manager at CIBC FirstCaribbean, expressed the bank’s appreciation for all of the support that it received.

“This was really a community effort. We’re extremely grateful to all of our corporate partners who so generously donated their products and services to make this event a success. We’re also grateful to Comby and the dynamic Caribbean Sweat Fitness team for helping us to create such a unique fundraising experience. People are already asking us when we’ll host the next one,” she said.

Other sponsors and donors for the event included the Sports Centre, BTC, British Colonial Hilton, Master Creation Signs and Graphics, Phat Groove Eblast Marketing, Lighting Audiovisual, Print Masters, The Nassau Guardian, The Tribune Media Group, and Anudda Production.

This event marks the start of CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Walk for the Cure fundraising season which leads up to the bank’s regional fundraiser, The Walk for the Cure, on October 2. This will be the fifth year that CIBC FirstCaribbean hosts the fun run walk. Last year, 1,000 participants registered for the Walk in the Bahamas and over $77,000 were donated to eight local cancer charities.

AN ILLUSTRATION of sickle cell anaemia

Crisis dentistry vs preventive dentistry I WAS giving a talk recently on “preventive dentistry” and the practice of it. A member of the audience admitted to not practicing preventive dentistry and asked of me what was he practicing.

Without thinking the words were out of my mouth, “You are practicing ‘crisis dentistry’.”

This is not official dental terminology, but it fits and describes a particular set of behaviours. I continue to use this handy phrase.

What is preventive dentistry, and why do dentists refer to it so often?

Preventive dentistry is a group of great habits that when practiced, assist in warding off potential dental disease, and in so do-

Dr Sparkman Ferguson Registrar of the Bahamas Dental Council ing preserve and maintain dental health.

Included in preventive dentistry

practices are the following: Daily home care (brushing and flossing), yearly routine checkups and professional cleaning, yearly dental imaging (X-rays), dental protective sealants for children, and prompt attention to early teeth disease or gum disease if / when they appear.

Dentists refer to preventive dentistry often because it is by far the most efficient, and less expensive route to good dental health. Preventing all forms of dental disease is where we all need to be, but it does take some effort on the part of each individual.

People are often shocked at the cost to rehabilitate damaged teeth and gums, yet further complicate the process by choosing to do

nothing about it. Eventually, such an individual winds up losing all their natural teeth.

What is crisis dentistry, and why do dentists warn against it?

Crisis dentistry is behaviour (conscious or unconscious) toward ones oral health where only “pain” signals a need to seek professional care.

It speaks to every form of dental neglect known and is the direct opposite of preventive dentistry.

Dentists warn against “crisis dentistry” behaviour for many reasons.

The person always requires emergency care. Severe pain and suffering is usually involved. Ex-

pensive treatments can be encountered. Incapacitation can be involved with loss of the ability to work, or carry out one’s regular duties.

Young children and high school youth frequently get caught in the crossfire of crisis dentistry if this is the practice of their parents.

When parents are neglectful concerning mouth health, their children usually suffer unnecessary dental pains.

Conclusion

It is unfathomable why any person would choose to willingly subscribe to “crisis dentistry”.

There is not one positive thing associated with it. The losses are always great, and so are the inconveniences.

Our community is admonished to abandon the practice of “crisis dentistry” and adopt the practice of preventive dentistry.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, August 16, 2016, PAGE 9

Recovery after birth New moms often face many challenges just after giving birth.

Every birth journey is different, but all of them are challenging, exhausting and involve some sort of recovery time.

A woman’s body has gone through a natural, albeit traumatic experience after birth, and her body has literally changed.

There will be some time needed for her to feel like herself again, and that all starts with allowing the body to heal.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while recovering after birth: • If you’re lucky enough to have support, this will be the time that you will need it, and don’t feel ashamed to ask for it. Someone that is available to help you with basic things like food and cleaning will be a huge help. If you

Bun In The Oven

Bianca Carter have a toddler, getting someone to occupy them for a couple of hours will give you more time to rest and focus on the new baby.

• Depending on if you had a

are resting. It’s challenging to get sleep when taking care of a newborn, so give yourself as much time as you can to rest when the baby is sleeping. The other tasks can wait.

C-section or an episiotomy, your stitches will need to heal. Most C-sections are done with the dissolvable stitches, and initially you may not be allowed to get them wet. The episiotomy wound typically benefits from warm baths with Epsom salts or another sitz bath formula.

• It’s important to take care of your body by eating proper healthy food. Most moms that are breastfeeding will still get pangs of hunger from time to time, so it’s very important not to neglect your needs as well.

You’re not eating to nourish your baby growing inside of you anymore, but if you’re breastfeeding, the quality of your milk can be affected with what you eat. Your body will take whatever nutrients from your body that it needs in order to take care of the baby which means that it can leave you

Little by little, your body will heal, and you will feel significant changes as the days pass. The recovery time is different for everyone, so be patient, and give yourself all that you need to get back to your pre-baby self.

Love and hugs!

For new moms rest is important physically, mentally and emotionally. depleted, so its super important to eat healthy. It’s also a good idea to keep taking your prenatal vitamins.

• Rest is important physically, mentally and emotionally. Your body will do its healing when you

• Bianca Carter is a certified lactation counsellor and founder of Bun in the Oven.

For more information, email her at info@ babybunintheoven. com. Follow BITO on Facebook at babybunintheoven, and check out the BITO Blog every Monday and Thursday at http://babybunintheoven.com.

The culture of homes with no income Let’s talk about the culture of homes with no income, only an unemployed mother, no father but many baby daddies We are quick to criticise people for their efforts to combat social and economic problems because we see their strategies as being unacceptable, yet we come up with no alternative strategies.

We simply stand back through mud and then wait for someone else to provide alternatives. When it comes to women-headed households where there are no fathers actively involved, this has become a common factor in the Bahamian socio-cultural landscape for centuries. However, culturally, the country has shifted towards a more misogynistic structure where women and men are defined in very narrow, usually sexual and reproductive terms.

Defining gendered roles We define men by their ability to breed. As has been repeatedly underscored here, men can sire offspring, but are never taught to be responsible for life.

They are, in fact, taught that they need not do anything other than reproduce themselves; it is a woman’s responsibility to take care of children. This cultural trend has deepened.

We teach men that they are not responsible for their actions nor do they need to be actively involved with family. They are simply donors of semen then they are gone.

Women are told that they are only women once they

Dr Ian Bethell-Bennett have children. They are encouraged to have children with popular guys.

This popularity means that these men have more than one or two or three other women already, and the other woman who is interested in them understands that she is simply just another number.

We do not create young women with real sense of self-worth. Their self-worth is tied to their reproductive capacity and being used for cash or a thigh snack. They are but children and are too involved in being young to care about raising babies.

This has become more commonplace nowadays than in the past. Girls, as much as boys, are assigned sexualised roles from young. Levels of sexual abuse are high as is sexual exploitation; they must use their bodies to bring in money, according to mother.

Some girls are encouraged to have children by different men because that way they can receive money from each baby daddy.

However, many of those baby daddies don’t work.

Some of them are dealers, and these are the more popular ones because they are

Rebekah Brice finds success with her love for baking From pg B10 it,” she said.

Ms Brice said without her grandmother Pauline Thompson’s guidance at a young age, she does not believe her passion to create would have grown as it did.

Her grandmother made baking a fun and joyful activity.

“Without my grandmother giving me my start and my mother’s (Edna Kerr) constant encouragement and support I would not be the baker I am today. For me, my biggest benefit is

simply being able to work and make money from a job that I truly love. So far all of the people who I have made cakes for have given me such positive feedback.

I have had many people come back for years for their birthday cakes, as well as a few people wait for me to come home from college to place orders. It’s these people and their encouragement that keeps pushing me forward,” said Ms Brice.

Her dream is to one day open her very own baking business.

The author who walked a ‘Broken’ path From pg B10 I’ve come to understand that and have accepted His love instead of chasing after the love of men, family and anyone else. God is everything to me now and I’m now chasing after Him. “I want to encourage someone today who was brought up in a broken home. I want you to seek God and put Him first in everything you do. Once you do that, you would be able to give Him all of your broken pieces and He will shape you, mould you and mend you into someone you never thought you would have become.”

While some may question why Ms Pratt chose to

be so open about the ordeals in her life, the author said she believes there are too many broken people out there that need to be uplifted.

If her story of triumph can change the life of just one person, Ms Pratt said her writing will not have been in vain.

“There are so many broken people around the world who need guidance as to how they should live their life, and it all starts in the home. I truly believe that this book would do well in the government schools to help our children to stay focus and to get help if needed,” she said.

“My plan is to continue

cash rich and outgoing, they dress well too and have a nice car. These are qualities we say make a successful man. It does not matter how he gets the money. What happens when baby daddy dies in a shootout?

We have young women with a bunch of children with different men. The understanding is that this is a lucrative form of income generation. We have young men who cannot make money legally, but are supposed to pay baby mudders for they chiren. This trend has worsened and it is following the US popular/ bling culture model of defining women as hoes and men as thugs. Public figures build on this image.

Violence and exploitation We have moved away from public figures who carry themselves with selfrespect and dignity to persons who must meet the public where they are. They get down in the gutter, but are apparently unable to raise the level of conversation after that.

Their behaviour is like the irresponsible men they openly condemn in public, but who they promote because of their public display of irresponsible hypermasculinity. Many of these public figures may be able to ascend form the gutter, but they have encouraged an entire subgroup of youth to understand that this is the only kind of behaviour that is necessary: I call you sissy, I tell you bout your %$#@ and I look better than you. If push comes to shove, I jook you, you die; I is more man dan you. But Right now, Ms Brice’s plan is to find a workplace that is willing to give her the opportunity to display her skills as a pastry artist as well as a hard worker.

“I love what I do and want to show as many people as I can the joy I have for doing it. Being a student who has just returned home I am currently still looking for a workplace to call my own. I want to open a pastry shop that could offer basic classes to up-and-coming pastry chefs. This is something I want to do because there are a lot of learning options for people in the culinary field here in Nassau, but not as many for the pastry people,” she said. to find ways to help people and guide them so that they will not fall into the same traps that I did while I was growing up. I will no longer live life without totally depending on God. Success in this journey will only come through God. I cannot and will not turn back; God has been too good to me. I deny anything from existing in my life that does not sustain my value. When I gave my life to Him, my lifestyle began to align with my value. My image and appearance now reflects my value. I released myself from habits, mindsets and behaviours that did not improve my value, and I only communicate and flourish in those environments that contribute to my value,” she said.

Ms Pratt said she is now in the process of writing her second book.

I know de rule a de jungle/ road, and I will die as soon as one a your boys get to me.

The cycle of violence continues. Public figures encourage this thug life. The young men who see this as their way to riches do not see that there is some serious play acting, and that there are other sides to the story. Dey gat three or four gyals, and dey gat babies wid dese gyals, just like the public figures who go into their neighbourhoods and form liaisons wid young gyals dere.

The public figures only make short visits to what they call the ghetto, because it’s spicy, these dudes live there and they always cuttin’ movie, and then they die. You disrespec me, I kill you. Respec!

The levels of exposure to violet crime, violent popular culture, games and music were unknown prior to the proliferation of cable and satellite. The internet has also fed into an already troubled tough, cash-rich identity that has little fu-

ture, but lives in the now.

As the models of irresponsible hypermasculine behaviour go for men, so too they go for women. The fight to bring integrity and respect back into daily life is very real.

National development We so often sling mud at those who make suggestions. Sometimes their suggestions may not be the best, but they bring us to a place where we can begin to grapple with some of our serious social problems that ultimately impact the socioeconomic and political stability of the nation.

Historically, there have always been women-headed homes where men had disappeared from the scene.

There were homes with 15 or 20 children. There were homes where a woman had children with different men.

But for the most part, those families had integrity and children were taught selfrespect and self-regard, they were taught to work,

bring in whatever honest money they could, and not to beg on the side of the road.

Life was not about exposing all one’s dirty laundry in the most public and vulgar way possible and rubbing everyone’s nose in it. Today, teenage pregnancy may be on the decline, but the number of female-headed households where multiple males lay their heads from time to time or leave their stain is growing. The country needs to do something about the culture of which we wish not to speak.

We must begin to face the facts and not hide behind the mud. Violence against women, sexualised violence, prostitution and irresponsible behaviour much like the young men who stand by and decide to rape tourist girls because they can, are serious developmental challenges that are not government’s problem, but everyone’s responsibility.

• bethellbennett@gmail. com

SECTION b

tuesday, august 16, 2016

The author who walked a

‘Broken’ path Melissa Pratt at the launch and signing of her new book “Broken”

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

M

Melissa Pratt hopes to inspire others with her story

olestation, neglect and homosexuality are just some of the topics Melissa Pratt addresses in her new book “Broken”, which gives a candid look at some of the ordeals the Bahamian author had to overcome in her life.

She admits that it was not easy to reveal some of the skeletons in her closest, but she found the courage to do so anyway in hopes of inspiring others who may find themselves without hope.

Mr Pratt said she wants readers to be inspired by her candidness when it comes to discussing her hardships.

“The book ‘Broken’ is about a path filled with many hurdles that I had to learn to overcome from. ‘Broken’ shares my numerous encounters from dealing with my parents’ divorce and neglect, to molestation, pornography, lesbianism, unemployment and single motherhood.

Needless to say, from a child these events dampened my spirit and diminished my self-confidence and self-value. To add to my troubles, my mom kicked me out of the house when I tried to head to church. Every time my life

seemed to look up, another dark cloud appeared. To say that my life was a hard one would be an unwarranted understatement,” she said. “ ‘Broken’ ultimately captures the journey of having to choose between “living an imperfect life and serving a perfect God with my life.”

Ms Pratt said she was raised in a broken home “filled with lust, porn, confusion, hate, anger, divorce, molestation.”

And because of all of that I could not focus in class and started to look for love in all the wrong places by dating older men, allowing them to abuse me physically and mentally. Then I got adapted to having sexual intercourse with women. I was so lost and could not find my way, until I gave my life to God. That’s where I found my

true self. I found strength and I listened to hear God speak,” she said.

After paying a visit to a local church, Ms Pratt said she was given a vision in a dream telling her to write a book. Though a difficult task, Ms Pratt said she kept the purpose of the book in the mind while writing – to encourage people who may be going through a similar challenges.

“God met me while I was in a devastating state.

Through all of my mess and bad decisions, He still chose to pluck me up from where I was and make me a part of his family. God is so amazing and his love is truly unfathomable. He loves us and chases after us even when we do not love him. I lived without thinking of how my living was affecting my maker, and I believe that this is the reason I went through so much pain in my younger years.

God was calling me to be someone who would testify on His behalf,” she said.

“Yes, I went through things no young woman should, but everything is for a reason. If we all live with that notion in mind, we will be more content with where we are in life.

God wants all of us to become a part of his family.

He loves us when we are at our lowest. He loves us when we don’t love Him. See pg b9

Rebekah Brice finds success with her love for baking

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

REBEKAH Brice

REBEKAH Brice’s passion for baking started at the age of seven as she assisted her grandmother with baking and soon learned how to decorate cakes herself.

She continued to teach herself by watching televised cake shows and reading pastry books. Rebekah knew that one day she would be a pastry chef.

“I originally started off down this path making cakes for family Christmas parties. I then extended my baking to taking small cake orders from family and friends. I started my education at the College of the Bahamas in 2011, however, they did not offer a pastry programme so I left in 2013 to go to Johnson & Wales

University,” she told Tribune Woman.

Spending three years at Johnson & Wales University, she took several pastry and decorating classes, and travelled home for her first internship at Atlantis, Paradise Island.

Upon completing a study trip to Italy in July, Rebekah finished her Bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in Baking and Pastry Arts.

Ms Brice said out of all aspects of pastry arts she has experienced thus far, she still loves cake decorating the most.

“I like the look on a person’s faces when I can tell them that my realistic looking creation can be eaten. To see the wonder that people display simply because they can eat a rose or a toy car is priceless; it makes the hard work worth See pg b9

A fun cake decorated by Rebekah Brice