08252023 NEWS, SPORTS, BUSINESS

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MARIJUANA LEGAL PLANS REVEALED

Bills would ease restricitons on religion and medicine use - but recreation ‘an offence’

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis administration released a compendium of bills that would transform cannabis use in The Bahamas from a strictly illegal activity to an industry regulated for medical, recreational, religious and scientific research purposes.

Officials discussed the long-anticipated proposal during yesterday’s briefing

at the Office of the Prime Minister.

People caught with less than 30 grams of the substance would face a $250 fixed penalty, which would not appear on their criminal record if paid in time.

Those found with more than five hundred grams of dried cannabis would be presumed to possess the substance intending to supply it to others and could

EXUMA OIL SPILL SETTLEMENT ‘confidential’, says Pinder

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General

Ryan Pinder said he would not reveal how much the government fined Sun Oil Limited for an oil spill in Exuma last year.

“I don’t disclose confidential settlements at the Office of the Attorney General, you know that,”

he told reporters during an Office of the Prime Minister briefing yesterday.

It had not been publicly known until Mr Pinder’s comment yesterday that the fine was part of a confidential settlement.

In April, he said he could not disclose the fine because one had not as yet been finalised.

Jean Rony - famed for legal fght to stay in nation - is stabbed to death

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

JEAN Rony JeanCharles, the soft-spoken, Bahamas-born child of Haitian parents whose legal case became a flashpoint in the fight about citizenship and immigration practices, was killed on Wednesday

night, according to his family and lawyers.

Relatives who visited the Central Detective Unit yesterday said he was stabbed. Police officers, however, declined to confirm he was killed, saying their identification process won’t be completed until this morning.

“It is with great sadness

BPl staff on work to rule AS ISSUES unresolved

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Power and Light workers have gone on work-to-rule, raising questions about how the company would function in emergencies. BPL executives expressed disappointment yesterday in the actions of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU), which represents line staff who are aggrieved by purportedly unresolved workplace issues.

BEWU president Kyle

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serial GroPer falsely Blamed of attemP tinG to a Bduct Girl

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

that we attempt to come to terms with the senseless death of Jean Rony JeanCharles, whose resolute fight for justice became a beacon of hope for so many young people facing discrimination and brutality because of their ethnic background,” Human Rights Bahamas, the Fred

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POLICE took Sidney Cooper, a serial groper whose prison release authorities publicised, into custody for his own protection yesterday after he was wrongfully accused of trying to abduct a 12-yearold girl.

“Residents, assuming the culprit was Sidney Cooper, converged at his residence on Fifth Street, Coconut Grove, armed with rocks, bottles and cutlass,” police said in a statement advising

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Jean Rony - famed for legal fight to stay in nation - is stabbed to death

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Smith-associated group that represented Mr JeanCharles during the twists and turns of his extraordinary case, said yesterday.

“Jean Rony’s bravery in confronting the hurdles placed in front of him and

demanding that his fundamental rights be upheld was exemplary.

“The executive and membership of Human Rights Bahamas wish to offer our sincere condolences to his loved ones, who displayed amazing courage, commitment and perseverance in

ensuring that Jean Rony was returned to his homeland after being so cruelly and unjustly expelled.

Though he is gone, Jean Rony’s shining example will always light the way for those who are called to fight oppression and injustice in the name of a more fair,

decent and humane future for The Bahamas.”

Mr Jean-Charles, 41, did not apply for citizenship when he was between the ages of 18 and 19, as he was entitled to do under article seven of the constitution. Immigration officials apprehended him on September 18, 2017.

They deported him to Haiti on November 24, 2017, citing his alleged failure to produce documents that confirmed his identity. He was deported even though authorities did not charge him with an offence, take him to court or secure a deportation or detention order. He had also reportedly never visited Haiti.

Supreme Court Justice Gregory Hilton later dismissed a habeas corpus application Mr Smith filed for Mr Jean-Charles after finding that the man was not in the state’s custody when the writ was filed.

However, he granted the applicant constitutional relief.

He ordered authorities to issue him a travel document so he could return to the country at the government’s expense. The judge ruled that his detention and expulsion were unlawful and that he was falsely imprisoned and deprived of his liberty. He also ordered the government to give him legal status no later than 60 days after he returned and applied.

Former Attorney General Carl Bethel said at the time that the man’s case placed the government in

JEAN RONY JEAN-CHARLES, the soft-spoken, Bahamas-born child of Haitian parents whose legal case became a flashpoint in the fight about citizenship and immigration practices, was killed on Wednesday night, according to his family and lawyers.

a position uncovered by law or the constitution and exposed a significant and far-reaching legal challenge over the verification of birth certificates.

Attorney Fred Smith travelled to Haiti, found Mr Jean-Charles and brought him back to The Bahamas.

When Mr Jean-Charles arrived back in the country on February 3, 2018, immigration officers arrested and detained him, but Justice Hilton ordered his release two days later. Pending the appeal of his ruling, the judge stayed the parts of his order that required the government to grant Mr Jean-Charles status so he could seek gainful employment. The parties ultimately agreed to let him remain in the country without interference and without being prevented from working until the completion of the appeal process.

The Court of Appeal later overturned Justice Hilton’s ruling. Sir Michael Barnett said the judge should not have initially granted leave for the writ of habeas corpus to be filed and that he should not have considered Mr Jean-Charles’ motion for constitutional relief once he had dismissed the writ.

He said the judge should have required Mr JeanCharles to initiate new proceedings to seek such relief. He also said the judge should not have considered the application for constitutional relief because of uncertainty

over Mr Jean-Charles’ identity.

In December 2022, the Privy Council concluded there was “procedural unfairness” in how Justice Hilton handled the application of constitutional redress, which harmed the government side. However, the appellate court also found little substance to the government’s claim that Mr Jean-Charles’ identity was uncertain.

The court said “it is not clear” that an investigation into Mr Jean-Charles’ background and identity would assist the government in “asserting the legality of the arrest, detention and removal of the appellant” from the country.

The court ordered that the case be remitted to the Supreme Court to reconsider the application for constitutional redress.

However, the matter did not arise at the Supreme Court before Mr JeanCharles’ death.

Over the years, Mr Jean-Charles sometimes struggled.

In 2019, he told The Tribune he failed to hold a steady job and spent his time doing odd jobs or being unemployed.

“He didn’t ask for this notoriety,” his lawyer, Mr Smith, said at the time. “He was an ordinary person like many thousands of others born in The Bahamas who have committed no crime except the original sin of being born to foreign parents.”

A M A N DE A D A FTER A CHILD A ND TWO A DULTS SHOT IN RUPERT DE A N LA NE A RE A

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune S taff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy and two adult men were injured in a shooting last night that left one of the men dead.

Police said that at about 7.30pm, the victims were at the front of a residence on Rupert Dean Lane and

Ferguson Street when the occupants of silver Japanese vehicle exited and opened fire. Both men suffered multiple gunshot injuries to the upper body and the child suffered injuries to the left leg.

All three were taken to hospital, where one of the men, a 25-year-old resident of Rupert Dean Lane, died

of his injuries. The other man, also 25 years old, was said to be in serious condition, while the boy was in stable condition. Police are appealing to anyone who has information to call 911, 919, the Criminal Investiations Department on 502-9991, or Crime Stoppers on 328TIPS (8477).

Marijuana legal plans revealed

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face a fine of up to $250k or imprisonment of up to ten years, or both. Possessing cannabis with the intent to supply it to a minor could carry a stiffer penalty of up to 20 years

imprisonment.

Attorney General Ryan

Pinder said: “There are offences related to the unlawful possession, possession with intent to supply, possession of unauthorised amounts of cannabis, production, unauthorised smoking of cannabis in public places and misrepresentations as to medical conditions.

“If you are outside the scope of this piece of legislation, you are committing an offence. If you are buying cannabis for recreational purposes, you are committing an offence. If you’re selling cannabis without a licence, you are committing an offence. If you are importing cannabis into the country without a licence, you are committing an offence. Those have not changed as a result of this legislation.”

“We are proposing that current records be expunged for possession of amounts less than 30 grams.”

Several licences could be obtained under the proposed regime: a cultivation licence to permit the growing, harvesting and packaging of cannabis; a retail licence to sell

transport and religious use licences would be reserved for Bahamian citizens 21 years or older or companies that are one hundred per cent beneficially owned by one or more Bahamian citizens.

Analytical testing licences, manufacturing licences and research licences could be obtained by entities for which one or more Bahamian citizens beneficially own at least 30 per cent of the company.

“It is also a priority that these opportunities are accessible to many Bahamians, a priority that will be evident in the award of cultivation licences and the provision of agricultural land that will be set aside for this specific purpose,” Mr Pinder said. Rastafarian organisations could get a religious use licence to distribute cannabis to members as a sacrament. However, the substance could only be used on the premises for which the licence or exempt event permit was issued.

“We know there is a number of different churches and divisions within the Rastafarian religion, but it’s the organisation that has to be licensed,” Mr Pinder said. “They’re the ones under the license that have the mandate to distribute amongst their members.

“They’ll have to provide a list of membership to the

prescribed uses, in prescribed forms.”

Altogether, the compendium of proposed legislation includes 11 bills, regulations and orders.

Legislation amending the Dangerous Drug Act and the Pharmacy Act to reclassify cannabis as a

products as an option in support in the care of medical patients. It also gives way for the amendment of the Pharmacy Act because, in the new regime, we are proposing a cannabis dispensary and a cannabis dispenser.”

He said 18 medical conditions could be treated with cannabis, including cancer, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. The list could change depending on medical evidence.

Dr Darville said his ministry is sensitive to concerns about how social ills could be magnified by the increased use of cannabis in the country.

“Our aim is to strike a balance that would allow patients in need to access cannabis while maintaining public safety and security throughout the country,” he said.

But this would be done on a case-by-case basis.”

Under the regime, a Cannabis Authority would regulate the industry, overseeing the development of policies, procedures and guidelines related to various substance uses.

have already begun. Officials said the government had consulted people in the business, religious, healthcare, and law enforcement sectors.

Mr Pinder said he wants to consider the public’s feedback through October before tabling the

cannabis and cannabis accessories for medical, scientific research and religious purposes; an analytical testing licence; a manufacturing licence for the manufacturing and packaging of cannabis and cannabis accessories; a research licence; a transport licence to deliver cannabis within the country; and a religious use licence.

Cultivation, retail,

CHINESE

authority so the authority can keep a record of the membership of the Rastafarian organisation in order to be able to properly trace and track that. So it is a regulated framework. You can’t just say, ‘I’m a Rastafarian, I’m going to smoke’. It is done at the organisational level, with the dispensing for religious purposes at the organisational level to its membership, in

controlled substance is part of the compendium of bills.

“This draft legislation will seek to remove Indian hemp from all current medical legislation and replace it with cannabis,” said Health Minister Dr Michael Darville.

“This will create the space for CBD products, an Indian Hemp industry and bring equitable access to cannabis medical

“It is important to note that medical cannabis is not intended for children, teenagers or pregnant women. We have taken great strides to ensure that we protect these potential risks and the impacts associated with these vulnerable groups because of the possible damage to the neurological system in the early forms of brain development.

“We know that there will be exceptions to this rule and if you search the literature, you will see where medical cannabis is sometimes given in the paediatric group for some forms of refractory epilepsy and other illnesses.

The authority would be a board-managed corporation comprising nine representatives from government, medical and pharmaceutical professions, agricultural, business, and finance sectors, academia, and the faith-based and civil society communities.

Dr Darville said public consultations on the legislation will occur next month, though meetings with various stakeholders

compendium of bills in Parliament. He wants the legislation debated by the end of the year.

“There’s a lot of work that’s going to be put into setting up the authority, setting up the training, setting up the certification, setting up the digital platform,” he said. “It’s going to be for the tracing and the prescriptions and all of that has to be done before the first licence is even issued.”

E MBASSY DONATES 82 INSTRUMENTS TO THE URBAN RENEWAL BAND

THE CHINESE Embassy donated 82 instruments inclusive of flutes, trumpets, and saxophones to the Urban Renewal Band yesterday. The Chinese Embassy pledged future partnership with the Urban Renewal Commission.

Photo: Lynaire Munnings

PHOTO: WESLEY GIBBS

H EA LT H AND WE LL NESS MINIS T ER D R MI C HAE L D ARVI LL E

PRIEST JEVON THOMPSON, chairman of the Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress Bahamas Branch, located on Fire Trail Road.

As dengue fever cases rise officials warn of increased risk to those previously infected

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH officials said people knowingly or unknowingly infected with dengue fever during an outbreak in 2011 are at risk of serious illness if they get infected this year because of the type of virus confirmed to be in New Providence.

Officials reported 16 new dengue fever cases in New Providence yesterday and said they are on high alert for more.

There is also a suspected case in Abaco.

Health and Wellness Minister

Dr Michael Darville said three people have been hospitalised, one of whom is in the Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital.

Public Hospitals Authority managing director Dr Aubynette Rolle said hospitals in New Providence and Grand Bahama had identified spaces to care for patients affected by the virus.

Dengue fever, the viral illness, is spread through contact with the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

The mosquito is most active after dawn and before dusk. It lives and breeds in standing water.

The disease causes severe flu-like illness and sometimes a

potentially lethal complication called dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Other symptoms include headache, muscle and joint pains and rash.

The country experienced a significant outbreak of the virus in 2017. There were 205 confirmed and 7,200 suspected cases.

“At that time, a significant number of the population were confirmed positive for serotype 1 and 2 presenting to our clinics and hospitals with mild symptoms of Dengue,” Dr Darville said yesterday. “Today, we have lab confirmation of a case with serotype 3, which is of concern. This means that if someone who has

C ASES HAV E INCREASED OV E LAST TWO MONTHS BUT NOT A C AUSE FOR ALARM

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Dr

Michael Darville said COVID-19 cases have increased slightly over the past two months, but are not a cause for alarm.

Cases of the virus have been spiking across the globe this summer.

When the Ministry of Health and Wellness reported last month that cases have not increased in The Bahamas, some reacted incredulously, citing anecdotal reports of increasing cases.

“I can assure the Bahamian people that we at the Ministry of Health have no intention of trying to cover up or hide anything,” Dr

Darville said yesterday. “If there is something brewing that we feel the population should know about, we will do it.”

“Our ministry and the Department of Public Health is monitoring the situation, and we believe that we are not in any danger zone at any particular time.”

Dr Darville also said officials want to acquire the first US-approved vaccine for pregnant women to prevent infants from contracting Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a highly contagious virus that causes respiratory infections in people of all age groups.

“We would like to ensure that we don’t lose one person as a result of not

receiving the vaccine,” Dr Darville said.

The US Food and Drug Administration cleared Pfizer’s maternal vaccine, Abrysvo, to prevent lower respiratory tract disease in babies from birth through six months.

A single injection late in pregnancy allows time for the mom-to-be to develop virus-fighting antibodies that pass through the placenta to the fetus.

Dr Darville is excited about the vaccine because he believes it would benefit the paediatric population.

“Our ministry is looking to acquire the vaccine and make it available in the country to reduce the infant mortality rate and protect our pregnant mothers,” he said.

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experienced Dengue Type 1

and 2 from the previous outbreak becomes infected with Type 3, they are at serious risk for severe illness and hospitalisation. With that being said, my ministry’s surveillance unit and the Department of Environmental Health Services are mapping out that location and safety protocols have already been activated.”

Currently, the dengue patients live predominately in the eastern and southeastern communities of New Providence.

“As minister stated in 2011, we had a significant outbreak of dengue in the country,” Chief Medical Officer Dr Pearl

McMillan said.

“This means that many of our population would have been possibly ill, and because 40 to 80 per cent of persons who are bitten may not actually become ill, they may have actually had the virus. So, if they are bitten again and become ill with dengue, the likelihood of having the severe form, which was alluded to, and which we will talk a bit more about, is high. So, we need to look at how we decrease the likelihood of becoming ill at all and that means we need to protect ourselves from mosquito bites and we need to decrease the breeding sites.”

Members of Parliament agree that abortion issue needs to be discussed

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

SOCIAL Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe said it is wrong to force a raped person to give birth to a child.

“There have to be some issues,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “We have to look at that. It’s very difficult when you consider circumstances that could affect somebody’s life forever.”

The highly restrictive nature of the country’s abortion laws were highlighted last week after a mother gave abortion pills to her 11-year-old daughter who was allegedly raped by her stepfather. The mother was charged this week with, among other things, causing harm for the purpose of committing an abortion.

Abortion is illegal in The Bahamas in all cases except to save the mother’s life. Prime Minister

matter” he “would have to consider”. He also described abortion as a personal choice.

Asked if the government would consider revising abortion laws, Mr Wilchcombe said: “It’s not come up recently, to be honest with you. It’s only come up now that we heard of the incident just last week.”

“The truth is globally, other countries have had to take the same course of action and they’ve had to make some decisions. It cannot be right if somebody is raped to have to endure the pregnancy.”

In a later interview with The Tribune yesterday, Mr Wilchcombe said although abortion has not dominated public discourse in recent years, he believes the door has now opened for discussion.

“We’ll have to talk to the Bahamian people again about it and see exactly where we ought to go,” he said. “But let’s appreciate that for years, these subjects have been off for discussion. They’ve not been on the landscape for dialogue.

It’s been almost taboo in

some circumstances to have the dialogue. But now it’s opened, and now we want to take a look at it again.” Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville also said he supports abortion being at the forefront of public discussion, though he declined to give his view.

“The issue of abortion, I think, needs to come back to the forefront,” he said during an Office of the Prime Minister press briefing yesterday. “Personally, I don’t want to bring in my personal opinion, but I do support the fact that we need now to bring it to the forefront and discuss it in the open as it relates to what may be happening in the country and what the law says.”

Attorney General Ryan Pinder declined to give his view on the matter, saying he’s a “creature of instruction”.

“Once those conversations have happened and there is a recommendation of government, that is when I will affect whatever the recommendation of government,” he said.

COVID-19

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said three people have been hospitalised, as officials report 16 cases in New Providence and one in Abaco.

Photo: Moise Amisial

SOCIAL SERVICES MINISTER OBIE WILCHCOMBE

Exuma oil spill settlement ‘confidential’, says Pinder

ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said he would not reveal how much the government fined Sun Oil Limited for an oil spill in Exuma last year. “I don’t disclose confidential settlements at the Office of the Attorney General, you know that,” he told reporters during an Office of the Prime Minister briefing yesterday.

action.”

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“I think that will be the first fine collected by the government of The Bahamas in an environmental matter since the passage of the legislation, so a fine has been agreed with the parties in Exuma,” he said.

In July 2022, 35,000

gallons of diesel was spilt into waters off the coast of Great Exuma when a vessel Sun Oil contracted was delivering fuel. A “breach in the hose” from the supply ship was reportedly responsible for the leak. Sun Oil chairman Sir Franklyn Wilson later said the company activated its crisis management

protocol.

Meanwhile, Mr Pinder said that eight months after the Onego Traveller sank off Abaco, two-thirds of the vessel has been salvaged, but no fines have been issued.

“We can’t issue a fine without an environmental impact report,” he said.

“That can’t be done until

the actual completion of the removal of the ship. It has created some difficulty with timing in that they are now having to chop up that ship into very small pieces and bring it up on a barge, and then transport the pieces to shore.

“Unfortunately, that’s created somewhat of a delay. I think in the first

instance, we were hoping that the process would be completed by July.”

“It appears that the pace is increasing in the last few weeks, and so we hope very soon that will be complete, so we can do our assessment. Needless to say, the environmental damage, if any of that has occurred, there will be appropriate

The Onego Traveller cargo ship, registered in Antigua and Barbuda, sank on December 29, 2022. The vessel contained heavy fuel.

In February, Mr Pinder said the government ordered the ship to be removed from The Bahamas within 45 days.

BPL STAFF ON WORK TO RULE AS ISSUES UNRESOLVED

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Wilson released the work to rule advisory to members on Wednesday.

“Executive management is refusing to work in good faith to resolve the numerous issues that are plaguing our nation,” he wrote.

“As a result of their unwillingness to correct/ resolve any of the major issues that you face, we are now in a state of reduced enthusiasm. We will only work our regular scheduled hours. No overtime. No working through lunch.”

“It is imperative that all members must hold the line until resolutions are achieved. Members stand ready as the clarion call is about to come at any moment.”

The workers are upset about tissues related to hazardous pay, pension and medical benefits, among

other issues.

BPL’s management said they have worked in good faith with the union and addressed many of their concerns under the law and the industrial agreement.

“The others are matters before the courts,” BPL added. “BPL’s management is disappointed with the union’s decision to advise its employees to ‘withdraw their enthusiasm’ primarily as BPL and the BEWU are engaged in regular meetings to identify and address concerns.”

“BPL’s management maintains that our response has and will remain above board and in the best interest of the company’s stakeholders, including our employees and the customers we serve.”

Nonetheless, Mr Wilson told The Tribune that armed officers have been sent to Family Islands to protect BPL substations.

“This is proof that they are intentional about not resolving our issues,” he said.

Office of the Prime Minister Deputy press secretary Keishla Adderley said it is not unusual for officers to be deployed at BPL sites when “there is a perceived threat” of industrial action.

“No one is suggesting that that is the case,” she said during yesterday’s briefing. “The protocol is for security to be put in place: the Defence Force officers, the police officers to ensure that there is no threat to the plant and obvious inconvenience to consumers.”

She noted BPL staff have been concerned about various workplace conditions.

“For example,” she said, “the plant in North Andros, which was destroyed by fire a couple months ago, a trailer has been put in place. An air-conditioned

TWO SHANTY TOWN STRUCTURES ARE SET TO BE DEMOL ISHD WITHIN TEN DAYS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

TWO shanty town structures in Carmichael will be demolished in the next ten days as part of the Davis administration’s shanty town eradication plans, according to Deputy Press Secretary Keishla Adderley.

She said the occupants of the structures have been given final notices.

In May, Chief Justice Ian Winder ordered the demolition of two structures, far fewer than the 260-plus structures the Davis administration wanted to be destroyed in New Providence and Abaco. The ruling closed an avenue the Davis administration pursued to begin eradicating many shanty town structures, putting the onus on the minister of works to initiate a process under the Building Regulations Act.

CJ Winder ordered that two women, Rose St Fleur and Aviole Francois-Burrows, remove their “offending structures” within 45 days, failing which the government could remove them at their expense.

The Davis administration established an Unregulated Communities Action Task Force earlier this year. Nearly $7m was budgeted for its operations in the 2023/2024 budget.

The secretariat comprises representatives from the police force, the defense force, Bahamas Power and Light, and other government ministries.

Ms Adderley noted yesterday: “The secretariat is also in the process of setting up an operation centre, finding a spot to be able to operate from and inspections, investigations, etc, are underway with a view to how to deal with the many more irregular communities.”

BAHAMAS Power and Light workers have gone on work-to-rule, raising questions about how the company would function in emergencies.

Photo: Moise Amisial

The Tribune Limited

Legalisation and the law of unintended consequences

AFTER a long wait, the consultation over what to do about marijuana legislation is now under way.

The proposal on the table is that possession of marijuana of an ounce or less will be decriminalised, while Rastafarians using cannabis for religious purposes will need a licence.

The natural question is of course if possession of marijuana in such quantities is not illegal, then who will be doing the supplying?

It appears a system will be put in place where a licence must be applied for in order to become a legal supplier.

The legalisation or decriminalisation of marijuana has of course already taken place in many countries around the world and many states in the US just across the water – and it has not always gone as planned.

The law of unintended consequences often comes into play here – in that actions, especially of governments, often have effects that are unanticipated or unintended.

For example, Nikolay Anguelov, an associate professor at UMass Dartmouth, wrote in his book “From Criminalising to Decriminalising Marijuana: The Politics of Social Control” about some of those unintended consequences in the US – including the doubling of usage of marijuana since 2000.

In states where marijuana remained illegal for people under 21, for example, changing laws led to an increase in the number of those of that age group consuming the drug illegally.

Furthermore, while some legislation has been reportedly aimed at tackling social injustice, youths from minorities continued to be disproportionately arrested and convicted on marijuana charges.

Perhaps less unexpected is the increase in usage of marijuana following decriminalisation – but what are the knock-on effects of that for those who might need treatment as a result, and what level of expenditure will there be to ensure such services are available for those in need?

Here at The Tribune , we have seen many instances where marijuana has been an impediment to people in their lives, including occasionally workers who have been unable to hold down their job or cope in their life as a result of their usage.

Legal or not, there is of course a supply network already in existence, just as certain other businesses have existed outside of the law before becoming legalised.

Will it be the current unlawful suppliers of such drugs that become the legal suppliers? Or will other more corporate individuals move into that space? If that is the case, then the occasional drug dealer who makes money by selling some weed here and there will need to make their money another way – will that be potentially a more violent way, such as armed robbery?

All of this of course is why through consultation is necessary – and close examination of what has happened before elsewhere. Decriminalisation may not actually lead to a reduction in crime as intended, and nor may it bring people a pathway out of a criminal lifestyle if they are simply supplanted by others.

The initial consultation is beginning, but a broad discussion of all the possible consequences would be a way to perhaps avoid some of those unintended consequences.

In next week’s Tribune , we will feature a number of guest writers in this editorial space. Each of the writers, from a variety of fields of expertise, has been asked to consider a question: “What is one thing – just one – that you would change?”

We look forward to those answers – but we would also invite readers to submit their own suggestions for what is the one thing they would change, and why. As ever, readers can send their contributions to letters@tribunemedia. net or drop letters off at our Shirley Street office. Perhaps some of your suggestions might just bring about such a change.

Blood bank policy is a failure

EDITOR, The

I AM vexed over the circumstances of the death of another Bahamian citizen who died at the Rand Hospital on Grand Bahama Island. They were waiting for the Rand blood bank to take blood from a donor, so they could get a blood transfusion.

The patient was in the ICU and needed blood that the blood bank was unable to provide. When the patient’s family was made aware of the situation, they found donors who could come on the same day to donate blood. One would think this would be news to celebrate. Think again.

The family was told that the Rand blood bank was open half-day on Saturday morning to receive blood and was not scheduled to reopen until Monday. To make matters worse the Public Hospital Authority (PHA) administrators made no provision to have a technician available on call to take blood from a donor in such emergencies.

The best the family could coax out of the hospital was for a blood bank technician to come in midday Sunday. (In addition, the blood bank made a condition that the family had to bring in five donors, or else the donations would have to take place on Monday!)

The patient unexpectedly died Sunday morning before the donations were even scheduled to take place later that day.

If the patient had received the blood Saturday night there is a possibility that they might still be alive today. Unfortunately, we’ll never know because of PHA’s blood bank policies. A patient in need of blood on a Saturday afternoon in a life-or-death situation should not have to wait until Sunday or Monday to get blood from donors, because no one in the Rand blood bank is scheduled to come in. That blood donors, some of them strangers

to the patient, were willing to come to the hospital immediately, and no blood bank worker was able to come in until the next day, is unacceptable, and speaks volumes about our government-managed and regulated medical system.

I am also learning that this is not an isolated case, as other poor souls have died waiting for blood under similar circumstances: donors were ready to donate blood on the weekend, but the blood bank was closed for receiving blood until Monday.

All the admirable and professional care by the fine doctors and nurses at the Rand Hospital is rendered useless if their patients cannot receive blood. These heroes might as well be operating with their eyes blindfolded and their hands tied behind their backs.

Unjustly, it is these heroic doctors and nurses that receive the blame and not the bureaucrats who make these short-sighted rules.

A hospital is a 24-hour a-day, 7 days a week, 12 months a year operation. It makes no sense to close down the blood bank for receipts on the weekend when donors are waiting to give blood so urgently needed. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link: closing down a blood bank for receipts of blood on the weekends is one of those weak links.

Furthermore, the rationing policy of having five donors at the same time to get the lab technician to come in on the weekend outside of scheduled operating hours, or else you’ll have to wait until Monday, is an obtuse policy if a single bag of blood can mean the difference between life and death. The “system” needs to be designed to save people from dying, not to save those who

work in the blood lab from being inconvenienced. If necessary, like a private entrepreneurial business, charge the patient for the “inconvenience.”

What policy change should be made to prevent this situation from ever happening again? In situations where the blood bank does not have the required blood available, someone on the blood bank staff should be on-call to receive blood outside of scheduled operating hours, even if from a single donor. This simple policy change is the intelligent, wise, and compassionate thing to do.

As Bahamians, we need to make sure this policy change happens now, as the next person in the Rand Hospital waiting days for a blood bank technician to receive blood could be your loved one, or you.

MARK Da CUNHA, Freeport, Bahamas

June 15, 2023

EDITOR’S NOTE:

The Tribune requested a response from the Public Hospitals Authority to this letter when received.

The PHA stated that the blood bank reported an adequate supply of blood for the hospital, however, the appeal for voluntary donors continues as donations are required to maintain the supply. The PHA also said a phlebotomist is always on call for emergencies.

“Any emergency case requiring the services of our blood bank outside of standard operating hours will action an urgent call for blood donation for as many donors as possible as one pint of blood can save up to three lives, according to the statement. The

PHA said the RMH Blood Bank is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10am to 4 pm.

The PHA encouraged its patients and their families to utilize its Our

THIS booking photo provided by Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, shows former President Donald Trump on yesterday, after he surrendered and was booked at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta. Trump is accused by District Attorney Fani Willis of scheming to subvert the will of Georgia voters in a desperate bid to keep Joe Biden out of the White House.

Photo: Fulton County Sheriff’s Office/AP

Prosecution makes closing arguments against brothers accused of murder

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE prosecution closed its case yesterday concerning two brothers accused of murdering a man in 2019. Dwayne Lodimus, 29, and Anton Lodimus, 25,

are accused of shooting and killing Elroy “Skully” Burrows, 40, of Podoleo Street, on March 19, 2019. The victim was buying a drink from a bar on Mackey Street when the gunmen allegedly approached and killed him.

Sonia Timothy Knowles

and Tonique Lewis represent the accused. Uel Johnson and Perry McHardy are the prosecutors. A court clerk read the arresting officer’s police report in court yesterday.

Allegedly, around 7.55am on April 8, 2019, Officer Maycock, while

POLICE INVESTIGATE FLAMINGO A IR CRASH LANDING IN EXUMA - NO INJURIES REP ORTED

attached to the Carmichael Road Police Station, was told that murder suspects were spotted at Wendy’s at the Golden Gates Shopping Centre. When the uniformed officer arrived at the scene, he reportedly saw a silver coloured Honda Accord Coupe, believed

to be the getaway vehicle. He approached the car and told the driver, Anton Lodimus, to turn off the vehicle. He also told the driver and passenger, Dwayne Lodimus, to raise their hands and get out of the car. The officer searched both accused but found

nothing. He informed them that they were suspects in a recent murder and took them to the Carmichael Road Police Station.

Authorities allegedly took a firearm and an outfit matching the suspected shooter’s description from the defendants’ car.

POLICE on the island of Exuma are investigating the circumstances surrounding an emergency crash landing that happened yesterday.

A preliminary report indicates that around 4pm the pilot of a Flamingo Air commercial chartered flight aircraft that included nine passengers on board,

crash landed at Black Point, Exuma. No one was injured as a result of this incident. Investigations into this matter are ongoing.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO MEN were granted $9,500 bail after they were found with dangerous drugs last week, including 327 methamphetamine pills.

Acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley charged Ramone Bromfield, 29, and

Edmund O’Brien, 19, with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

The two were arrested after allegedly being found with dangerous drugs on August 16 in New Providence. Police allegedly seized 327 methamphetamine pills, one pound and 11 ounces of cocaine and

eleven and three-eight ounces of marijuana.

Bromfield has a prior drug charge before the courts. Both accused were informed that their bail was set at $9,500 with one or two sureties. Their trial is set for October 17–18.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted $5,000 bail after he was accused of housebreaking and threatening a woman with death.

Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux charged

Terrone Scavella, 31, with attempted housebreaking and death threats.

Scavella is accused of attempting to break into Vivian Wallace Sands’ bed and breakfast establishment in Gregory Town, Eleuthera, on August 12. He allegedly threatened Ashley Scavella with death.

The accused pleaded guilty to the threat charge, but not guilty to the housebreaking charge.

After being told he could get $5,000 bail with two sureties, he was also told that his trial and sentencing would occur in Governor’s Harbour on October 23.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN on bail for armed robbery and kidnapping was sent to prison after he was accused of failing to charge his monitoring device and trying to escape police.

Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux charged

Shaquille Demerritte, 28, with escape and five counts of violating bail conditions.

The Supreme Court previously granted Demeritte bail for armed robbery, receiving and kidnapping. The accused allegedly failed to charge his monitoring device for five days between July 25 –August 16.

He allegedly escaped lawful custody of police briefly around 7.20pm on August 23 before being recaptured. After pleading not guilty to the charges, the accused was denied bail. He will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his trial date on November 16.

IN 1930, two significant historical aircraft, one with a life-long crippled man as radio operator, the other with a single-handing Australian aviatrix, crashed in The Bahamas, in Andros and Exuma.

Because the woman quickly retrieved her aircraft and the pilot of the Exuma wreck was burned after it flipped and caught fire in a swamp and was abandoned, little attention was paid to either plane. Until 2020, when a radio historian in California wrote to the preeminent aviation historian in the Bahamas, my mentor Captain Paul A Aranha.

After I put in a year of finding half a dozen aircraft, Paul offered me a chance to find the historic aircraft in Exuma.

After two trips and five days in the field, this is where the as-yet-unresolved case stands in early 2023. There are three relevant strands to the story, what the aviators did before the Bahamas, what happened in their brief stay in the Bahamas, and what happened to their aircraft and those seeking it since.

The story begins to make headlined on the early morning of April 2, 1930: an airplane which had set out to fly to Bermuda from the continental United States had recently gone missing.

Now a Stinson aircraft with engines made by the Wright Brothers had left New York in an attempt to be the first to make it to Bermuda.

According to the logic of limits of endurance and point of no return, the plane could not still be flying. Yet the three men, Pilot Emile Burgin, Navigator Lewis Yancey, and Radioman Zeh Bouck, who could not walk without crutches due to a bout of childhood polio, had in fact landed on the bosom of the ocean in their seaplane named Pilot Radio after the sponsor, Mr Goldberg in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Having sailed to or from Bermuda 32 times, I am in awe of the fact that these men slept afloat then in the morning were able to take off from the high seas and make it to inside the large barrier reef to the north of Bermuda. There they ran out of fuel and anchored, radioing for support. The savvy Bermudians brought fuel to them and they took off once more and landed in the harbour. At first they were threatened with fines and arrest, however the marketing and publicity soon dawned on the local officials and the aviators were given a warm(er) welcome and even a large prize purse. Very importantly, since their aircraft was damaged during the flights, they gifted both a propeller and a gyrocompass to Bermudian patrons, and shipped the plane back to New York.

At that time, it was incredibly competitive in the aviation world - hundreds of people were pushing boundaries every day it seemed, and fame could be immediate and lasting: Charles Lindberg, Amelia Earhart, Beryl Markham, Antoine St.-Exupery, the Wright Brothers, Jean Batten, Smith from Australia, Francis Chichester and many others

By Eric Wiberg

were vying for fame, including young Jessie Maude “Chubbie” Miller, the Australian woman aviator. Her flight over The Bahamas in late November 1930 from Cuba to Florida involved such bad weather that she ditched on a beach in Mangrove Cay, Andros, hiked alone many miles, took a ferry to another island, then a fishing boat to Nassau and a flight to Miami before going back to retrieve her plane. In such an intensely competitive milieu the man of Pilot Radio undertook a massively ambitious airborne ‘good will’ tour of all or most of South America. The same year they flew from Mexico counter-clockwise down the Andes, up the East Coast, to the Dominican Republic, then over Cuba and towards Miami via The Bahamas. There the plane has remained.

The New York Times, the District Commissioner Pyfrom, local Justice of the Peace JM Bowe, Jr of The Forest, Great Exuma, and Yancey, Burgin and Bouck (his nom-de-guerre) all detail what happened next, and radio historian Robert (Bob) Rydzewski has skillfully tabulated all the details.

On September 14,1930, in a piece titled “Yancey Describes His Plane Crash” the Times recounts how Pilot Radio (NR 487H), was a Stinson SM-1FS monoplane, 47ft wide, 32ft long, with room for one pilot, and capacity for six passengers. The engine was a Wright J6 nine-cylinder, 300-hp Wright Whirlwind.

Importantly, given events, the frame was wood and the covering was canvas, so in a fire they would go up in smoke. However the engine, struts, and much of the cabin superstructure was made of high-quality steel, particularly the oleo legs and anything associated with the landing gear, the fuel tanks, and support for the heavy engine, as well as piping and communications equipment.

On May 14, the men began their circumnavigation of South America; they were only an hour from completing it in Miami when wrecked. On Thursday, September 11, 1930, at dawn they left San Juan for Miami. At 8am, Pilot Radio with the three men flew over hurricane-ravaged Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. At 1pm, after passing Port au Prince and the Windward Passage, they turned north from Cuba to the southern Bahamas. At 1.30pm, they were passing Raccoon Cay in the Ragged Island or Jumento Cays when their engine mounting broke a bracket, threatening to wobble out of its cradle at even the lowest RPM.

They made for Great

pm.

Historic plane falls short of ambitious goal in Exuma

emergency levels the men desperately sought a place to put down. Before 4 pm pilot Yancey espied what he believed was a smooth dry patch of packed sand at the base of gentle hills, and committed to landing on it.

Unfortunately the sand was swept by tidal current and two feet of translucent water greeted the wheels of Pilot Radio on impact. Rather than coast a long distance, the wheels were caught in the mire. The plane carried forward and flipped onto its back. The commissioner cabled to Nassau that the aviators had “ENGINE TROUBLE TRIED LAND BUT COULD NOT LOCATE A SAFE PLACE STOP PLANE MADE A FORCED LANDING NEAR TELFAIR STRUCK MARL IN MANGROVES AND OVERTURNED CREW HAD TO ESCAPE.”

Amazingly all the men were alive despite the gear and equipment cascading down upon them and being hung upside down. In the words of the pilot himself:

“An immediate landing was necessary and the only available spot not covered with rocks was a swamp. We glided in and made a still landing, but the ship went over on its back, piling crew, baggage and radio equipment in a heap. No one was injured in this, though all were bruised and shaken badly. The crew got out and managed to save some of the baggage when the ship suddenly burst into flame and was completely destroyed.” They were roughly 14 miles from Georgetown, in an area only visited by shepherds and sustenance or artisanal farmers.

“They clambered out of the wreck, gathered what they could, and were sitting disconsolately watching the shell of their hopes and glory when a farmer ran towards them. He had seen that a spark was setting fire to the craft, and warned them away. Instead, Yancey raced towards Pilot Radio to salvage more materials, only for the plane’s gasoline to explode as he approached, sending him ten feet backwards and burning his right arm quite badly.

From that point, they were at the mercy of the hosts. Justice of the Peace J. M. Bowe, Jr. did an exemplary job of accommodating them. The commissioner was sent for and enlisted a doctor to assist. They did not arrive in The Forest (where artist Amos Ferguson grew up), until midnight and saw to Yancey’s needs. Bouck in crutches could not move quickly or far and they all slept in a crude fisherman’s shack. Bouck says “We spent the night in a native fishing hut and on Friday started by small fishing schooner for Nassau, arriving at 3pm Saturday,”

September 13. The schooner Louise hurried them to Nassau where they were photographed looking disconsolate probably at the Royal Victoria Hotel. They raced to Miami and New York to tell their story. The men never went back.

The assumption was that the aircraft was destroyed, and no one, that we know of, until 2022, went looking for it. The idea was that the wheel struts and engine ought to be visible above the ‘marl’ or ‘mash’ – local words for marsh and mangrove. Indeed Bob informed me that “....towards the end of the journey the landing gear had buckled a couple of times and was repaired at least twice, once by a convicted murderer at Devil’s Island”. The plot thickens! Yet probably 100 hours in five days of very hard hiking, tramping, searching, much of it alone, has not yielded the 92-yearold mother lode... yet.

Many, however, including David Smith and Margaret McKenzie of Stuart Manor, and Ken Simmons, the conch vendor at Pompey House, and teacher Everette Hart and many others remember visiting the site of the plane. Ms McKenzie was 10 at the time and says it was in mud,

and clearly was a plane. Ken Simmons says it lay in grass which was tidal, and that over time sea algae and grass has overgrown the site. Fisherman David Smith of The Forest questions what the big deal was – there is a bigger drug plane sunk further out to sea.

Then, in 2020, Bob Rydzewski, who has had a life-long fascination with radios and aviation, and who never lets go of a story until the details are known, wrote to Paul Aranha and Chris Curry that “as far as I know its remains are still there somewhere today... I know that the best information sources are local. So I was trying to reach someone in the Bahamas who might be able to check...” Then in the fall of 2022, over 72 years after the crash, the assignment fell onto my desk. Then with characteristic hubris and overconfidence, and relying too much on technology, I made several mistakes.

Determined to find the plane in a month or less, I obtained the commissioner reports, which convinced me that everyone else was wrong and my hunch on crash location was the right one.

Then I corroborated this with grainy satellite images, called Captain Steven Cole

and arranged a guide, offroad vehicle and hotel, and in October 2022 spent two days flying from Boston to Exuma thrashing around in the mangroves, achieving almost nothing except nearly blinding my right eye, badly infecting my left thigh with a fungal problem for months, and spending more money than I could part with to simply canvas a broad area and return without spotting a shard of metal.

Not one to give up, I helped organise an expedition with old sailing buddies, and indeed we anchored in Steventon near Rolleville, Great Exuma, in January 2023 and immediately set out for the hamlet of Curtis where Edison Rolle told us he has seen the plane near Richmond Hill.

The reasons why this article will leave readers in suspense is because the airplane has not been found. Only small bits of metal, possibly from a battery or radio, including copper, brass,

steel, have been sighted and are being tested. Since Pilot Radio is arguably the most historically significant aircraft in Bahamian territory, we will have to wait until a sixth and seventh visit to the site. Volunteers?

melted aluminum, and

LEFT to right: Lewis Yancey, Emile Burgin, Zeh Bouck sit on the pontoon of the sea plane Pilot Radio before seeking to make a monumental flight over the ocean from New York to Bermuda in 1930. They landed half way on the ocean, slept, then resumed the flight to Bermuda were they were not greeted with threats fo fines. Later publicity of their flight afforded them better treatment.

DETAILED map of Great Exuma Island showing the location of the Pilot Radio’s crash landing near Richmond Hill (Image from Paul Aranha)

THE PILOT Radio - a Stinson aircraft with engines made by the Wright Brothers - after a successful flight to Bermuda took a tour of South America and the Caribbean, passing through The Bahamas on the way to cmplete their journey in Miami, However, their journey came to an end with a crash in mangroves in Exuma.

A few thoughts about contrasts

WOULD morning be so beautiful if it did not emerge slowly from the darkness of night? Would recovery be so welcome if it did not follow illness? Would the sight of a loved one you had not seen in years be so sweet if you had seen them yesterday? It is the contrasts that give our life meaning, something I mean to remind myself about nearly daily, though like

By Diane Phillips

most of us, I fail to do so.

Like when the contrasts come down to choices -- when I feel there is little I can do to make a

difference, to keep a child from going to bed hungry, do I stop and feed that child, knowing that my cupboard is full and there

is a steak marinating for dinner tonight? What is the contrast between my life, my comfortable bed, and the existence of the old man who will sleep on the curved top of the wall on the edge of a parking lot on Shirley Street tonight? It is not the contrast in lifestyles that matters so much as what I do or do not do about those contrasts that matters.

On August 24,

yesterday, the same day McDonald’s and others partnered with the St Andrew’s Kirk to provide 400 backpacks to children in the Bain and Grant’s Town communities, along with lunches, song and words of encouragement as youngsters prepared to return to school, a young father left with a three-month old baby was sleeping in his car. He was unable to get to work on a regular basis because

the baby’s mother left him with the child and someone has to care for the infant.

Contrasts – heartbreaking or beautiful, woeful and winsome, make up our world. Here are a few for you to consider as I leave this column, shorter in words than usual, to take up the cause of the father who needs a helping hand. He needs someone to know that people care.

A NATIONAL EYESORE

CAN anyone explain why this structure remains a blight on the horizon on East West Highway 21 months after the blaze that destroyed most of the Liquidation Centre and the former Commonwealth Brewery recycling plant?

Why has there been no public accounting for the incident or why it continues to erode the surrounding environment with massive melted steel and collapsed roof the physical backdrop to the contrasts of Royal Poinciana is bloom?

PAINTINGS by Alton Lowe depicting the different life experiences - highlighting the contrasts we see and live each day.

It is not the contrast in lifestyles that matters so much as what I do or do not do about those contrasts that matters.

VOLUNTEER SOCIETY ACT PASSED INTO LAW

AFTER successful readings in the House of Assembly and the Senate, Governor General CA Smith saw the GovernorGeneral’s Volunteer Society Act 2023 codified into law on August 11.

PERSONNEL from the Governor General’s office and his past and present Volunteer Bahamas committee members gathered for a thank you and celebratory luncheon at Government House on the passing into law of the Governor General’s Volunteer Society Act.

TAXI DRIVER LICENCE SUSPENDED AFTER VIRAL VIDEO

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A WEEK after tourists accused a taxi driver of defrauding them in a viral video, Transport and Housing Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said road traffic officials suspended the driver’s licence.

Police reported questioning the driver, Cousin Clarence, last week but said they could not proceed with their investigation because no official complaint was made.

“I don’t know if they advanced it further,” Mrs Coleby-Davis said yesterday, “but from the road traffic standpoint, the tribunal I think suspended the licence because there were other things that were raised during his conversation with the acting controller that advised us that maybe he overcrowded as well.

“For those matters, the tribunal had suspended it, and I think they are in communications with police to determine if any charge would be pressed if we do anything else.”

The driver refused to comment on the suspension when The Tribune contacted him yesterday, saying: “I have nothing to say without my lawyer.”

In a video last week, a woman claimed her family paid the taxi driver to take them to several places, but he left them stranded.

She also alleged that her daughter’s belongings remained on his bus and were never returned.

The driver later defended himself in a voice note, claiming he only left the people after they failed to return on time.

“I don’t want nobody think I obligated to stay there and wait until they decide they want to come back,” he said. “That’s not how it work. I

running a business.”

He also denied that anyone in the group left their belongings on his bus.

Wesley Ferguson, president of the Bahamas Taxicab Union, told The Tribune he was not surprised by the incident because such matters always happen in the industry.

He said incidents of potential fraud could be minimised if the government implemented a code of conduct for taxi drivers.

Asked about the status of the code, Mrs Coleby-Davis said yesterday: “We have been working on the complete document, and I spoke to the chair of the road traffic board who advised that they are trying to have that ready for September, but because I wouldn’t have control, that’s Road Traffic Authority Board that has that portfolio.”

“I just get the draft, and we review it and we discuss and so hopefully we have that by the end of the year.”

SERIAL GROPER FALSELY BLAMED OF ATTEMPTING TO ABDUCT GIRL

from page one

that Cooper was not the culprit.

A viral video showed Cooper in cuffs as an officer detained him. The man recording the video threatened to attack him.

However, police said the real culprit was a tall, bald-headed, “bright” man who tried to abduct the girl yesterday.

Cooper was released from prison on Friday last week. Police did not confirm up to press time whether he

CANCER SOCIETY OF THE BAHAMAS

THE Cancer Society of The Bahamas will hold its next free clinic in Long Island on September 16, 2023, from 9am-2pm at Deadman’s Cay and Simms. Pap smears and breast examinations will be available for women and PSA blood testing and digital examination will be available for men.

• On Saturday, August 12, the society held its free PAP and PSA Clinic in Bimini, saying “it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our volunteers, who worked tirelessly and diligently to ensure that we achieved our goal of providing free screenings and testing to as many residents as possible.

“With sincere gratitude and deep appreciation for all those who helped, we would like to say thank you for making the clinic a success!”

• As the prevalence of

remained in custody.

Yesterday’s incident may renew concerns among some about the spectacle of hosting a press conference warning the public about a sex offender’s release.

The Registration of Sex Offenders Regulations allow authorities to notify the public about offenders leaving prison to heighten awareness of their presence in an area. However, they do not specify how the public must be notified.

Cooper, who was convicted of 20

sexual assaults over nearly 20 years, is the second person about whom National Security Minister Wayne Munroe hosted a press conference to warn the public.

The first man, Alden Scott, 55, was found dead on a track road in Yellow Elder Gardens less than a week after he was released from prison. He reportedly suffered from injuries to his body. Authorities claimed he died from natural causes.

Cooper’s criminal history mainly involves indecent assault convictions.

A secretariat will now be established to administer and coordinate the functioning of the “Governor-General’s Volunteer Bahamas,” and to work alongside an appointed and volunteer persons committee.

Lindsey Cancino, the current Volunteer Bahamas Committee chairman, said: “The realisation of His Excellency Sir Cornelius A Smith’s dream to promote more organised and expanded volunteerism nationally birthed the Governor General’s Volunteer Bahamas initiative in the aftermath of the 2019 Hurricane Dorian.

“We are indebted to his vision and tenacity in this regard.”

In a recent Government House celebratory farewell luncheon for past and present “Volunteer Bahamas” committee members and personnel from his office, the Governor General expressed his gratitude for their work.

He said: “It is my pleasure to welcome each of you to Mount Fitzwilliam for the first non-social event to be held at Government House since its renovations.

I am particularly pleased that some of the charter members have joined us on this historic occasion as we celebrate the enactment into law of “The Governor General’s Volunteer Society Bill 2023”.

“Today’s landmark legislation, which I signed into law on Friday, 11th August, seeks to further promote public awareness and appreciation of volunteerism and enables more

citizens to take part in volunteer service.”

The Governor General’s belief and promotion of volunteerism steered the formation in 2019 of the NGO, spurred by the outpouring of support for victims following the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian. He hoped the Act would achieve its desired objective, to inculcate a spirit of volunteerism throughout our archipelago.

He expected that the new law would serve as a vehicle to bring about positive change in the attitudes of the Bahamas toward volunteerism.

He thanked the attending current committee and also mentioned some of the early members: first committee chairman Barry Rassin, Anita Bernard, Algernon Allen who was the moving spirit behind the successful legislative initiative, Alicia ‘Puppy’ Robinson who represented the country’s youth, Anthony “Ace” Newbold, and Diane Philips.

He added: “It would be remiss of me to advance my remarks without acknowledging the hard work of The Honorable Anita Allen (Retired Justice) and head of the Law Reform Commission and Mrs Tina Roye for drafting the Bill, and their exceptional guidance. I am also grateful to Ms Antoinette Bonamy, director of legal affairs, and her deputy Mrs Dana Parker Wallace, of the Attorney-General’s Office for their exemplary work in assisting the committee with the drafting of the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.

“Finally, I wish to thank the Honorable Philip Davis, Prime Minister, and members of the Cabinet for their support and full endorsement of our work.”

prostate cancer continues to escalate in our country, Us TOO Prostate Cancer Support Group, along with the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, are urging men 40 years old and over to take advantage of our prostate screening clinics, which will occur during the last two Tuesdays and Thursdays in September at various government clinics throughout New Providence and include PSA blood testing and digital examinations.

• The Ball of Hope, to be held at the community

centre in Clarence Town on September 30 at 7pm, is the perfect opportunity to dance the night away while supporting a great cause.

By donating $125, you can attend the Long Island Branch’s 7th Annual Ball of Hope, an elegant blacktie event that will support cancer patients and survivors and feature a delicious dinner, flavorful cocktails, and riveting entertainment. For details, contact the Long Island branch at 242337-5777 or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/

longislandcancersociety.

• As soon as the clock strikes 6.30am on Saturday, October 7, the enthusiastic supporters of CIBC First Caribbean’s flagship fundraiser, Walk for the Cure, will conquer the streets of New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, and Eleuthera in support of cancer patients, who are in much need of assistance as they battle their disease.

Following its establishment in 2011, the family-friendly health event has raised over $500,000 in funds, which have helped healthcare facilities purchase and maintain equipment used to diagnose and treat cancer patients.

With the funds raised, health organisations, such as the Cancer Society of The Bahamas, can also assist cancer patients with care and counseling and increase cancer awareness through education and outreach.

If you’d like to participate in this worthwhile event, collect a registration form from any CIBC FirstCaribbean Branch or email WalkfortheCureBAH@ cibcfcib.com for more information.

• If you want to find fashionable summer outfits at affordable prices and help comfort those in need, come and visit the Cancer Society Thrift Store in East Terrace, Centreville, open Mondays, Wednesdays, and

Fridays from 9am to 2pm.

All proceeds go towards the Caring Centre, which provides comfortable living spaces for Family Islanders undergoing cancer treatment in Nassau.

ROTARY CLUB OF OLD FORT

ON SATURDAY August 19, the Rotary Club of Old Fort, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of West Nassau, orchestrated a fun Back-to-School Family Fun Day at the picturesque Gambier Community Park. This vibrant event, marked by joy and camaraderie, offered an array of delectable treats including hamburgers, hotdogs, cotton candy, and popcorn, alongside engaging games and face painting.

School backpacks were packed with essential supplies and were generously distributed. This endeavor was seamlessly supported

by dedicated volunteers from the Rotaract Club of UB.

Thank you to our corporate partners: Commonwealth Brewery Limited, for their Vitamalt sponsorship; Bahamas Striping, for their generous bag donations; and Grace Kennedy, who contributed water bottles, rally towels, pens, and handheld fans. With unwavering commitment and gracious support, these clubs and sponsors have collectively liy the path to a brighter future for the Gambier community’s young learners.

JOIN THE CLUB

OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.

To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line. For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 826-2242.

SCENES from the family fun day at Gambier Community Park held by the Rotary Club of Old Fort.

FROM left, registered nurse Ashkuell Armbrister, registered nurse Charlene Gilles, CSOB administrator Errin Storr, retired registered nurse Linda Stuart, Dr Terell McCartney, Dr Saida Bowe, and registered nurse Jamila Charite.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS

Anthonique makes it to 200m final

Devynne Charlton 4th in finals of 100 metres hurdles

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

She was so close, but hurdler Devynne Charlton was denied a spot on the podium for her first major global medal and now it’s left up to sprinter Anthonique Strachan to get it done at the World Championships.

On another bizzare day of competition on day six of the championships yesterday, Charlton got out to a great start, but flattered down the stretch as she slipped to fourth place in the final of the women’s 100 metres hurdles.

And Strachan, who celebrated her 30th birthday on Tuesday, will have the last chance of the 11-member Bahamian team to keep the streak of winning at least one medal alive at the championships after she came through in the nick of time to book her ticket to the last final.

Charlton fourth

After surging out front over the first three sets of the 10 flights of the hurdles, Charlton felt she was on

course to finally pull off the global medal on the senior circuit that had eluded her.

Danielle Williams, running on the inside in lane two and former world record holder Kendra Harrison, in lane four, pulled ahead from there. As they cleared the final three hurdles, Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn from lane seven surged past Charlton in lane six.

When it was all said and done, Williams powered through the line for the gold in a season’s best of 12.43 seconds, followed by Camacho-Quinn with the silver in 12.44 just ahead of Harrison, who held on for the bronze in 12.46.

That left Charlton trailing through the medallists in fourth in 12.52 as she clapped her hands in disappointment, realising that her chance to finally get on the podium slipped away again.

Last year in Eugene, Oregon, she had to settle for seventh place, but after lowering her Bahamian national record to 12.44 for the second fastest qualifying time in the first round and turning in the third

fastest time of 12.49 in the semifinal, Charlton felt this was the year for her to achieve the medal feat.

Strachan into final

In the second of three semifinal races, Strachan came off the curve outside

of contention for a spot, but she was able to negotiate her comeback for third place in 22.30.

It wasn’t enough to catch NCAA champion Julien Alfred from St Lucia, who crossed the finish line in

Basketball’s World Cup set to begin, and the US isn’t worrying about pressure

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

MANILA, Philippines

(AP) — The Naismith Trophy is part of the prize package for winners of the Basketball World Cup. It made a whirlwind tour over the last few weeks, including a stop in Las Vegas where US guard Tyrese Haliburton got to spend a little time in its company.

He immediately understood the mission.

“It’s nice to see it,” Haliburton said. “It’ll be nicer if we bring it home.”

The chance for 32 teams to do just that finally gets underway today, when the World Cup begins in the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan. Consider this a redemption-type opportunity for the US, which was

seventh — its worst-ever finish — at the last World Cup in 2019, and even saw its 12-year reign atop the men’s national-team world rankings end last November.

Yet at this World Cup, the only team with 12 NBA players on its roster finds itself back in the role as the favourite knowing that only gold will be good enough and anything less will be decried as failure.

“We’re going to compete. We’re going to play as hard as we can. We’re going to try to win a gold medal,” US coach Steve Kerr said. “If we don’t, we understand there will be plenty of criticism and we’re OK with that. But our approach is, this is incredibly fun, we’re unbelievably fortunate to be able to do this and

22.17 and Great Britain’s Daryll Neiter, who got second in a personal best of 22.21.

That put Strachan into the waiting room to determine who would get the final two fastest losing times

to round out the field for the final. As it turned out, she got the eighth and final spot in the final today.

Now, as the final Bahamian left to compete for

UNLOCKING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE: ESSENTIAL ROLE OF FATS IN AN ATHLETE’S DIET

AS athletes, we often hear about the significance of proteins and carbohydrates in fuelling our workouts and competitions.

However, there’s another crucial player in the nutrition game that deserves our attention. Probably only one other F-word is more controversial than this one, but they are both equally as offensive. Yes, I’m talking about FAT.

Contrary to the misconception that fats are to be avoided, these mighty macronutrients play a vital role in supporting our athletic endeavours and overall well-being.

The Power of Fats as an Energy Source In the realm of sports, fats emerge as a powerhouse energy source that complements an athlete’s nutritional strategy. Beyond mere caloric content, fats deliver twice the energy per gram compared to

carbohydrates and proteins. While carbohydrates dominate rapid, high-intensity efforts, fats shine during prolonged activities like

to compete and know that we did everything we could. We’re putting in the effort. We want to win. But

whatever happens happens — and we’ll live with that.”

DEVYNNE CHARLTON, of The Bahamas, centre, crosses the finish line in the final of the women’s 100-metres hurdles during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. She placed fourth.

TOP RIGHT: Anthonique Strachan races to the finish in a women’s 200-metres semifinal yesterday. She advanced to today’s final. (AP Photos/Martin Meissner)

FROM left, Yuko Mitsuya chairman of the Japan Basketball Association, JBA, Philippine businessman and SBP Chairman Emeritus Manuel V. Pangilinan and Indonesian businessman and central board member and President of Indonesia’s NOC Erick Thohir pose with the Naismith Trophy, FIBA Basketball World Cup trophy. (AP)

Basden-Williams adds IBA Star 1 Coach to her résumé

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SHE’S broken grounds as a referee and judge, now Grand Bahamian Geddet Basden-Williams has added her certification as an International Boxing Association’s Star 1 Coach to her résumé. Two months after she became national certified referee/coach under the guidance of Grand Bahama Boxing Association president Jermaine Gibson, Williams took the bold challenge and successfully completed the two-week coaching course.

She is now the second Bahamian IBA Star 1 female coach, joining Kayla Johnson, who made history as the first Bahamian female international coach a few years ago.

Gibson, who also serves as the head coach of the All Out Boxing Club, presented Basden-Williams with her certification and she was congratulated by Bahamas Boxing Federation president Vincent Strachan, who welcomed her along with former super heavyweight Kieshno Major, who also passed the course.

The 52-year-old BasdenWilliams is a language arts specialist, but currently serves as the librarian at Sir Jack Hayward High School where she has formed a club for the students. “I

was very elated because being a teacher, it’s really great for me to be in a position to impart my knowledge to my students in the boxing club and to work with my president Jermaine Gibson so that we can get more young people involved in the sport,” said Basden-Williams.

Three years ago, BasdenWilliams was serving as a coordinator for a summer school programme and she noticed the constant fighting among the campers every day. She noted how she jokingly said to one of them that she will make them put on some boxing gloves and fight for real. She was shocked to hear the emphatic “yeah” from the boys, one of whom had two pairs of gloves that he brought the next day and she hosted a match. “They really enjoyed it. The anger tension was removed as they did it for fun,” she recalled. “So I decided to take their energy into a different direction and I started a boxing club there.

“Immediately after that, I was introduced to the Grand Bahama president Jermaine Gibson and then to Mr Vincent Strachan, the president for boxing in the entire Bahamas. We did several matches and the students were successful and they are looking to move forward.”

As a former sportswoman, who participated in just about every sport,

GIRLS’ BEACH SOCCER CAMP ‘SUCCESS STORY’

IN a bid to champion the cause of women’s football and to promote the sport at the grassroots level, the Bahamas Football Association (BFA) recently wrapped up its invigorating Girls Beach Soccer Camp. The camp, an intrinsic part of the FIFA Girls football campaign, drew an impressive average attendance of 30 budding female athletes each day.

Held at the scenic Beach Soccer Stadium, the camp became a vibrant ground for these youngsters to not only develop their soccer skills, but also bond over shared experiences, stories and aspirations.

FROM PAGE 11

marathons and cycling, tapping into the body’s abundant stores to provide sustained endurance. This metabolic shift, known as aerobic oxidation, offers a steady energy release that extends an athlete’s stamina, allowing them to push boundaries and conquer lengthy challenges.

Optimal Cellular

Function

Behind the scenes, fats play a pivotal role in maintaining cell structure and function. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. These fats

WORLD CUP

FROM PAGE 11

There are no shortage of challengers. France believes it finally is in position to win gold, after winning bronze at the most recent World Cup at China in 2019, silver behind the US at the Tokyo Olympics two summers ago, and silver behind Spain at last year’s EuroBasket.

Slovenia has Luka Doncic, maybe the best 1-on-1 player in the tournament and an All-NBA talent for Dallas.

Canada has a slew of NBA players, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Australia has savvy veterans like Patty Mills and Joe Ingles. And then there’s Spain, the defending World Cup champion.

MAJOR NOW IBA CERTIFIED COACH

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

KIESHNO Major is now the latest former amateur boxer to become an International Boxing Association Star 1 certified coach in the Bahamas.

Major, who competed on the national team as a super heavyweight boxer, recently passed his certification along with Grand Bahamian female referee/judge Geddet Basden-Williams.

at the National Boxing Gymnasium.

The ocean’s rhythm combined with the melody of laughter and the thumping soccer balls painted a picture of joy, dedication and passion.

Under the expert guidance of seasoned coaches, the young participants received insights into the intricacies of beach soccer.

Through dedicated training sessions, interactive drills and real-time match situations, the girls showcased commendable progress, reflecting the effectiveness of the camp and the potential future stars of Bahamian football.

Adding to the atmosphere was a series of

support immune function and aid in the repair of muscle tissues, promoting faster recovery after intense workouts. Omega-3s, found in fatty fish and flaxseeds, are particularly renowned for their heart-healthy benefits and potential to reduce exercise-induced inflammation.

Supporting Hormonal

Balance

Fats also contribute to hormonal balance, which is critical for an athlete’s performance and overall health. Hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, are synthesized from cholesterol, a type of fat. Ensuring a sufficient intake of healthy fats supports the body’s hormone

Just don’t refer to Spain as such around coach Sergio Scariolo.

“Honestly, I hate the definition of defending anything,” Scariolo said. “We are not defending anything. Every team is starting a new, fresh competition. Every team starts 0-0. We have been proud to exceed any expectations during the last competitions, winning championships which nobody predicted beforehand. We might win and we are starting from, once again, behind several teams in the expectations of the final result.”

The tournament starts today with eight games — there’s eight more Saturday, including the US opener against New Zealand — and will almost certainly see history on Day 1. Local officials are hoping more than

including track and field, softball, netball and basketball, Basden-Williams said she’s not concerned about being a woman in a male dominated sport. “They don’t say hi you’re a male. We just do what we have to do and it just gets done,” she said. “Everybody is respectful of each other’s role.”

Basden-Williams said she hopes that she can inspire more women to get involved in the sport as coaches, referees and judges as she is doing as a trailblazer in Grand Bahama.

Strachan anticipates that there will be more certified coaches and officials, including women, by the end of the year as a result of Basden-Williams’ accomplishment.

“I am encouraging all coaches to be certified referees/judges to better prepare them to develop their boxers and educate them on international rules,” he said.

“From time to time I will conduct clinics for all persons associated with the federation, in order to equip them with the standards.”

He was presented with his certification certificate by Bahamas Boxing Federation president Vincent Strachan during a ceremony at the National Boxing Gymnasium.

“This is a certificate that I was working on for a long time and the opportunity just presented itself,” said Major, who officially retired from boxing about five years ago.

“A lot of coaches in the Bahamas don’t have this certification, so it’s a breath of fresh air to finally achieve this goal.”

He endured an intense two-week training course that took place around 3am in the morning because of the time zone with the other parts of the world where other candidates participated.

“I didn’t know what to expect because this was actually the first time that I took a course like this,” Major said. “It was kind of scary in a way, but I was able to pull through.”

However, Major said they decided to expand their operation and he ended up forming the 7th Ranked Boxing Club a year ago, which included such promising boxers as Erin Fowler, Eric Williams, Austin Minnis, Aimi Newchurch and his two sons Khalius and Zion Major. Strachan said it’s the federation’s intention to produce a cadre of coaches, referees and judges by the end of the year and these certifications for Major and Basden-Williams are just a step in that direction.

“The number is expected to increase after a review of some of the results from the course just before Major’s,” he said.

Strachan said having more internationally certified coaches on board will help to provide the assistance that is needed for the boxers when they travel to compete on the national teams.

“For many years, local coaches refused to travel with our national boxing teams. We relied on coaches from other countries to assist us,” Strachan said. “Not having your coaches wearing your country’s colours is a major disadvantage to us.

“That has to change because a female nationally certified referee/judge from Grand Bahama was also successful in the Star one coaches course.

snapshots capturing the essence of the camp.

It’s evident that such initiatives by the BFA, backed by global campaigns like that of FIFA, are instrumental in shaping the future of women’s football in the Bahamas.

The association recognises and appreciates the enthusiasm of participants, the dedication of

production, which in turn influences muscle growth, bone health, and energy levels.

Vitamins and Nutrient

Absorption

Certain vitamins, known as fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), rely on fats for absorption. These vitamins are essential for various bodily functions, including immune system support, bone health, and energy metabolism. Incorporating healthy fats into your diet ensures that you’re maximizing the benefits of these vital nutrients.

Choosing the Right Fats

Not all fats are created equal. While trans fats and excessive saturated fats should be

40,000 people will attend in Manila when the Philippines meets Karl-Anthony Towns and the Dominican Republic. That attendance figure would smash the previous World Cup record, set when 32,616 watched the US beat Russia at Toronto in 1994.

It’ll be a moment of immense Pinoy pride.

“For me, it’s just relishing the opportunity,” Philippines coach Chot Reyes said. “I mean, who gets this chance, right? To coach your national team in a tournament of this magnitude in your hometown?

I know there are a lot of detractors, but I just always remind myself that what we have here going on is special. That’s enough for me. That’s enough for us.”

Qualifying for this event started more than two years

coaches and the unwavering support of the staff who together crafted this success story.

Given the camp’s palpable impact, there’s a hopeful buzz in the air.

One thing is certain, the future of women’s football in the Bahamas is as bright as the sun that shone down on the BFA Girls Beach Soccer Camp.

limited, unsaturated fats are the heroes you want on your plate. Foods rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, are excellent choices. These fats support cardiovascular health and provide lasting energy without the drawbacks associated with unhealthy fats. No, your favourite fast food burger or fried chicken joint is not your new ultimate source for fats and proteins. Just in case you were thinking that.

Striking the Balance Balancing your macronutrients - carbohydrates, proteins and fats - is essential for optimal athletic performance. While

ago, with 80 hopefuls getting pared down to the 32 nations that are in Asia for the next couple weeks.

Teams were placed into a four-team group; the top two teams in each of the eight groups makes the second round. Some nations fully understand that they would need to pull off the upset of upsets to advance.

When Venezuela’s David Cubillan was asked how to guard Doncic, who awaits them in their tournament opener on Saturday: “You need to pray.”

There are some interesting pairings in opening games, including Serbia facing China. Sasha Djordjevic stepped down as Serbia’s coach after the last World Cup in China, then got hired by China last year — and sure enough, Serbia

Through this certification, Major said he feels he’s one step closer to achieving his goal of getting boxers to not only compete, but to win international medals at the major competitions like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, something that he fell short of accomplishing in his career.

Major, 38, previously teamed up with fellow International certified boxing coach Valentino Knowles to form the After Shock Boxing Club.

Together, they also hosted a few amateur boxing shows

carbohydrates remain a primary energy source, fats offer sustained energy, protect against inflammation, and contribute to overall health. Athletes should aim to allocate about 20-35% of their daily caloric intake to healthy fats, depending on weight goals and training phases.

In conclusion, embracing fats as a valuable component of your nutrition strategy can elevate your performance and wellbeing. The next time you plan your meals, remember that fats are not foes but allies in your journey toward peak athletic excellence. By incorporating a variety of healthy fats into your diet, you’re providing

awaits him Saturday. “For me, that’s very, very special,” Djordjevic said. “Very emotional. It’s going to be a game full of emotions, definitely. But we are professionals and we have to do our best for the teams that we are working for. It’s a detail that probably you guys from the media will like, but for me, it’ll be a game full of pride.”

Kerr is looking for a unique double: He won the World Cup, then called FIBA’s world championship, as a college player in 1986 when the Americans beat the Soviet Union 87-85 at Madrid behind 23 points from Kenny Smith.

Kerr missed the title game after tearing a knee ligament in the semifinals.

“This experience,” Kerr said, “is something our team will never forget.”

Geddet Williams has become only the second female in the Bahamas to be an international certified coach. She is the first to be certified as both a coach and referee/judge. She will also move toward the Star two online coaches course later this year.”

Hopefully, this will enable Major, Basden-Williams, Knowles and Strachan and other qualified coaches to get more opportunities to travel on the national teams that represent the Bahamas at the CAC, Pan American, Commonwealth and Olympic Games in the future.

your body with the tools it needs to conquer challenges and excel in your athletic pursuits.

Bahamian sports medicine physician, sports performance coach, sports nutrition specialist and founder of Empire Sports Medicine.

Our mission is to empower athletes to reach new heights while safeguarding their health and well-being. We understand the unique demands of sports activities, and we are dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries, overcome challenges, optimise nutrition and performance.

That was among the selling points Kerr, Grant Hill and Sean Ford — the braintrust of USA Basketball’s men’s programme right now — used to lure this roster of players who haven’t been on this stage before. There’s no shortage of talent, and no shortage of expectation.

“For me personally, there’s no such thing as pressure,” US point guard Jalen Brunson said.

“I have figured it out that as long as I continue really working hard on my game, putting everything I can into what I do, there’s no such thing as pressure.

“Now there are different moments, situations where the stakes are higher than the others, but as long as I keep working hard there really is no pressure. And I think this team is going to rely on each other.”

GB Amateur Boxing Association president Jermaine Gibson, left, presents Geddet Basden-Williams with her coaching certificate.

THE CAMP drew average attendance of 30 female athletes daily.

Photo: BFA

Wall Street wilts as yields rise ahead of speech by Federal Reserve's Powell

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer

WALL Street slumped Thursday, despite a blowout profit report from Nvidia, following some mixed reports on the U.S. economy.

The S&P 500 dropped 1.3% for its worst loss in three weeks. It nearly wiped out its gain for the week, which had been a bright spot in what's been a rough August.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 373 points, or 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite tumbled 1.9%.

Stocks sank as Treasury yields stabilized following their tumble a day earlier. High yields in the bond market have been upping the pressure because they make investors less willing to pay high prices for stocks and other risky investments.

They may be set to go even higher, depending on what the head of the Federal Reserve says in a speech scheduled for Friday.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.23% from 4.20% late Wednesday. It fell there from 4.33% a day before, close to its highest level since 2007.

Yields found some traction following a couple mixed reports on the U.S. economy. One showed that fewer U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week. It's the latest sign that the job market remains

remarkably resilient despite high interest rates.

Another report said orders for long-lasting manufactured goods slumped by more last month than economists expected. That could be a signal that conditions are worsening for the struggling manufacturing industry, but orders actually rose more than expected for the month after ignoring airplanes and other transportation equipment.

For now, weaker-thanexpected reports on the economy may counterintuitively be more welcome in financial markets. The economy has managed to avoid a long-predicted recession, but the fear is that it's so solid that it will keep upward pressure on inflation.

The Federal Reserve has already raised its main interest rate to the highest level since 2001 in hopes of grinding down high inflation. High rates work to do that by slowing the entire economy and hurting prices for investments.

Hope had built that the Fed's latest rate hike in July may prove to be the last of this cycle, after inflation cooled considerably since peaking above 9% last summer. Traders also have made bets for the Fed to begin cutting rates early next year.

But a series of strongerthan-expected reports on the economy has diminished those hopes. That's

why Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech on Friday morning is so highly anticipated. He'll be speaking at an event in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, that has ben the site of major policy announcements in the past by the Fed.

The two-year Treasury yield, which moves closely with expectations for the Fed, rose to 5.01%. A day before, it had dropped to 4.98% from 5.05% after a report suggested U.S.

business activity is cooling in August. That weaker-thanexpected report pushed John Vail, chief global strategist at Nikko Asset Management, to think Powell may not sound as aggressive about keeping rates high.

But he still says Powell "will likely express concerns about inflation not falling fast enough and that the market should not expect any cuts through at least the first part of 2024."

Thursday's weakness for stocks came despite a much stronger-than-expected profit report from Nvidia, one of Wall Street's most influential stocks. That raised hopes that this year's frenzy on Wall Street around artificial-intelligence technology isn't just hype.

Nvidia first stunned the market three months ago when it said the quick adoption of AI would send its revenue soaring in the three months through July. Its sales came in even better

than forecast, at $12.51 billion, and the company gave a forecast for the current quarter that again blew past Wall Street's expectations.

Nvidia shot up more than 6% in the morning and seemed to be headed for a record close. But its gain diminished through the day, and it finished up by just 0.1%. It was nevertheless one of the strongest forces pushing up on the S&P 500, which saw more than 80% of stocks within it fall.

On the losing end of Wall Street, Dollar Tree fell 12.9% despite reporting stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than expected. It said customers are shifting their purchases toward products that are less profitable for the company. Like other retailers, it also cited inventory "shrink," which is a term the industry uses to describe theft and other losses of products.

Petco tumbled 20.6% after saying its customers are also feeling pressure. The seller of pet supplies cut its forecast for earnings over the full year, though its results for the latest quarter matched or beat analysts' expectations.

All told, the S&P 500 fell 59.70 points to 4,376.31. The Dow dropped 373.56 to 34,099.42, and the Nasdaq sank 257.06 to 13,463.97. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in Europe after mostly rising in Asia.

Nordstrom’s results reflect cautious consumer spending, echoing department store sector blues

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO AP Retail Writer

NORDSTROM on

Thursday reported that its sales and profits fell in its fiscal second quarter, joining itsdepartment store peers coping with shoppers' cautious spending.

But its results still topped Wall Street expectations.

The Seattle-based upscale department store reaffirmed its financial annual outlook that calls for a sales decline for the year.

After initially rising, its stock was down about 2% in after-markets trading Thursday.

Nordstrom's sales were affected by the timing of the company's anniversary sale, with one week falling into the third quarter this year compared to one day in 2022. Moreover, last year's results included a full quarter of sales from its Canadian operations, which the company wound down in June of this year.

Nordstrom reported net income of $137 million, or 84 cents per share, for the quarter ended July 29. That compares with $126 million, or 77 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

Total sales fell 7.9% to $3.77 billion from $4.09 billion in the quarter.

Analysts were expecting 45 cents per share on $3.67 billion, according to FactSet.

Nordstrom said that it saw improvement in many

areas. For example, children's and men's clothing performed better than average at both the Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom Rack. Women's clothing improved sequentially from the first quarter. The chain said that inventories are down 18% from a year ago.

Nordstrom said it expects a revenue decline between 4% to 6% for the year compared with a year ago. It also expects earnings per share of between $1.80 per share to $2.20 per share for the year, excluding charges related to the wind-down of its Canadian operations. Analysts expect $1.98 per share, according to FactSet. Its results follow Kohl's, which reported on Wednesday that profits dropped nearly 60% due to weak second-quarter sales. On Tuesday, Macy's said it was forced to discount its spring goods to make room for fall and holiday merchandise in the face of customers' muted spending.

The reports come as shoppers are still dealing with high inflation and higher interest rates that are making it more expensive to take out a loan on a car or a house or carry debt on credit cards.

Nordstrom executives told analysts on a conference call Thursday that the retailer has seen credit card delinquencies rising gradually, and they are now above pre-pandemic levels. That could result in higher

credit losses in the second half of the current fiscal year and into next year, the company said.

Macy's also cited a fasterthan-anticipated rise in credit card delinquencies, signaling more financial pressure for shoppers in the second half of the year. And many stores are flagging uncertainty over the end of the student loan moratorium, which had provided one-time college students a little more financial breathing room.

Meanwhile, Gap Inc., which operates stores under its namesake, as well as Banana Republic, Old Navy and Athleta, reported on Thursday a profit from a year-ago loss despite an 8% sales decline. The results fell short of Wall Street estimates.

The San Francisco-based company — which has been mired in a sales malaise for years and just appointed former Mattel executive Richard Dickson as its new CEO — saw declines across all of its brands.

Gap is estimating that third-quarter net sales could decrease in the lowdouble-digit range. For the year, the company said it anticipates net sales could decline in the mid-singledigit range compared to the previous year.

Gap shares were up about 1.5% in after-markets trading.

FEDERAL Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, center, talks with attendees of the central bank’s annual symposium at Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park, Aug. 26, 2022. in Moran, Wyo.

As Powell returns to Jackson Hole this week, the U.S. economy’s resilience has raised the prospect that the Fed will need to keep its key rate higher for longer than had been expected.

Photo:Amber Baesler/AP

THIS photo shows the entrance to a Nordstrom store, Jan. 30, 2023, in Pittsburgh. On Thursday, Aug. 24, Nordstrom reported that its sales and profits fell in its fiscal second quarter, joining its department store peers coping with shoppers' cautious spending.

Photo:Gene J. Puskar/AP

IDB: $856m strategy for Bahamas ‘too ambitious’

FROM PAGE A24

with the then-Minnis administration. However, there was little change from the previous country strategy, where the IDB’s efforts were “hampered by the country’s limited institutional capacity to implement projects, and by the lack of political consensus to move ahead with key sectoral reforms”.

“Although the bank made a significant effort to strengthen Project Implementation Units (PIUs) in its operations, implementation of these efforts was slow and results mixed. Some common issues appear to have included overestimation of the Government’s capacity to implement, inadequate ability of PIUs to co-ordinate complex projects, and inadequate identification of risks and corresponding mitigating measures,” the multilateral lender’s watchdog added.

“The country programme evaluation attributed the Government’s low implementation capacity to a lack of technical experts to design and implement financed programmes, slow decision making, low co-ordination capacity, and lack of political commitment.”

The IDB provided financing significantly more financing than originally planned during the 20182022 period, with sovereign (government) guaranteed disbursements ultimately hitting $563.5m - a number more than three times’ the originally estimated $183m.

“The IDB group programme in The Bahamas consisted of 63 operations totaling $1.09bn. During the period of analysis, the Bank approved $855.8m in 32 sovereign-guaranteed operations - more than five times’ the country strategy’s indicative financial envelope,” the watchdog’s report said. “The reimbursable operations consisted of

six investment loans, two policy-based loans and one policy-based guarantee.

“The IDB also approved 23 non-reimbursable operations, consisting of two investment grants for a total of $14.6m and 21 technical co-operations with a total value of $6.2m. The non-sovereign-guaranteed (NSG) portfolio approved under the strategy period included two senior loans for a total of $42.2m and six advisory services for a total of $272,978.” Some $119.5m was approved by the IDB during the country strategy period to aid The Bahamas’ response to Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19, and the report added: “Overall, the cross-cutting themes of data, gender and climate change were integrated into approximately 40 percent, 35 percent and 60 percent of programme operations, respectively..... “Sovereign guarantee disbursement took off during the review period.

Total sovereign guarantee disbursements ($563.5m) greatly surpassed the country strategy estimate ($183m) as well as total disbursements over the last strategy period ($133.6m).”

However, The Bahamas’ country programme either missed or made only minimal impact on the majority of IDB objectives.

“As of the date this review was prepared, the Office of Evaluation and Oversight found that the contribution of the country programme to achieving country strategy objectives was low,” the IDB report said. “The country programme contribution was low for three strategic objectives, medium for three strategic objectives, and high for one strategic objective, and made no contribution to four strategic objectives.

“This is unsurprising for two reasons. First, given the low level of disbursement in the preceding strategy period, the legacy

project portfolio was still in early stages of disbursement. Irrespective of their age, less than a third of legacy operations had disbursed more than a third of approved resources at the start of the strategy period. Thus, they did not have the depth to successfully produce results within the country strategy period.

“Similarly, the majority of new operations were approved in the strategy’s last three years, which is too short of a period to present results. Second, the strategy’s objectives were too many relative to the size of the country programme. As such, effective contribution to each country strategy objective depended on the performance of one or two projects in most cases.”

Summing up its findings, the IDB watchdog said:

“The country programme’s breadth was overly ambitious given its size. As a result, various objectives were not addressed in sufficient depth or, in some

Armed guards called amid unrest at BPL

to getting those concerns

addressed.

“As for the armed guards at the station, when there is any perceived threat that a plant may be under threat - and no one is suggesting that that is the case - the protocol is for security to be put in place. That would be Defence Force officers, police officers, to ensure that there is no threat to the plant and obviously inconvenience to BPL consumers

“I’m saying in the case of industrial action, or the possibility of industrial action, a long-standing protocol is in place that will ensure that there is no danger nor threat to any of the plants that obviously supply electricity. That’s been in place for a long time, forever.”

Kyle Wilson, the BEWU’s president, yesterday told Tribune Business that the armed guards are unnecessary because neither nor its members would ever seek to damage or sabotage BPL infrastructure. Last week, he told reporters that intentional disruption of service was something the union will never engage in.

He reiterated: “We’re not going to disrupt service. I’m never going to do it. I’m just saying, if no one’s there to watch a computer, no one’s there to watch an engine, it may turn itself off. These things are designed that way. So it’s not that I’m going to ever send anyone to intentionally do anything.”

Mr Wilson explained that by working on a work-torule basis, union members are not taking anything

away from BPL as they will work “diligently” during their mandated regular hours. They will not, though, perform overtime or work during lunch hours as he called on Prime Minister Philip Davis KC to intervene on behalf of the workers and address their grievances.

The BEWU president said: ”Standard hours without taking anything away from the company. We’re mandated to put in our standard hours and so workers are putting in their standard hours and so I can’t see how that’s any major thing because, if you hire me to work from 8am to 4pm, those are my standard hours and I put in my diligent work during those hours and I have the right to leave at the end of my shift.

“We are just trying to get resolution; I don’t want to harm anybody. It’s not in my will to do so. I’m just asking the Prime Minister to please hear the workers out and let’s come to a resolution. Let’s come to the table being reasonable and respecting each other, hearing each other’s side, and find the middle ground in the best interest of everybody.”

The BEWU, which represents BPL line staff, in a notice issued to members urged them to perform their duties on a “work to rule” basis within scheduled work hours until the issues with BPL are addressed.

A statement released to members said that since BPL executives have shown an “unwillingness” to “work in good faith”, employees will now enter

a state of “reduced enthusiasm”. It called for union members to “stand ready” as a call for action can come at any time.

The notice said: “Executive management is refusing to work in good faith to resolve the numerous issues that are plaguing our union. As a result of their unwillingness to correct/ resolve any of the major issues that you face, we are now in a state of reduced enthusiasm.

“We will only work our regular scheduled hours (no overtime/no working through lunch). It is imperative that all members must hold the line until resolutions are achieved. Members stand ready as the clarion call is about to come at any moment.”

The Bahamas Electrical Utility Managerial Union

instances, at all. The Office of Evaluation and Oversight found low overall contribution to country strategy objectives, even for those that were highly aligned.

“Mitigation measures to address execution capacity weaknesses identified in the last evaluation did not have the desired effects. The recurrent use of retroactive financing in investment loans allowed the bank to move forward in project implementation, but without resolving persistent implementation capacity issues.

“This raises questions about the additionally beyond financing of the investment loans implemented during this period, and whether the implementation risks were well diagnosed or mitigation measures well targeted.”

(BEUTM), which represents middle managers at BPL, has been working on a “work to rule” basis since its president, Christopher Hanna, announced his members will not deal with any issues after hours until their concerns are met.

He said: “As of today, our members start working to rule. That means we will only do what is in our job description. If anything happens after hours, the executives will have to deal with it. Our managers will not come out and work overtime.”

“Enough is enough. We have had enough. Unless our issues are resolved in a timely manner, and I will say not only in a timely manner, but we want what is given out to everybody else at minimum.”

DOCUMENTS, JETBLUE SAYS IT COULD RAISE

FARES ON SOME ROUTES AFTER BUYING SPIRIT AIRLINES

Associated Press

JETBLUE Airways estimates that it could raise fares on some routes by up to 40% if it succeeds in buying Spirit Airlines and eliminating the low-fare carrier as a competitor on those routes.

The internal calculations appeared in court filings made earlier this week, and which JetBlue says were not properly redacted.

JetBlue said Thursday that information from the filings is being taken out of context to distort the facts. Consumer advocates jumped on the news, saying that the accidental disclosure supports the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit aiming to block JetBlue's $3.8 billion purchase of Spirit, the nation's largest discount airline.

Even before the government lawsuit, lawyers for about two dozen consumers sued JetBlue and Spirit last November in U.S. district court in Boston, claiming that the merger would reduce competition and lead to higher prices.

Documents filed Tuesday in that case were redacted, but in a way that made it possible to see the hidden information by copying

and pasting the text into a new document. The revelation was first reported by Law360, which covers legal news. Law360 told USA Today that the documents are no longer posted publicly. The documents would seem to undercut JetBlue's argument that consumers would benefit from the merger because the combined airline would be better

able to compete against giants like American, Delta and United. In a statement Thursday, New York-based JetBlue said lawyers for the consumers "failed to properly redact certain information which, taken out of context, creates a completely inaccurate picture of the facts. We are confident that our merger with Spirit will give a much-needed boost to airline competition in the

Bran: ‘Let’s get on with’ medical marijuana plan

FROM PAGE A24

a regulatory and licensing regime to oversee its use, he added that he was “fine” with the Government’s decision not to do likewise with industrial hemp for the moment and added: “One step at a time.”

The proposed Cannabis Bill 2023 lays out the Bahamian ownership requirements, and restrictions/limitations on foreign investment and involvement, in various sectors of a medical marijuana industry. Corporate entities seeking a licence for the cultivation, retail, transport or religious use of marijuana must be fully or 100 percent Bahamian owned. This aligns with the National Investment Policy, which permits Bahamian ownership only in sectors such as retail and transport.

Foreign investment, ownership and participation, though, will be permitted when “applying for an analytical testing licence, manufacturing licence or research licence”, but there must be at least a 30 percent Bahamian equity ownership interest in the entity involved (see other articles on Page 22B).

“Under the proposed regime, cannabis will only be legally accessible for medical, scientific or religious purposes,” the Bill’s “objects and reasons” section added. Cultivation is defined as “the growing, harvesting, drying, trimming, curing and packaging of cannabis”, while a retail licence will be needed for the operation of “a cannabis dispensary and therapeutic facility” plus the sale of marijuana and associated accessories for legal purposes.

Offering initial support for these Bahamian ownership requirements, Mr McCartney told Tribune

Business: “That sounds reasonable, unlike putting in stipulations that are unattainable for the average person to participate. That sounds reasonable in that regard. That sounds reasonable.

“We want to see Bahamians having an opportunity, not an unreasonable opportunity, in terms of owning or being part of the industry. We want something where the average man on the street can have opportunities to participate in the industry. I hope they move forward with it sooner rather than later. We’ve had a number of significant Bills, like the Freedom of Information Act, which have been around for some time and not come into effect yet. I hope this doesn’t fall into that category.”

The Bill’s Bahamian ownership provisions mark a nuanced change from what was suggested by the Minnis administration’s National Commission on Marijuana report in August 2021. “The creation of a cannabis industry, for medicinal and/ or recreational purposes, must provide opportunities for all Bahamians to get involved, and at all levels, including ownership of the major components of the system,” it urged.

“The cost of operating a cannabis business is expensive. It is appreciated, therefore, that the average Bahamian may not have the resources to fully participate in the industry. It is imperative that safeguards are put in place that will encourage Bahamians to partner with foreign investors at a ratio that is mutually beneficial. It is proposed that any company formed must be at least 51 percent Bahamian-owned, with no more than 49 percent of the shares being owned by non-Bahamians.”

Mr McCartney, eyeing the industry’s economic potential, said: “I think we need to take a page out of Canada’s book where this is a billion dollar industry. Certainly, had we started to work on this being an industry when COVID hit, I think the country would be in a better position financially to deal with it.

“I would encourage the Government to take a leaf out of Canada’s playbook when it comes to the legalisation of marijuana. We certainly don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We just need to make it applicable to our jurisdiction. I think the impact will be significant.

“I don’t have the dollar figure, but certainly it would be an enhancement to our economy. It would provide, I think, a significant amount of jobs and investment directly and indirectly as a result of the industry. I think it’s something we move forward with post-haste.”

The Government yesterday said the current reforms are only focused on medical marijuana, not industrial hemp, which may be legalised at a later date. Dr Michael Darville, minister of health, explained that the Government will be “making a big mistake” if it legalises Indian hemp and medicinal marijuana at the same time. He cited the former’s psychotropic dangers, and high concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

Mr McCartney said he had no problem with this strategy, adding: “One step at a time. Fine. That’s our culture, but we’ve moving in the right direction in that regard. One step at a time. If we get to that stage, fine, but medical marijuana is a significant move in the right direction.”

The National Commission on Marijuana, in its report,

said the “potential exists for a sustainable industry” for both medical marijuana and industrial hemp with both needing to be explored. However, given that studies have shown the plants for both cannot co-exist, separate islands and regions of The Bahamas will have to be “zoned” for one type or the other as they cannot cross-pollinate. “Cannabis for the hemp industry would require a different strain or species of the plant,” the Commission said. “The plant used for industrial hemp is traditionally high in CBD. There are many uses for hemp-based products in the general population, from hempcrete (a construction material) to clothing and hardware such as ropes and other building materials.

“Looking at the global trends, however, it is not expected that there will be an explosion of products into the industrial hemp market. This is because the prohibition on industrial

hemp has been lifted for much of the world. Hemp clothing is available, but not in large quantities. The same applies for other hardware hemp that can be and is being produced.

“What is observed is an explosion in the health and recreational uses of hempderived CBD and products. Products range from every aspect of the consumer experience: Smokable products, as well as edible, topical and pet wellness products,” it added.

“The absence of explosion of the hemp industry compared to the production of cannabis products for human consumption may be attributed to the initial start-up costs for production of the hemp products, coupled with a low market demand. This, therefore, does not make production a priority for businesses operating in this space. On the other hand, the costs to set up operations designed to cultivate and extract for human consumption are

U.S. and result in more low fares and higher-quality service for customers."

Consumer advocates who oppose the JetBlue-Spirit deal said the disclosures support their argument.

"Those of us who have been warning that a JetBlue-Spirit merger would raise fares and stifle competition can now cite an unimpeachable source — JetBlue itself," said William J. McGee, an aviation expert at the American Economic Liberties Project, which lobbies against industry consolidation. "JetBlue's claims that this deal will benefit consumers are hollow and contradicted by JetBlue's own internal schemes."

far more cost effective with a much higher return on investment.”

Mr McCartney, meanwhile, recalled how the DNA’s billboards advocating for medical marijuana’s legalisation were torn down in some instances during the 2017 election campaign. “I am curious to know what caused the change of mind for these politicians, both FNM and PLP, to move forward,” he said. “It’s about time.

“It’s something that we campaigned on in 20162017, and it’s quite funny. Politics is a very serious thing. We got a lot of negative feedback from persons when we campaigned on it, even to the extent where persons broke down our billboards. They said we wanted people to smoke dope. How silly, how silly. This is something the country should have done a long time ago. It is ultimately for the benefit of the country. It’s about time. Let’s get on with it.”

GBPA THREATS ‘BAD JUDGMENT’ BY PM

fulfill, he slammed the “heavy handedness” of the administration’s approach but agreed that “a number of fundamental changes need to take place” in how Freeport is governed.

Mr Pintard, acknowledging that the GBPA’s owners, the Hayward and St George families, and their executives have “not been higher performers” in fulfilling their obligations to develop and maintain The Bahamas’ second city, called for an injection of fresh ideas by allowing new investors - including Bahamians - to acquire shares in the regulatory authority and its Port Group Ltd affiliate.

Warning that the Davis administration, like its two FNM and PLP predecessors, was “missing the opportunity” to create meaningful change by engaging in a “fight”, he also called for a streamlined investment approvals process and consensus on stringent environmental by-laws for Freeport that would enable investors to avoid seeking approvals from Nassau as well as the GBPA.

However, while backing the need for far-reaching reform, Mr Pintard told this newspaper that the Opposition “do not support” a total government takeover of the GBPA and its regulatory/ governance functions for fear this will both “send the wrong message” to investors and ensnare Freeport’s supposed ‘free trade zone’ in the same bureaucracy and red tape that businesses endure throughout the rest of The Bahamas.

“We have very serious concerns,” the Opposition leader told Tribune Business. “We have said from the very beginning that the Prime Minister has exercised very bad judgment by making threats. On the surface of it, the threats come across as if this administration intends to do whatever it sees fit in wrestling away control of the GBPA.

“These threats create an environment of uncertainty around what is going to happen in the short,

medium and long-term in Grand Bahama in the event there is a very serious and prolonged fight between the municipal government in Freeport and the central government of The Bahamas. That uncertainty will affect business that is already bad in Grand Bahama, and sends a wide signal about the Government’s lack of tempered approach and heavy handedness.”

The Prime Minister launched the Government’s offensive against the GBPA in the recent 2023-2024 Budget debate, when he argued that the quasi-governmental authority and its shareholders are failing to live up to their commitments under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement to maintain, grow and invest in Freeport’s development. He also charged that Freeport’s founding treaty is also proving inadequate as a platform for attracting fresh private investment and economic growth.

He subsequently said the Government “has begun to invoice the Port Authority” for the reimbursement of expenses that Bahamian taxpayers have incurred in providing public infrastructure and services in Freeport - investments that Mr Davis argued are the GBPA’s obligations, although the latter has refuted this. And, earlier this week, Mr David said his priority is to “right the ship” at the GBOA because its owners’ interests are not aligned with those of Grand Bahama residents.

Mr Pintard, agreeing that some of these concerns are valid, said the GBPA’s shareholders and management team “have not been high performers in fulfilling the obligations they have”. Calling for fresh blood at the GBPA, he added: “The time is ripe for the shareholders who control that ownership to broaden the ownership of those assets outside of the land presently being held by DevCO and the Port Group of Companies. We have to look at some material changes.”

Arguing that fee income raised from the GBPA’s

licensees and Freeport property owners should “not be in the sole exclusive purview” of the Port Authority when it comes to how these funds are spent, the FNM leader said: “There’s a number of fundamental changes that ought to take place. All these things ought to be on the table for discussion.

“Clearly, this government is having trouble resonating on Grand Bahama and part of what the Prime Minister and his team are doing is deflecting responsibility for their own failings in Grand Bahama. This fight with the GBPA provides them with the ability to deflect from the responsibilities they have in helping to regenerate Grand Bahama’s economy and the concerns residents have.

“The GBPA is playing off what the Government should be doing, and the Government is playing off what the Port should be doing and, quite frankly, we are missing an opportunity because of the fight. We have a wonderful opportunity to have a meaningful discussion and come up with concrete plans of transformation for the economy.”

Echoing many in Freeport’s private sector, Mr Pintard called for all stakeholders - the Government, GBPA, the latter’s licensees, civil society and representatives from east and west Grand Bahama - to “sit down together, identify the challenges we are facing in Freeport, and work in tandem to come up with solutions to the vexing problems that exist”.

However, he reiterated his party’s opposition to a complete government

Gov't challenged over industrial hemp delay

takeover in Freeport. “The Opposition is on record that we do not support assuming all the regulatory authority in the city of Freeport,” Mr Pintard told Tribune Business. “Unless they go through the proper legal channels, they cannot seize the assets, and they should be careful not to send that message out there by the tone of the conversation they’ve been engaging.”

Suggesting that political influences would impact the licensing of new Freeport businesses should the Government take over the city’s governance and regulation, he added: “The last thing we need is government determining the pace and how businesses run and the ease of doing business.”

With GBPA licensees recently complaining about the red tape encountered in having to obtain approvals from Nassau as well, Mr Pintard urged: “We should be sitting down and figuring out how to remove the second level of approval for business. Potential investors should not have to seek one layer of approval here, and then go to New Providence for the same thing. There should be a very narrow group of them that require government oversight.”

While the Government would still have to retain Immigration control in Freeport, Mr Pintard said discussions should also be concluded on environmental by-laws for Freeport that will both align with the most stringent international standards and ensure investors do not have to seek the go-ahead from the GBPA as well as the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP).

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, WITTINGTON DENISE CASH of Thompson Drive, New Providence, Bahamas intend to change my name to WHITTINGTON DENNIS KELLY 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.

FROM PAGE A22

CBD (cannabidiol) as the primary reason for why the Government will not remove it from the Dangerous Drugs Act, but he recognised its economic benefits from use in materials such as clothing and biofuels.

Mr Miller, a staunch proponent of industrial hemp legalisation, said: “The science is the CBD generally is the medicine, and THC is also a medicine. It’s the THC in marijuana that helps with epilepsy and epileptic seizures. One without the other doesn’t work. That’s why people talk about ‘whole plant’ because they want the CBD and the THC.”

He also voiced concern that the Davis administration is duplicating research work already undertaken in 2018 and 2019 under the Minnis administration’s Bahamas National Commission on Marijuana, headed by co-chairs Bishop Simeon Hall and former deputy commissioner of police, Quinn McCartney.

Mr Miller added: “I think the Government is kicking the can down the road again because it seems as if we are making much ado about nothing.” The Government has begun public consultation on the proposed medical marijuana legislative package, and this will ramp up next month with more stakeholder meetings.

“We did the consultation in 2019, a whole year of consultation. People were paid and we had a whole marijuana commission and

they published a report,” Mr Miller added. Licences for cannabis dispensaries will only be given to Bahamians, which Mr Miller described as is “excellent”, but he warned against the lack of Bahamian empowerment when it comes to obtaining the permit itself.

“Of course, Bahamians will have to partner with an international organisation and nothing is wrong with that. What I’m not hearing, and what I’m listening for, is how are they going to empower the average Bahamian,” he questioned.

Pointing to BACARI’s work with the former FNM administration, where it presented a proposal for establishing a marijuana co-operative that ordinary Bahamians can invest and participate in, Mr Miller said this structure will get more Bahamians involved in the industry.

“I wish them [the Government] luck, but the way I think they are going about it, it’s going to fail. It’s going to fail because people who have a licence to grow marijuana for their personal use, they will continue to cultivate marijuana for their personal use,” he added.

Ryan Pinder KC, the attorney general, said the Government intends to implement a very strict licensing regime for persons wishing to possess marijuana for medicial use. They will all be electronically tracked and traced. Persons possessing more than 30 grams of marijuana without a licence will be guilty of the same offence as stipulated in the current penal (criminal) code.

NOTICE TERRATHULE LIMITED

Notice is hereby given that a General Meeting of the Shareholder of the above-named Company duly convened and held on the 10th day of August 2023 the following resolutions were passed: RESOLVED that TERRATHULE LIMITED be wound up voluntarily.

RESOLVED that International Liquidator Services Ltd be appointed the Liquidator for the purpose of winding up.

Dated the 10th day of August 2023

MMG BAHAMAS LTD. Registered Offce For the above-named Company

N

BRONSIL CO. LTD.

(In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that the above-named Company is in dissolution, commencing on the 23rd day of August, 2023. Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered by the Registrar. The liquidator is AMICORP BAHAMAS MANAGEMENT LIMITED, of Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated the 24th day of August 2023

AMICORP BAHAMAS MANAGEMENT LIMITED LIQUIDATOR

GIEDI HOLDINGS LIMITED

(In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that the above-named Company is in dissolution, commencing on the 23rd day of August, 2023. Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered by the Registrar. The liquidator is AMICORP BAHAMAS MANAGEMENT LIMITED, of Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated the 24th day of August 2023

AMICORP BAHAMAS MANAGEMENT LIMITED

AG: MINIMAL BENEFITS FROM COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES ACT

THE ATTORNEY General yesterday said he believes the Commercial Enterprises Act has brought minimal economic benefits to The Bahamas as the Government now works to refocus the law on "empowerment zones".

Ryan Pinder KC said that despite the Act being “much heralded" when it was brought into effect by the former Minnis administration some of its provisions - especially those relating to the approval of work permits - were impossible to implement on a practical basis as the Immigration Department is simply not set-up to make decisions within 14 days on whether to approve applications.

“When you look at the provisions related to the automatic grants of work permits, the Department of Immigration was never in a position to actually be able to put that into effect,"

he added. “The practicality of that process never really worked."

Under the present law, key management and skilled personnel in industries targeted by the Act can enter The Bahamas without first possessing a work permit. While that may create border control issues, these persons and their employers must then apply for the necessary work permits within 30 days of arrival. The Immigration Department then has 14 days to decide whether to approve or reject the

application failing which it is granted automatically. This is now due to be changed or stripped from the Act by the Davis administration, which holds the view that work permits should not be granted on an ad-hoc, un-vetted basis. It also concerned that an individual's mere presence in The Bahamas would be tantamount to having granted a work permit, which in turn invalidates the Department of Immigration's mandate and responsibility for performing the necessary due diligence on all work permit applications.

Mr Pinder, though, reiterated that the Government plans to retain parts of the Commercial Enterprises Act that will enable it to designate and create so-called commercial enterprise zones in specific parts of The Bahamas to aid economic growth and job creation in those areas.

“The economic development component was never really implemented because no economic zones were really created under the legislation," the Attorney

General added. "We think a better approach is to create economic empowerment zones, and have legislation dedicated and focused to that, and take out the applications and the effectiveness of these automatic rapid work permit provisions and enhance the efficiencies."

Clarifying his belief that the existing Act has had little economic impact, Mr Pinder said this does not mean it completely failed to attract viable investments. Mr Pinder said: “I can’t say nobody benefited. You asked me what the economic impact was and I said from my view the economic impact was low.”

The Commercial Enterprises Act currently is largely focused on industries not present in The Bahamas, but which have the potential to create highearning jobs and be major foreign currency earners.

Financial services leads the way with reinsurance; captive insurance; investment fund administration; arbitration; wealth management; international trade

and international arbitrage included in the ‘fast track’ work permit sectors. Also covered by the Commercial Enterprises Act are technology-related industries such as computer programming; software design and writing; bioninformatics and analytics; nano technology; and biomedical health facilities.

“Boutique health facilities”; data storage and warehousing; aviation registration and ‘approved’ aviation maintenance operations; ‘call centres’; and manufacturing and assembly/logistics businesses round out the sectors targeted by the former administration.

Meanwhile, Mr Pinder said the Government cannot issue fines over the Onego Traveller cargo ship that sank off southern Abaco until an assessment of the environmental impact is performed. “So that can't be done until the actual completion of the removal of the ship," he added.

"It has created some difficulty on timing in that they

Mitchell blasts GBPA’s $64m tax break ‘subsidy’

FROM PAGE A24

“clearly defined”, separate legal and regulatory responsibilities for Freeport and wider Grand Bahama’s continued growth and development.

Arguing that it would be “counter-productive to encourage a back and forth in the media”, as has occurred to-date, the GBPA added: “The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) remains open and committed to a healthy relationship with the Government of The Bahamas in the best interest of the island of Grand Bahama.....

“GBPA reiterates its desire to work with the Government of The Bahamas in the spirit of co-operation to resolve any issues and work together to create a bright future for Grand Bahama.” This, though, was seemingly interpreted by Mr Mitchell, also the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) chairman, as an attack by the GBPA upon the Prime Minister.

“The statement by the Grand Bahama Port Authority attacking the Prime Minister is drawing a line in the sand. I wish them luck on this ill-advised course,” Mr Mitchell added. Again implying that the GBPA is failing to live up to its development responsibilities, and lacks the financing to properly maintain and upkeep Freeport, he said: “Residents ask why the GBPA can’t fix the bridge to east Grand Bahama. No money maybe?”

The latest rift between the Government and GBPA was triggered during the Prime Minister’s visit to Grand Bahama last weekend, when he argued that the Government is “subsidising the Port Authority” to fulfill the tasks and role it is obligated to perform under Freeport’s founding

treaty, the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. “We in fact have taken over the role of the Port Authority,” Mr Davis said. “It’s not fair to the Bahamian people for us to be, as it was, subsidising the Port Authority for what they should be doing.” Referring to the GBPA’s owners, the Hayward and St George families, he added: “It is clear to me that the interests of the owners do not truly align with the people of Grand Bahama and residents of Freeport in particular. Until those align, we will have no growth.”

The Prime Minister, who had to be prompted to identify ongoing Freeport-based investments by name, such as the Carnival cruise port, added that his main goal is to “right the ship at the Port Authority and decide how we ensure its full potential can be realised without hindrance”.

The GBPA, in response, argued that it is “funded exclusively by its approximately 3,000 licensees” and has always covered any “deficits” caused by hurricanes or the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Government of The Bahamas is not subsidising the GBPA when providing healthcare, education, aviation and assistance with tourism in Grand Bahama, as it is likewise obligated to do so for every other island in our country,” Freeport’s quasigovernmental authority said.

“While the GBPA has built schools, donated land for government projects, assisted with the hospital and constructed the island’s airport, these were never a responsibility of the Grand Bahama Port Authority under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement but an act of a strategic partner.”

James Carey, Grand Bahama’s Chamber of Commerce president, renewed his plea for peace

and cooler heads to prevail in the aftermath of the latest outbursts given the impact the resulting “uncertainty” will cause for Freeport businesses and potential investors.

Agreeing with the GBPA that public rows are “counter-productive”, he even questioned to Tribune Business whether the Government is seeking to bring the Hawksbill Creek Agreement to an end despite it having just over 31 years to run, or if it is trying “to entice the Port Authority to make that decision” for it.”

The GB Chamber chief, urging both sides to resume negotiations on how they can collaborate, added: “Somebody has to have the ability to pick up the telephone” and speak to the other. “They need to sit down and have a chat together. There’s no other way. It has to happen,”

Mr Carey told Tribune Business.

“From my information the Port Authority is more than willing. I don’t know whether they’ve communicated that to the Prime Minister, but it’s the way to go. They need to sit down at the table and see what it is.”

Mr Carey said he was unsure if the Prime Minister’s weekend visit to Grand Bahama was a “missed opportunity” for this to happen, adding that Mr Davis has the power to summon the GBPA’s owners and managers to meet with him in Nassau.

“Is there an attempt to derail the Port Authority completely?” the GB Chamber chief asked. “I can’t speculate on that. The Port Authority, under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, has 31 more years. The Government has the power to legislate, but I cannot see them unilaterally ending the agreement because of how it will look outside Freeport. Is their

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effort to entice the Port Authority to make that decision? I don’t know.

“I’d like to see this [spat] end. It has the potential to cause significant disruption to the country as a whole, and the business community in particular. Businesses are particularly concerned because they’re always looking for investment, foreign and local. Does this impact that search and those maybe looking this way?”

Mr Carey, noting that the GB Chamber this week hosted a luncheon with a Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) executive talking about investment opportunities, asked “how does that work in Freeport when the

Government is in a spat with a private company?

“Government is government. They have the power and they can do certain things,” he added. “But better steady as she goes. It’s really that point. Let’s go forward. It’s counterproductive the way it’s going. Somebody has to have the ability to pick up the telephone. It doesn’t need an emissary. It just needs a phone call to get it done.”

The GBPA was not the only foreign investor to enjoy the real property tax exemption referred to by Mr Mitchell. Another beneficiary was the GBPA’s partner, Hutchison Whampoa. And while legislation subsequently passed by

now have to chop up the ship into very small pieces and bring it up on a barge and transport the pieces to shore. Unfortunately that's created somewhat of a delay. I think in the first instance we were hoping that the process would be completed by July. They are about two-thirds complete.

“So all of the cargo is off the boat and they're about two-thirds complete on chopping up and removing the vessel. It appears that the pace is increasing in the last few weeks, and so we hope very soon that that will be complete so we can do our assessment. Needless to say, the environmental damage, if any has occurred, there will be appropriate action.”

Mr Pinder said fines have also been levied over the oil spill that occurred last July during the transfer of fuel to Bahamas Power & Light's (BPL) Exuma plant. However, he did not reveal any details or the sum involved due to what he described as a confidential settlement with the parties involved.

the Christie administration renewed those tax breaks automatically for the GBPA and Hutchison, while forcing all others to apply to Nassau for the extension, this has never been enforced in practice.

Under the original 1993 Hawksbill Creek Grand Bahama (Deep Water Harbour and Industrial Area) (Extension of Tax Exemption Period) Act, the tax concessions available to GBPA licensees include no real property tax or real property levy; no personal property tax and no capital levies or taxes on capital gains or capital appreciation; and no taxes of any kind on the earnings of the Port Authority or the earnings of its licensees (income tax).

Credit union provides $25m ‘blue collar’ mortgage funds

$25m to facilitate paying for the mortgage.”

A CREDIT union yesterday agreed to supply a $25m financing package that will cover around 100 mortgages for purchasers of affordable government homes.

The Department of Housing signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the funding, which will go directly to borrowers/homeowners, with the Teachers and Salaried Workers Co-operative Credit Union (TSWCCU).

The latter said the financing is targeted at “Bahamian blue collar workers”.

Byron Miller, the credit union’s general manager, said:”The Teachers and Salaried Workers Co-operative Credit Union... is delighted to partner with the Government of the Bahamas through the Ministry of Transport and Housing as we launch our new mortgage financing programme specifically designed for Bahamian blue collar workers

”We are pleased to announce that the Board of Directors of the Teachers

JOBETH COLEBY-DAVIS

and Salaried Workers Cooperative Credit Union has approved a disbursement financing package of $25m for this particular initiative” Jobeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of transport and housing, said the mortgage financing will be released directly to qualifying homeowners and not pass through the ministry.

She said: “Let’s just be clear. The $25m is assigned for mortgages. So there will be no cash transaction between the Ministry of Transport and Housing and the credit union. It is that that’s been allocated for persons that wish to be homeowners to go to them, and if they fall within the requirements and approval of the credit union, they will be drawing down out of that

Mrs Coleby-Davis said the MoU has been in discussion for “quite some time”, and the ministry has been considering alternative financial institutions that can provide buyers with good interest rates and terms.

She said: “From day one it’s been our priority to find financial models that can assist young and old Bahamians, who want to be homeowners, to make it possible. And so one of our ventures was to consider other financial institutions that will be able to provide good term rates and good mortgage options for Bahamians.

“And we have worked on this MoU for quite some time. We’ve had a number of meetings, a lot of heavy lifting, a lot of conversations with the Office of the Attorney General and with our colleagues at the Teachers and Salaried Workers Credit Union.”

Mrs Coleby-Davis said the agreement allows persons who may not be able to qualify for a mortgage from a traditional lender, or are not comfortable with the rates and terms currently offered, to access financing.

“What this means for Bahamians is it’s another avenue, it’s another option. While the Department of Housing does not dictate to persons who they should choose to do business with, when it comes to taking out a mortgage we try to make sure that there are options and opportunities available to all persons,” she added.

“Some may not be able to get a mortgage from a financial institution because their terms are too high; the interest rates are not comfortable for their financial position. And so we’ve been working hard to explore options that give them a better avenue to home ownership.”

Mr Miller said the credit union’s mortgage financing programme will include flexible loan terms, competitive interest rates and a streamlined application process. He added that the initiative will extend to the Family Islands as the credit union is “keenly interested” in doing business with Family Island residents.

He said: “Key features of the credit union’s mortgage financing programme include competitive interest rates, flexible loan terms and a streamlined application process. We

can go further than the traditional commercial banks that are hesitant to invest in the Family Islands. We are very much, and keenly interested, in providing financing for homes and others in Family Islands.”

Mrs Coleby-Davis said the Government has the capacity to construct homes on every island. While Family Island residents are traditionally sold lots and build their own homes, she added that since interest in turnkey homes has grown the Government is now providing this option.

She added: “We have property and projects, basically on all, maybe not in the same size, but I think we have availability to build on all Family Islands. But remember, this is the first time that government is actually building affordable homes in the Family Islands.

“Our structure for the Department of Housing was normally we would sell lots in the Family Islands, and it’s because a lot of them prefer to build their own homes. And now the demand is greater for them to get turnkey options, and so that’s why we’ve slowly advanced into the Family Islands. We’re going to

INDUSTRIAL HEMP LEGISLATION TO FOLLOW MEDICAL MARIJUANA

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE ATTORNEY General yesterday said the

Government is "working on" legislation that will eventually facilitate industrial hemp usage as it makes medical marijuana legalisation its first priority.

Ryan Pinder KC, speaking at the Prime Minister's Office's media briefing, effectively confirmed that the Davis administration has been working on two parallel tracks as the

long-awaited legislative package to legalise medical marijuana is released for public consultation.

He indicated that the Government is hoping to bring the Bills to parliament before year-end, together with their provisions for medical marijuana and decriminalisation for persons found in possession of 30 grams or less.

Indian hemp, however, will “remain in the Dangerous Drugs Act”.

Dr Michael Darville, minister of health, explained that the Government will be “making a big mistake” if it legalises Indian hemp and medicinal marijuana at the same time. He cited the former's psychotropic dangers, and high concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

“It can be used in the construction industry and the agricultural industry, and can be used in farming and to produce clothes. The list goes on and on and it has a very high concentration of CBD,” Dr Darville said of hemp.

Mr Pinder, though, added: “We're working on an Industrial Hemp Bill that will put the agribusiness framework around industrial hemp, working with the Ministry of Agriculture [and Marine Resources] with that, because it is an agribusiness

when you're talking about hemp products.

“So that's something we definitely think, and it's my personal opinion, I think you're going to see an economic impact greater on the industrial hemp side, frankly, because of the variety of products in which it can be used. So we support it and we will put in a proper framework by legislation on an Industrial Hemp bill, and work closely with [Ministry of] Agriculture on that.”

The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources will be assisting with providing land for marijuana cultivation. Mr Pinder said: “The Ministry of Agriculture is making provisions to provide access to agricultural land that they have oversight of.

"We all know that there's a limited supply of agricultural land at Nassau that is available. They have set aside 25 acres of agricultural land in Nassau at their new agribusiness park that will be accessible for micro cultivation for smaller farmers to be able to have access. Needless to say, in the Family Islands there is much more opportunity on agricultural land, especially when you look at islands like Andros and Eleuthera.” Multiple medical marijuana product varieties will be made available to

GOV'T CHALLENGED OVER INDUSTRIAL HEMP DELAY

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A MARIJUANA legalisation advocate yesterday challenged the Government’s decision to legalise

grow the project as we go on to other Family Islands.”

Mrs Coleby-Davis said the Ministry of Transport and Housing tries to keep the price of homes below $200,000, with costs typically ranging between $155,000 and $190,000. She noted that fluctuations in the price of materials are the main contributor to higher costs.

She said: “So our twobedroom home, the one that doesn’t have a garage in Renaissance, is about $155,000 and it goes up to maybe about $190,000 or so. We start getting around $190,000 because we have traditional models that have been built.

“The cost is greater for the materials. So that will be Pinecrest and some that we’re now building in Dignity, which has been the traditional brick and mortar, and so that costs a little bit greater, but we tried to keep it below $200,000 for homeowners. Sometimes it may vary because we’re struggling with the cost of materials changing around us as well.”

persons who need them, regardless of whether it is in tea, oil or lotion form, in addition to the plant itself. Dispensing licences will be issued to pharmacies, while pharmacy professionals will also be licensed.

Mr Pinder said: “In order to ensure that these new economic opportunities benefit the Bahamian people, we are proposing, for example, all cultivation licenses must be 100 percent Bahamian-owned, and is also a priority that these opportunities are accessible to many Bahamians - a priority that will be evident in the award of cultivation licences and the provision of agricultural land that will be set aside for this specific purpose.

“The Cannabis Bill 2023 seeks to establish The Bahamas Cannabis Authority with clearly defined terms of reference, including the protection of the health of the public by controlling access to cannabis; provisions for the legal protection of cannabis; [and] provisions for the handling of cannabis for medical, scientific research and religious purposes.

Mr Pinder added that there will be "deterrence and reduction of unlawful activities related to cannabis through appropriate enforcement measures and sanctions". The legislation will also impose "quality assurance measures for the safety, the efficacy and the effectiveness of cannabis".

medicial marijuana but not industrial hemp, arguing: "They are the same thing.”

Terry Miller, chairman of the non-profit Bahamas Cannabis Research Institute (BACARI), told Tribune Business that he does not understand why the Government is “playing” with the terminology on industrial hemp, cannabis and marijuana when “they are the same thing".

Asserting that the Government should legalise all forms rather than just one, he added: “I don’t know why they keep playing around with that, shuffling that from one thing to another and like one is different from the other.” He was responding

to confirmation by Dr Michael Darville, minister of health, that Indian hemp will remain on the Dangerous Drugs Act's prohibited list despite the Government moving forward with legalising medicial marijuana. Dr Darville cited Indian hemp's higher concentration of psychotropic elements such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and

SEE PAGE A20

NORTH Andros businesses and residents feel Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) "could have offered more to ease their burden" even though the utility alleged the area's consumers owe it a collective $500,000 in arrears.

Darin Bethel, the North Andros Chamber of Commerce president, speaking after BPL representatives met the North Andros community to address its electricity woes following the fire that destroyed the local generation plant, said: “They are still dissatisfied. They feel as if BPL could have offered more to ease their burden.

“I know that their [BPL] time is valuable, and I really appreciate them taking the time out of the day to accommodate us. It says a lot, but I would think that they would have been willing to work with the community in more ways. I realise that BPL has a lot on their plate but North Andros residents do as well, and we’re still battling with that.”

While BPL said it will suspend disconnections in

North Andros for an indefinite period, Mr Bethel voiced concern that this will encourage residents to not pay their obligations and run up large, accumulated bills they are ultimately unable to pay. And, while the possibility of renewable energy solutions was discussed, no timeframe was given on when these may be executed or implemented.

An early morning last month caused catastrophic damage to the infrastructure and generation equipment at BPL's North Andros plant. The state-owned utility was forced to bring in replacement generation capacity but, since then, the area has been plagued with frequent power outages causing a loss of business, goods and appliances for both companies and residents.

Mr Bethel explained that BPL agreed to speed-up the claims process for individuals seeking compensation for appliances damaged or lost due to the outages. He added that some businesses are still not satisfied, as the claims process can be tedious and is not guaranteed to provide compensation.

“BPL said that they would try to find ways to expedite the process of claims. Basically, individuals who

would have lost appliances can make complaints to the complaints department. And they said what they could do is send somebody down here to help expedite that process a little bit for us," the Chamber president said. “That wasn't satisfying for them [business owners] because it's still a lot of red tape and it’s not assured.”

Companies have also incurred losses that will not be covered by any compensation provided by BPL.

Mr Bethel gave examples such as a grocer which lost its entire meat inventory, a seamstress that lost income due to difficulties fulfilling orders, and the large sums of money multiple businesses spent on fuel to run their generators.

He added: "A business owner that has a meat depot, her freezer went bad with the power going on and off and she lost a lot of her meat. And they said there wasn’t anything they can do because their insurance doesn’t cover that.

“Another seamstress said she lost revenue because, with the power outages, she is having difficulties completing uniforms ahead of the new school year. She has had to begin cancelling orders and giving people their money back so that

they can look into other options.”

Mr Bethel said BPL officials revealed the utility is operating at a loss in North Andros with over $500,000 in accumulated arrears owed collectively by customers in the area. He added: “They were saying that, on average, they make about $198,000 a month and these are active accounts. That is what their average bill is. And they say that they are in arrears by some $500,000 on those accounts. And so what they were saying is that they are operating at a loss in North Andros.”

While BPL agreed to not perform any disconnections in the area for the "foreseeable future", he fears some residents will allow their bills to pile up during this grace period.

“They did say that they were going to not do any disconnections for the foreseeable future. They didn’t give a timeframe but they said they won’t do any disconnections in the area. But I think that's dangerous because disconnections keep clients accountable," Mr Bethel said.

“Not having the disconnections can benefit the business community because business owners can put that money back into

their business, so that they can recover short-term. I’m scared that some individuals will allow their bill to accumulate but, hopefully, they will be careful about that because the light bills are very high and that can accumulate very fast.”

Mr Bethel said the meeting discussed plans for bringing renewable energy to North Andros, which he is confident will improve electricity service. A timeline for this, though, was not revealed.

He added: “They did mention that they are looking into putting a hybrid plant in the area of BAMSI that will cover north and central Andros, something like they are doing in Inagua. They said that is the way forward and that is what they intend to do so, once that comes along, I guess service will hopefully get better but we don’t know when that’s going to be.”

North Andros residents also previously lodged complaints about the lack of

reliable information shared with them by BPL. Mr Bethel said the utility agreed to improve communications by forming What's App groups to keep the community up to date, including timelines on future releases so that business owners and residents can plan ahead.

He added: "We discussed a lot of the false information that we were getting on the ground by way of their publications compared to what was actually happening on the ground. And so we talked about ways of trying to connect their public relations officer to directly to the community by setting up What's App groups and maybe having two heads of department for the group so that, once they share information, it can be disseminated quickly.

“We also talked about changing the format of their press release because things change fast. They will probably put time timelines on their press releases.”

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IDB: $856m strategy for Bahamas ‘too ambitious’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has admitted its last country strategy for The Bahamas was “overly ambitious and unrealistic” despite approvals for over five times’ the originallyforecast level of financing.

The multilateral lender, in a report by its internal watchdog, the Office of Evaluation and Oversight, found that the 2018-2022 Bahamas’ country programme made no or little contribution to seven of the 11 strategic objectives for improving areas such as fiscal consolidation, strengthening the Government’s institutional and digital capabilities and bolstering “integrity and transparency” in the public sector.

The relatively ineffective impact, during a period when The Bahamas suffered the double blow of Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19,

occurred despite the IDB approving some $855.8m in new funding for 32 government-guaranteed projects - a collective sum that was “more than five times” the initial projection in the country strategy.

Completion and release of the new Bahamas country strategy, which was scheduled to be released this summer, has been pushed back to May 2024 to give the IDB and the Government time to agree priorities and come

up with a revised plan. The IDB watchdog’s report also noted that the implementation of many projects was also negatively impacted by the Government’s “low” execution, management and oversight capacity which was not adequately addressed. And 2018-2022 objectives were found to be too broad, covering too many sectors compared to the initial financing that was to be made available. “The country strategy’s usefulness in

GBPA threats ‘bad judgment’ by PM

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE OPPOSITION’S leader yesterday accused the Prime Minister of “exercising very bad judgment” by appearing to threaten that the Government will “wrest away control of the Grand Bahama Port Authority” (GBPA) from its owners.

Michael Pintard, who is also MP for Grand Bahama’s Marco City constituency, told Tribune Business that the public fight between Philip Davis KC’s administration and Freeport’s quasi-governmental

Mitchell blasts GBPA’s $64m tax break ‘subsidy’

guiding the country programme was affected by the strategy’s breadth,” the IDB watchdog found. “The 11 strategic objectives covered a wide range of sectors - too many relative to the size of the estimated financial envelope.

“Cross-cutting issues further dispersed the strategy’s focus. The Office of Evaluation and Oversights’ previous [Bahamas evaluation] underscored the Government’s limited implementation capacity, and the resulting routine and extended delays in procurement and disbursement. Considering these findings and the small planned portfolio size, the objectives’ breadth was overly ambitious and unrealistic in terms of what could be achieved.”

To mitigate the Government’s inefficiencies in project execution, IDB officials had sought to increase both training and dialogue

SEE PAGE A18

authority is further eroding the city’s already-fragile economy by undermining business confidence and deterring fresh investment.

Speaking out after the latest row, this time over the Prime Minister’s assertion that the Government is “subsidising” the GBPA for responsibilities the latter is obligated to

SEE PAGE A20

Bran: ‘Let’s get on with’ medical marijuana plan

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER DNA leader, who made medical marijuana and its legalisation a core campaign issue in the 2017 general election, yesterday said Bahamian ownership stipulations “sound reasonable” and urged: “Let’s get on with it.” Branville McCartney, recalling how he and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) were accused at the time of “wanting people to smoke dope”, told Tribune Business that The Bahamas “needs to take a page out of Canada’s playbook” and emulate the

“billion dollar industry” that country has created from medical marijuana.

Speaking after the Davis administration unveiled its comprehensive package of legislative reforms, focused on legalising medical marijuana and the creation of

SEE PAGE A19

Armed guards called amid unrest at BPL

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

UNION leaders yesterday denied that they or their members plan to disrupt Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) electricity services after armed guards were posted to several of the utility’s sites as a precaution against looming industrial unrest.

Keishla Adderley, the Prime Minister’s deputy press secretary, confirmed that armed guards were sent to various BPL plants as a security protocol employed “when there is any perceived threat

that a plant may be under threat”. She maintained that the move was routine, and there was no suggestion union members are planning to sabotage the utility’s machinery and infrastructure.

Describing it as a “long-standing protocol” employed when there is the threat of industrial action, she said:”I understand from BPL officials that conciliatory meetings are taking place on a weekly basis. We are talking with them, the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) on a regular basis, with a view

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister yesterday argued the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) gained a $64m “subsidy” from just one tax break amid private sector warnings that “there’s no other way” but for the two warring parties to collaborate.

Fred Mitchell, minister of foreign affairs and the public service, who has been the Prime Minister’s most vocal Cabinet supporter over his attacks on Freeport’s quasi-governmental authority, in a series of social media postings argued that the GBPA’s owners have enjoyed an $8m per year real property tax break on their landholdings after they “begged” the Christie administration to renew their exemption in 2016.

“The Grand Bahama Port Authority group begged the Christie government to renew the real property tax exemption under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. The GBPA group got the exemption in 2016 from land taxes worth an estimated $8m per year,” Mr Mitchell asserted.

“That means they should have paid by now the Treasury $64m and change. But the Bahamian taxpayers gave them a break. That’s only one example of a subsidy to the GBPA.” Mr Mitchell’s latest broadside against Freeport’s regulatory body came in response to its reply to comments made by Philip Davis KC at the weekend, where it asserted that the Government “is not subsidising the GBPA”.

The Port Authority, seemingly trying to strike a conciliatory tone and cool the divisions with the Davis administration, added that the two sides are “not in competition” with each other and that they both have

BRANVILLE MCCARTNEY

MICHAEL PINTARD

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