08292023 BUSINESS

Fiscal responsibility watchdog in limbo

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas’ main fiscal watchdog is in limbo until its members obtain “clarity” from the Prime Minister on whether their appointments remain valid and how they are to “function” under the new legislative regime.

Gowon Bowe, the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) representative on the Fiscal Responsibility Council (FRC), last night told Tribune Business that himself and his four colleagues all want confirmation that they

will be “acting within the authority designated to us” if they continue in their present posts. In particular, they are seeking clarity from Prime Minister Philip Davis KC who, in his capacity as minister of finance, now

has responsibility for the Council, as to whether they remain members until their original appointments expire or if they are considered “terminated” due to the new Public Finance Management Act coming into effect.

dips’: Resort occupancy increases 10% for September

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

RESORT occupancies for September are around 10 percent ahead of prior year comparatives, a senior hotelier revealed yesterday, adding that “we’re seeing less dips and valleys” in the tourism calendar.

Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, told Tribune Business that the traditional seasonality in New Providence’s year-round tourism cycle is starting to “level out” with the typical September drop-off “not as pronounced and not as

deep” compared to preCOVID years. Usually the slowest month of the year, due to a combination of factors such as children returning to school and coinciding with the peak of hurricane season, he added that while September’s advance bookings could “wash down” to a 7.5 percent year-over-year jump the

Ministry’s $400k purchase first acquisition in 20 years

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Works yesterday said it has hired an extra 25 workers to man $400,000 worth of newly-acquired equipment that is “vital” to patching potholes and enhancing the road network.

Alfred Sears, minister of works and utilities, confirmed both the hirings and acquisition of vehicles, machinery and equipment from Machinery and Electric (M&E).

He said: “This is the first time in 20 years, I’m advised, that the ministry has gotten a large inventory of tools to deal with road repair, road redevelopment and, behind me, we have a 426 backhoe, a 375 air compressor as well as the skid steer and these are vital tools.

“In addition to the machinery you see behind me, we have also engaged 25 additional staff, young people who will have an opportunity to pursue a career in road construction. Approximately $400,000 was spent for the acquisition of the machines, and BPL would have spent

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data still showed the industry continues to improve. Predicting that the hotel and tourism industry will “reach a point of stabilisation” in 2024, with stopover visitor numbers matching pre-pandemic levels, Mr Sands told this newspaper that achieving significant growth will become harder from next year onwards with The

Mr Bowe conceded that the new Act gives the impression of “the fox watching the hen house” because all five Council members are to be appointed by the minister of finance, who is responsible for the very ministry they are supposed to be scrutinising, instead of them being recommended by the House of Assembly speaker as under the initial legislative regime.

And, given that the Council plays a critical role in The Bahamas’ enhanced fiscal transparency and accountability regime, he added that it was “in the best interests

of the Government” and the nation to reassure the likes of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) that there is

no intention of “watering down” this framework. Speaking after Kwasi Thompson, the Opposition’s finance spokesman, last week challenged

Freeport hotelier backs

Gov’ts push for change

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Bahamas having to rely more on efficiency gains and increased room supply as still-closed resorts come back online.

While the British Colonial’s anticipated reopening before year-end 2023 will help with the latter objective, he added that The Bahamas must “continue to remain relevant in terms of value for money” that it provides overseas visitors by tackling the cost and ease of doing business, including

FTX Bahamas liquidators told: It’s only ‘a wrist slap’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A DELAWARE judge has warned FTX’s Bahamian liquidators that he is unlikely to sanction their US adversary, or dismiss the legal action he has brought against them, on the basis that the two sides’ co-operation deal was violated.

Judge John Dorsey, in a transcript from an oral ruling given recently at the Delaware Bankruptcy Court, indicated that the greatest punishment he might give John Ray, head of the 134 FTX entities in Chapter 11 protection before his court, is a “slap on the wrist” of he and his team breached the agreement.

Brian Simms KC, the Lennox Paton senior attorney and partner, and PricewaterhouseCoopers

(PwC) accounting duo, Kevin Cambridge and Peter Greaves, who are the provisional liquidators for FTX Digital Markets, the failed crypto exchange’s Bahamian subsidiary, have sought to dismiss Mr Ray’s claim against them on multiple grounds - one of which is that he violated the January 6, 2023, co-operation agreement between the two sides.

However, Judge Dorsey requested that the Bahamian trio “reconsider” this argument as FTX’s liquidation - both in the US and The Bahamas - needs to progress more rapidly to the point where recovered assets and returned to former clients and creditors.

“We have an adversary proceeding pending here,” he said.

“And I know the joint provisional

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A HOTEL operator has backed the Government’s Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) stance as evidence of its “commitment to Freeport”, and asked: “When was the last time the Port Authority did a major investment?”

Magnus Alnebeck, the Pelican Bay resort’s general manager, conceded to Tribune Business that his view will not be popular among all GBPA licensees and Freeport residents but argued that the Davis administration’s position was “only positive in my mind” as any indicator of its desire for Freeport to succeed.

Noting the many criticisms of the Government’s attacks on the GBPA and its shareholders, the Hayward and St George families, he said he found these “fantastic” as it showed just how short many memories were. Recalling how “not even the garbage was picked” up in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian’s devastation

of Grand Bahama International Airport, he contrasted this with the incremental improvements that have taken the place since the Government took over.

And, pointing out that the GBPA’s Port Group Ltd affiliate, together with its Hutchison Whampoa partner, retained the airport insurance monies when they sold the stilldestroyed facility to the Minnis administration for a nominal $1, Mr Alnebeck told this newspaper this action did not demonstrate “leading by example” when Freeport’s two largest investors effectively walked away from their obligations to the city.

“It’s just positive in my mind in the sense that it shows a commitment from the Government,” he said of the Prime Minister’s public scolding of the GBPA and his demand for fundamental reforms and change. “I think it is fantastic to see some of the comments, the airport being one of them, that the Government are too slow

‘Less

ROBERT SANDS

GOWON BOWE PHILIP DAVIS KC

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ALFRED SEARS

BRIAN SIMMS KC

JOHN RAY

$5.98 $5.98 $5.98 $5.94

ENTREPRENEURS TEAM TO LAUNCH ECO-GLIDE TOURS

TWO Bahamian businessmen have partnered to launch a guided segway tour of Fort Charlotte that will give visitors an insight into local history, culture and cuisine.

Realtor Mario Carey has teamed with Scott Cartwright, a ten-year veteran of the electric scooter business, to start Bahamas Eco-glide Adventures which began operations on August 1. The tour operator takes up to 11 guests at a time on a guided tour of Fort Charlotte, including an inside look at the dungeon and moat, before heading for food at a Fish Fry restaurant and a stop at the beach.

“We know that visitors want to experience the real culture and learn more about the history of a place they are visiting,” said Mr Cartwright, the company’s managing partner. “When I was scouting locations, I went up to Fort Charlotte where the view over the harbour was amazing. I timed it to see the re-enactment, with the canons being fired, which was incredible and when I looked around, there were only four people there. I thought, this is a crying shame. This is our history.”

Mr Cartwright approached the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC), and immediately obtained full co-operation from its executive director, Dr Christopher Curry. Together, they mapped out a route that would give

Eco-glide tour guests a special experience. Relying on Mr Carey’s contacts, the tour also won support from Goldwynn, operator of the high-end condo hotel and resort on West Bay Street opposite the Office of the Prime Minister. For Mr Carey, the venture is part of his drive to identify gaps in the tourismdriven economy, as well as needs in an environment vulnerable to climate change. “There are a lot of tours out there; some very informational, some a bit dated,” he said.

“And I believe everyone means well, but I could see a gap in the market of attractions where you could combine a memorable

glimpse into pieces of the best of all aspects – our history, the beach, light bites at Fish Fry - for a cultural immersion experience that a cruise passenger could fit into an hour of activity and a hotel guest could take longer.”

Both Mr Carey and Mr Cartwright are convinced that Bahamians will gravitate towards the tour for special events and occasions, or just for the experience of it.

“We have a girls’ day out on Saturday for all the sales staff from a high-end jewellery store,” said Mr Cartwright, who ran the Segway (Eco-glide) tours on Blue Lagoon island for a decade. “People enjoyed

it so much, even a 98-yearold man has done the tour. Most of us locals haven’t visited our forts since we were on a field trip in school and that could have been a long time ago. You appreciate our history even more as an adult.”

The tour starts on Marcus Bethel Way behind Xavier’s Lower School and the Road Traffic Department inspection station. Riders are equipped with headsets so tour guides, one in front and one at the rear, can be in constant communication and share information about The Bahamas on the ride. There are two tours scheduled daily for cruise guests, while others for

hotel guests and locals can be scheduled separately.

The regular cost of the one-hour tour starts at $99.

Through September, local residents can experience it at half-price, including use of the Eco-glide, safety gear, tour headset, admission to Fort Charlotte, beach stop and ‘Lite Bite’ lunch and beverage at the Fish Fry.

“Tourism has changed,” explained Mr Cartwright. “Twenty years ago, visitors

Carnival unveils GB cruise port’s name

CARNIVAL Cruise

Line yesterday announced that its $200m Grand Bahama cruise port will be named Celebration Key.

The cruise line, ahead of late September’s release of future itineraries for cruises that will call on its

Grand Bahama destination, unveiled the name of the first port destination exclusively designed for Carnival guests. Once complete, it will be capable of welcoming two million guests per year.

“We are working very closely with the Government of The Bahamas and the Grand Bahama Port Authority to ensure that we are highlighting the best of Grand Bahama and its culture, combined with fun like only Carnival can provide,”

said Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president. “Invoking the natural beauty of Grand Bahama, every day at Celebration Key will be a celebration of our guests’ own making with a variety of experiences and something for everyone.”

Carnival said Celebration Key will offer a Bahamian experience with multiple features and amenities,

were happy to sit on the beach with a margarita, maybe do a little luxury shopping or pick up a souveniur. Today’s tourist wants authenticity, history, interaction with the local population, and that’s what we want to give them - the real thing - through a ride and glide on an electric ecoglide with the sun on their face, the wind at their back and a whole lot of fun and history along the way.”

including a one-mile stretch of white sand beach, as well as Bahamian-operated retail, food and beverage options for passengers to enjoy. The cruise pier will be able to accommodate up to two of Carnival’s Excelclass ships at the same time. A groundbreaking ceremony for the destination was held in May 2022, and design, engineering and

construction work is now underway. Carnival said it plans to announce further details for its Celebration Key in late September, along with opening the first itineraries for sale on at least ten ships from multiple home ports that will include a visit to Grand Bahama. The first cruises are set to call on Celebration Key in July 2025.

Delta launches first LPIA Miami service

THE Bahamas will receive a further year-end airlift boost when Delta Airlines starts flying to Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) from Miami for the first time this fall.

Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, said in a statement that the addition of Delta’s direct flight and increased service from other major carriers is helping to drive high tourism numbers.

“This move is another demonstration of the incredible demand for the destination, and the reward of our efforts to strengthen partnerships to increase stopover visitors to our shores,” he added. “The route will help satisfy that demand, and it will also help Bahamians get to and from Florida easier.”

The Ministry of Tourism’s data shows Florida is top among US sales territories, with Miami delivering more than 70,000 visitors to The Bahamas during the first six months of 2023 alone. Delta’s direct morning flight, which begins on November 5, 2023, will operate daily with a Boeing 737-800 and is targeted to provide year-round service.

With this route, Delta will service Nassau from five US airports for the winter, including Atlanta, Boston, JFK and LaGuardia.

FORT Charlotte’s re-enactment brings history to life for visitors and locals experiencing the newly-launched Bahamas Eco-Glide Adventures founded by entrepreneurs Mario Carey and Scott Cartwright.

BAHAMAS Eco-Glide’s tours include a history of The Bahamas, stop at the beach, visit to Fort Charlotte and lunch at Arawak Cay. It is half-price for locals through September.

CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP

CHESTER COOPER

Union president: ‘Hundreds of workers afraid to speak up about working conditions’

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A UNION president yesterday charged that the impasse with Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) management goes beyond alleged breaches of the two sides’ industrial agreement to involve concerns such as health and safety issues.

Kyle Wilson, head of the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU), which represents BPL’s line staff, alleged to Tribune Business that there are hundreds of workers, including managers, who are afraid to speak up about working conditions at the electrical utility.

“There are many health and safety violations,” he said, while also repeating claims that BPL has

KYLE WILSON

implemented a contributory pension scheme - where workers contribute a portion of their salaries to finance their retirements - that is not part of the industrial agreement. Mr Wilson said that, despite these concerns, monies are being taken from worker salaries.

The current industrial agreement between BPL and the union was signed in September 2021 just prior to that year’s general election. However, Mr Wilson said the BEWU’s grievances extend to issues that are not covered by this agreement. BPL, in an e-mail responding to Tribune Business inquiries, said: “BPL’s management continues to work with BEWU in good faith. Many of the concerns tabled by the union have been dealt with previously, adhering both to the law and the current industrial agreement that governs relations between us. The others are matters before the courts and BPL awaits those rulings.

“Nonetheless, BPL’s management is disappointed with the union’s decision to advise its members to ‘withdraw their

enthusiasm’, primarily as BPL and the BEWU are engaged in regular meetings to identify and address concerns. Meetings were held as late as Friday to try to resolve issues amicably.

“BPL’s management maintains that our response has, and will remain, above board, and we will continue to operate in the best interest of the company’s stakeholders including our employees and the customers we serve.” Mr Wilson, though, asked: “How could you address safety issues in an industrial agreement? It’s the public relations and spin they try to put on these things, but some of these issues have just arisen and are just coming up.

“Some of these issues we have been trying to resolve from the last

administration. These are issues that were resolved in the industrial agreement but the company is not willing to pay out the cost of living, they are not willing to respect the industrial agreement as far as increments are concerned.”

Mr Wilson also charged that BPL has not established a Health and Safety Council, as required in the industrial agreement, and fresh issues have now arisen since the September 2021 signing. “There are tiles falling out of the roof, and the ceilings are falling down in some of the BPL stations. These things relate to health and safety. We can’t pinpoint every little issue, but these are issues that we have been trying to resolve,” he said.

“I have been trying to resolve some of these issues since under the former general manger’s tenure,

Whitney Heastie, and I did resolve them in the industrial agreement. There is a pension scheme that the company is running that is not a part of the registered industrial agreement, yet still a government entity is saying that they have the power to do as they wish.

“They are finding loopholes to say that the executive signed for these things, or that we agreed with their leadership to do these things, and so our members will have to respect it.” The BEWU’s then-leadership allegedly signed on to the contributory pension scheme before Mr Wilson was elected president. The union has initiated legal action over the issue and the matter is currently before the courts.

Airline in key progress to LA-Bahamas launch

ALASKA Airlines was last night said to have cleared two significant milestones to launching flights from Los Angeles and Seattle to Nassau this December.

Dr Kenneth Romer, the Bahamas’ director of aviation, said: “We are pleased that The Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAA-B) approved the application for an Air Transport Licence by

Alaska Airlines for commercial air operations to and from The Bahamas, pursuant to Section 15 of the Civil Aviation Act of 2021.” This approval paves the way for the airline to officially operate and intensify promotions around its scheduled flights from the US West Coast, a major market targeted by the Ministry of Tourism,

Investments and Aviation and industry stakeholders.

Bahamasair and Alaska Airlines also last week successfully completed the live integration of their respective booking platforms, enabling transactions between the airlines through linking reservation inventory through their computer-based networks.

“We are particularly proud of the live integration and the further

strengthening of the interline relationship between Bahamasair and Alaska Airlines. It not only marks the progress our national flag carrier is making in terms of its international competitiveness, but interlining with other legacy carriers facilitates a greater ease of travel for international passengers to all the islands of The Bahamas being serviced by Bahamasair”, said Dr Romer.

Alaska Airlines will serve the Nassau/Paradise Island destination from both Los Angeles and Seattle using Boeing 737 aircraft, starting on December 15, 2023, and lasting through April 9, 2024. Service from Los Angeles will operate four times a week, while flights from Seattle will operate three times a week. Alaska Airlines will be the only airline operating in both markets.

Fiscal responsibility watchdog in limbo

FROM PAGE B1

the Government as to when several overdue Council reports will be published, Mr Bowe told this newspaper: “The Fiscal Responsibility Council and it’s work is really pending confirmation from the minister of finance.”

He explained that the new Public Finance Management Act 2023, which separate sources last night said took effect on July 1 this year, in repealing and replacing the previous legislation passed under the Minnis administration “effectively shifted the responsibility and powers to appoint persons to the Council to the minister of finance from the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

“They were other amendments made on the basis of what they held out as efficiency, but it did weaken the independence and autonomy of the Council at least from a perception perspective,” Mr Bowe said. “The minister of finance appointing the Fiscal Responsibility Council is a little bit of the fox watching the hen house.

“From that perspective, there is still the practical implementation of the new structure. As you can imagine, existing members would want clarity from a personal reputation and personal liability perspective. I think all of us come various professional designations and professional careers that warrant them ensuring all is being done to maintain the actual autonomy, the reporting functions and an understanding of how reports are distributed and continued in that regard.

“Since the legislation was amended, and the repeal of the old Act and passing of the new one, the Fiscal Responsibility Council has not been constituted under the new regime.” As a result, Mr Bowe said the key question - as yet unanswered - that he and his fellow Council members have is whether they are to remain in their posts until their initial appointments

expire or if they are to be deemed “terminated” by the change in legislative regimes.

“They want to be appropriately appointed, and even persons like myself want to be very clear that we are acting within the authority designated to us,” he added. “This is one for the Opposition to raise questions and the Government to clearly articulate what the transition arrangement is and the new functions of the Council. There are a number of areas within the Council’s remit that have changed.”

Those changes include the fact that the Council’s $150,000 annual Budget now comes under the Ministry of Finance, as opposed to the House of Assembly, with the former now responsible for providing resources to the very body supposed to be scrutinising and overseeing its fiscal policies and actions. Mr Bowe said from a practical standpoint the Government has continued to communicate and facilitate meetings with existing council members.

The five-member Council plays a critical role since it is charged with examining whether the Government’s annual Budget, Fiscal Strategy Report and other measures align with set fiscal responsibility targets and principles. To-date, though, it has released just two assessments - on the 2020 Fiscal Strategy Report and the 2021-2022 Budget.

Mr Thompson, the FNM’s finance spokesman, last week released a statement challenging the delay in publishing the Council’s assessments of both the 2021 and 2022 Fiscal Strategy reports.

“Despite another seemingly idle promise from the Prime Minister, Bahamians have still not received an update on the current composition of the Fiscal Responsibility Council, nor a timeline for when the Council will produce its delayed reports,” he blasted then. “The PLP continues to make a mockery of the principles of

accountable and transparent management of the country’s affairs.”

Mr Bowe added: “The Government will have its own advice and needs to clarify why this makes it as independent and effective as possible, or make the necessary amendments to advance credibility and confidence in the council going forward.”

Asked whether the key fiscal watchdog is in limbo, he added: “A lot of it boils down to: Does the Council and members as currently structured continue or are they deemed terminated under the repeal and replacement of the legislation and the direction of new powers coming from the minister of finance. I think that answers your question.

“Ultimately, the Fiscal Responsibility Council is deemed to be an advancement in the accountability framework of government and, certainly from an external observer perspective, whether that be the rating agencies or multilateral lenders, it would certainly be in the best interests of the Government to reassure others that this framework is not being watered down in any way and it will give it full support and resources warranted to maintain an independent body.”

Mr Bowe said that while Opposition questions on the Council are justified, it should avoid the ‘blame game’. He added: “This is not a case, I don’t believe, of a finger-pointing exercise. If they couch their questions from the perspective of how to maintain the greatest confidence and credibility, as opposed to mud slinging, those questions will be very solid and I believe the thinking population of The Bahamas would like to have those answers.

“It has to be from the perspective of advancement of the Council... This is one of those where a fisherman never calls his fish stink. The Opposition needs to come at it from a positive

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perspective as opposed to mud slinging and finger pointing.”

The Fiscal Responsibility Council’s website discloses that Holland Grant, the Bahamas International Securities Exchange’s (BISX) chief operating officer, has replaced Kevin Burrows as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society of The Bahamas representative, bringing its membership back up to the mandated five.

Besides himself and Mr Bowe, the Council’s other three members are Christel Sands-Feaste, the Higgs & Johnson attorney and partner, representing the Bahamas Chamber of

Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC);

Khalil Parker KC, who holds the Bahamas Bar Association’s seat; and Dale McHardy from the University of The Bahamas (UoB).

The Prime Minister pushed back hard over concerns regarding the Fiscal Responsibility Council’s independence when the new legislation was debated. Philip Davis KC, in closing the mid-year Budget debate, argued that the Council’s previous structure and set-up are “unworkable” because there were no safeguards within the Fiscal Responsibility Act to ensure those

DR KENNETH

selected can perform the tasks required.

“The Fiscal Council as constituted in legislation was unworkable. Vital issues had not been considered in designing the membership composition of the Council,” he asserted. “There were no guardrails to ensure that the composition of the Council adequately enables them to perform the job they are being asked to do.

“This is not to say that they are not professionally accomplished individuals, but what the public needs is surety that the Council was composed in a way that maximises their ability to get the job done.”

ROMER

‘Less dips’: Resort occupancy increases 10% for September

the reliability and price of Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) electricity supply.

With The Bahamas poised to enter the two slowest months in its tourism calendar, Mr Sands told Tribune Business: “There’s certainly a slowdown, but it’s not as pronounced and not as deep as in previous years. We are still seeing growth year-on-year when we compare comparative months, September and October, and advance bookings.

“We continue to see growth throughout the rest of the year in terms of advance bookings. While we don’t have a definite position on the booking window until the end of a particular period, certainly I would say in terms of percentage points we are anywhere around 10 percent [up] for occupancy compared to last year for September.

Freeport

FROM PAGE B1

getting going at the airport and that this is not good for future investment, and that the Prime Minister’s statements are not very good.

“Then you go back and look at the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, and the two entities that own this town, the Port Authority and Hutchison. They’ve not spent a penny on the airport and both are selling it for $1 and keeping the insurance money. If that doesn’t make a potential investor nervous, what will?

“Two entities which are responsible, and are the largest investors and de facto owners of the town?

Imagine if Pelican Bay, which had severe damage in Hurricane Dorian, had taken the insurance money and run and then tried to convince its two food and beverage outlets, which are outsourced, that they need to invest in their business?

I haven’t exactly led by example, have I?”

“It could wash down to 7.5 percent, but advance bookings are currently at that level for September and October. Bear in mind those numbers are based on everything remaining equal.” That latter reference is the imminent early September hurricane season peak, with one storm presently threatening the west Florida coast as a potential major hurricane, and the BHTA president added: “Let’s pray we do not meet any unforeseen stumbling blocks for the rest of the year.”

Asked whether The Bahamas is close to achieving year-round tourism, with seasonal lows largely eliminated, Mr Sands said that while New Providence was heading in this direction “we still have a bit of work to do in the Family Islands”. He added: “I think we’re seeing less dips and valleys.

“I think we’re beginning to see a levelling out,

hotelier

certainly for the fist six to seven, eight months of the year, and then towards the end of August and September will always be a challenge in terms of transient family business. Then we begin to see the rebounds in October, November and December. When I say levelling out, the seasonality is not as distinct, the dips are not as great. They’re beginning to even out a little bit more.”

With the September and October figures indicating The Bahamas’ largest industry “continues to improve”, Mr Sands said this leaves the sector well-positioned to hit - and possibly surpass - pre-COVID levels from a stopover visitor perspective in 2024.

The industry has trailed just a few percentage points behind 2019 figures for year-to-date, with cruise passengers the dominant factor in the Government’s push to achieve a record eight million visitor arrivals

this year, and Mr Sands said: “I think we have the opportunity next year I think to reach the point of stabilisation and any real growth next year will have to be the result of efficiency and also additional room inventory, certainly from a New Providence perspective.

“I think next year will be the defining year in terms of stopover visitors.

I think that will certainly be assisted by the prospective scheduled opening of the British Colonial which will add additional rooms.

I think we’ll still have momentum and the additional rooms will assist us.”

Mr Sands acknowledged that The Bahamas still has to address “issues in terms of product and our guest experience”, with both the private sector, Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation and other agencies “working very hard to ensure the satisfaction level of customers continues to improve”.

“This remains top-ofmind for operators,” he added: “There’s still lots of work to be done but we’re moving in the right direction at this time. One of the biggest issues will always be continuing to remain relevant in terms of value for money. The cost of business remains high, we have to work on that. We have to work on consistent, reliable and affordable energy for New Providence and the Family Islands.

“We are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel with the Ministry of Tourism putting in place standards and codes of conduct for taxi drivers. There’s a plethora of issues that stakeholders have been working on to improve the guest experience in the destination. Everything is trending in the right direction, and we don’t see any headwinds ahead right now.”

Pointing to what he described as “substantive

backs Gov’ts push for change

Mr Alnebeck said “the greatest signal is the signal the Government is sending about the airport. If they can get the Grand Lucayan sold and off the books, even better, but the more the Government shows they’re committed to Freeport the better it is”.

The Government announced in March that it was outsourcing Grand Bahama International Airport’s redevelopment to a consortium featuring an allBahamian investor group, including CFAL principal, Anthony Ferguson, and Bahamas Hot Mix’s chairman, Anthony Myers. Bahamas Hot Mix’s UK arm was to be the lead contractor, with Manchester Airport Group tapped as the operating partner.

Little visible progress, though, has been seen at the airport amid suggestions that the Government is still arranging financing for the project with UK Export Finance, the British government’s overseas trade and investment funding arm, via

a structure that keeps the facility from adding to The Bahamas’ national debt.

Mr Alnebeck, while acknowledging it is “small stuff”, added of the airport: “Every time you go there something is a little bit better than the last time you were there, and nothing happened after Dorian. Not even the garbage was picked up.

“When was the last time the Port Authority or Port Group Ltd did a major investment in Freeport or was the cause of a major investment in Freeport? When the main owners of something stopping investing themselves, or reinvesting themselves, even reinsurance proceeds, that’s not a very good signal that is sent.”

The Pelican Bay chief likened this to an apartment who, with their tenant set to refurbish and upgrade their living space, decides not to fix the roof and instead purchases a condo in Miami.

As a result, the tenant, in common with non-GBPA

and Hutchison businesses and potential investors in Freeport, will also be reluctant to invest. “I know that belief is not shared by everyone, but that’s my belief,” Mr Alnebeck said, conceding his position may not be universally popular. Many GBPA licensees and Freeport residents, while agreeing that fundamental reform - including a change of ownership at the GBPA - needs to take place do not want the Government to take over its quasi-governmental and regulatory powers and potentially bring the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and its benefits to a premature end.

“What I agree on is that whatever happens needs to happen quickly and swiftly so it doesn’t get dragged on,” he added. “This cannot be a thing that keeps on going and going and going. It needs to get sorted out between the Government and Port Authority sooner rather than later. It needs to be done swiftly.”

However, the Government and GBPA’s owners have been warned that the latter’s 3,000 licensees must “have a say” over any changes to its ownership and Freeport’s founding treaty.

Kirk Antoni, the Cafferata & Company attorney and partner, told Tribune Business on Sunday that the approval of 80 percent of licensees is required to both amend the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, which has full legal and statutory effect, and/or devolve the GBPA’s quasi-governmental and regulatory powers to a condo-type association. His remarks came as the GBPA’s licensees seek to mobilise, and ensure they are not neglected in the battle for Freeport’s future, while also intervening in the Government’s increasingly acrimonious dispute with the city’s quasi-governmental authority and its owners.

Mr Antoni, a prominent member of the 25-30 strong licensee body that

opportunities for growth in the Family Islands”, which rely on eliminating seasonality and increasing visitors’ lengths of stay and spend, Mr Sands said the late 2023 launch of airlift to Nassau from US west coast by Jet Blue and Alaska Airlines will further diversify the country’s tourism source markets.

“When we can source heads in beds from multiple locations throughout our prime market, that augurs well for the sustained growth of business throughout the US and takes a lot of pressure off our traditional gateways,” he said. “It also creates an opportunity for more time to be spent in the destination bearing in mind that coming from California to Nassau is a shorter flying time than from California to Hawaii, which is a huge market for the US.”

previously issued a public letter to both Prime Minister Philip Davis KC and the GBPA’s owners over the impasse, told this newspaper the latter had agreed to meet with the group on September 6 while no response has yet been received from the Government.

And, in an effort to “swiftly” expand the group’s base, the Cafferata & Co partner said it is inviting all 3,000 licensees to another meeting later in September to advise them of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement’s benefits to their businesses and the rights it confers upon them.

A 60-year Freeport resident, Mr Antoni said his sole goal is “to bring Freeport out of the ashes”. He echoed calls for a change in the GBPA’s ownership and leadership, but not through a government takeover or via the approach the Davis administration is pursuing, instead urging that both families’ interests be acquired by private investors with the necessary capital, “vision and business sense” to move the city forward and fulfill its potential.

FTX Bahamas liquidators told: It’s only ‘a wrist slap’

FROM PAGE B1

liquidators have filed a motion to dismiss that, at least partially, on the idea that it was in violation of the agreement between the parties on how to handle the issues between the two courts. But I would ask the joint provisional liquidators to reconsider that, because we can’t. We’ve got to get this case moving and, if we’re going to be arguing over issues like that, it’s not helpful.

“Because, at the end of the day, even if it did violate the agreement between the parties, I’m probably going to allow it to go forward unless there’s some other basis for dismissal. And I admit I haven’t spent a lot of time looking at the motion to dismiss, but if it’s only based on the idea that

the debtors here violated the agreement between the parties, I might say: ‘Yeah, I’ll slap you on the wrist for violating the agreement’, but I’m not going to dismiss and have to start all over again.

“Let’s get the case moving. Let’s get those cases moving forward.... In the meantime, we’re going to go forward with the adversary proceeding that I have before me and I want to do it in as expeditious manner as possible, because we’re wasting the customers - or the customers’ assets are wasting away every day that we spend in bankruptcy. So let’s try to to co-operate and find a way to resolve these issues.”

The two warring factions have since agreed on retired US judge, Judith Fitzgerald, to mediate between them in

the hope of resolving their differences and agreeing on a way to co-operate. That mediation is due to begin next month.

The “adversary proceeding” referred to by Judge Dorsey was sparked in March when Mr Ray moved to deny the Bahamian provisional liquidators access to any assets caught in the crypto exchange’s multibillion dollar collapse via a lawsuit filed in the Delaware Bankruptcy Court.

He made clear his intent to seize control of liquidation proceedings by describing FTX Digital Markets, the Bahamian subsidiary, as an “economic and legal nullity” that served merely as an “offshore front” to enable Sam Bankman-Fried and his closest associates to channel proceeds from their

purported fraud away from US regulatory oversight.

Asserting that FTX Digital Markets “never earned a dollar of third party revenue”, the head of the 134 FTX-related companies presently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, is seeking declaratory judgments in the US that the Bahamian subsidiary and its liquidators have “no ownership” interest in or rights to the crypto/digital assets, fiat currency and intellectual property claimed by those entities in his control.

And, in a further attempt to cut the Bahamian liquidation proceedings off from any assets, Mr Ray also wants the Delaware Bankruptcy Court to find that all asset transfers to FTX Digital Markets “are voidable actual or constructive

frauds” and that his team be permitted to recover them.

However, the Bahamian provisional liquidation trio subsequently countered through their own legal counterclaim seeking multiple grounds of relief from the Delaware Bankruptcy Court.

Besides seeking an order that he has breached their co-operation agreement, the Bahamian liquidators also want that court to affirm that Mr Ray and his team have breached the Chapter 15 recognition and asset freeze previously granted to FTX Digital Markets and themselves so that their asset recovery efforts in the US had legal standing. They are also demanding an unspecified sum in damages.

The Bahamian liquidators are accusing Mr Ray and his team of “interfering” over the US Justice Department seizure of some $151m of FTX Digital Markets assets that were held in US-based bank accounts. This, they assert, has left them “deprived of crucial assets needed to properly administer the FTX Digital Markets estate in an amount no less than $151m.” Warning that their inability to access these funds has left them unable to secure, and preserve, “hundreds of millions of dollars” of assets in FTX Digital Markets’ name, Mr Simms and his colleagues are alleging that critical sources of recovery for investors and creditors continue to rapidly lose value.

Applicants should be organized, self-driven, innovative, diligent, a team player and have the ability to work with minimum supervision. Successful applicants will be eligible to participate in the company’s medical insurance plan and proft-sharing scheme. Salary will commensurate with experience.

Interested applicants should deliver their curriculum vitas to carolyn.adderley@halsburylawchambers.com

Halsbury Chambers is seeking to employ an Attorney who specializes in Commercial Law and Civil Litigation with a minimum of seven (7) years practical and professional experience.

Ministry’s $400k purchase first acquisition in 20 years

another several hundred thousand for the machines acquired most recently.”

Mr Sears explained that the equipment will be used for road paving as well as upcoming flood mitigation efforts. He said: “Some of these tools are vital for road redevelopment as well as road paving, as well as some of the flood mitigation materials that we will see shortly. They are necessary for ensuring that there is no ponding of water on our roads and in the communities of the country.”

Although the Ministry of Works will still rely on third-party contractors, the tools increase its capacity and will permit it to deal with emergency situations faster. “Currently, the ministry relies on a number of contractors but there needs to be the capacity within the ministry itself so that it can be more nimble, it can respond to emergency needs much more quickly and efficiently, as well as

utilising the road contractors,” Mr Sears said.

He identified several major roads in New Providence that will undergo repaving in the House of Assembly last month. The minister added that the public will “soon see” a “marked improvement” in the safety and conditions of the island’s roads.

“I believe that the public will soon see a marked improvement in terms of safer and drivable roads,”

Mr Sears added. “We will shortly commence the repaving of the following major arterial roads: South Beach Community Roads; Windsor Field Road; Bay Street between East Street and the Old Bridge; Eastern Road; Winton Highway; Woodland Way; East Street from Palm Tree Avenue to Robinson Road; East Street South; Tonique Darling Highway; Joe Farrington Road; Baillou Hill Road south of Carmichael Road; Baillou Road Between Tonique Darling and Robinson Road; Hospital Lane;

Zion Boulevard; Kennedy Subdivision Roads.”

Mr Sears added that the additional employees were the first to be hired for road patching in over four years, and that ten contractors were selected to join the ministry in a “massive blitz” to solve the capital’s ongoing pothole dilemma.

He said: “The ministry engaged in regular employment in the ministry some 20 road maintenance staff who are directly responsible for road patching utilising newly-acquired equipment such as trucks and other tools to meet this urgent need. This is the first time in over four years that the ministry has been able to engage staff and obtain equipment to address this issue of potholes.

“I wish also to inform this House that we are in the process of engaging ten contractors who have demonstrated expertise in pothole patching over the years to supplement the Ministry’s Road Patching Unit to begin a massive blitz to address this problem.”

PEOPLE stand in front of an electronic stock board showing Japan’s Nikkei 225 index at a securities firm Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, in Tokyo. Asian shares mostly rose Tuesday as markets shift their attention from the U.S. Federal Reserve to earnings and economic reports.

ASIAN SHARES MOSTLY RISE AS ATTENTION TURNS TO EARNINGS, ECONOMIES

By YURI KAGEYAMA

AP Business Writer

ASIAN shares mostly rose Tuesday as markets shift their attention from the U.S. Federal Reserve to earnings and economic reports.

Regional markets also got a perk from signs China-U.S. relations may be improving, as the nations agreed to work together to smooth out economic relations, including business and trade.

"This sounds more like the kind of pragmatic and decisive breakthrough that is required. The proof will be in the pudding and only time will tell, but markets are correct to respond favorably to these developments," said Clifford Bennett, chief economist at ACY Securities.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said she and her Chinese counterpart agreed Monday to exchange information on U.S. export controls and set up a group to discuss other commercial issues. That signals possible hopes about bilateral communication, but various conflicts remain, including over technology, security and human rights.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 edged up 0.1% in early trading to 32,209.67. Toyota shares dropped 0.6% in morning trading after 25 vehicle assembly lines at 12 plants in Japan got shut down over a problem in its computer system that deals with incoming auto parts.

Toyota spokeswoman Sawako Takeda said the company does not think the problem is from a cyberattack, but the cause was still under investigation, and it remained unclear when the lines would be back up.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 added 0.4% to 7,186.40. South Korea's Kospi edged up 0.3% to 2,551.81. Hong Kong's Hang Seng jumped 1.3% to 18,364.86, while the

Shanghai Composite gained 0.3% to 3,106.59. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 rose 27.60 points, or 0.6%, to 4,433.31. The benchmark index is still on track to close out August with a loss.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 213.08 points, or 0.6% to 34,559.98 and the Nasdaq composite rose 114.48 points, or 0.8%, to 13,705.13. Companies are wrapping up their latest round of earnings reports, which have mostly beaten analysts' expectations. Still, overall profits for the S&P 500 have contracted about 4% under the weight of persistent inflation.

Best Buy, Costco and Dollar General are among some of the bigger retailers that will report their results this week.

3M jumped 5.2% following reports that the company had agreed to a $5.5 billion settlement over faulty earplugs, a lower figure than expected. Boston Scientific rose 6% after giving investors an

encouraging update on a study for a heart device.

Shares of Hawaiian Electric jumped 44.6% as the utility pushed back against accusations it is responsible for causing the wildfire that devastated the community of Lahaina.

Investors have a busy week ahead full of economic reports that could shed more light on whether the job market remains hot and inflation is still cooling. The latest data could provide more clues about whether the Fed is likely to hold interest rates steady or raise them again before the year closes.

Wall Street will get an update Tuesday on consumer confidence, which jumped sharply in July and is expected to remain strong in August.

The government will issue its July report on job openings on Tuesday and its broader jobs report for August on Friday. The job market is being closely watched because it has remained strong amid high inflation.

N O T I C E

EXXONMOBIL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION SAKHALIN LIMITED

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, notice is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by The Registrar General on the 20th day of July, 2023.

Dated the 29th day of August A.D., 2023.

Photo:Eugene Hoshiko/AP

Thousands take to Colombia's streets to protest 50% increase in gasoline prices

By MANUEL RUEDA

Press

Associated

THOUSANDS of protesters on cars and motorbikes took to the streets of Colombia's main cities on Monday to reject recent hikes in gasoline prices that have drastically increased the price of fuel in the South American country.

Protesters say that the monthly price hikes set by Colombia's first leftist government are making it harder for small businesses to operate, and could push up the price of food.

But the government of President Gustavo Petro says the gasoline subsidies cost about $11 billion a year.

It says it must eliminate the subsidies to pay debts to the national oil company Ecopetrol, which produces most of the country's fuel, and to free up more funds for social programs.

The protest comes as discontent grows with Petro's administration a year after he took office promising to reduce poverty and make

peace with the nation's remaining rebel groups.

Petro's administration has struggled to stop violence in rural parts of the country, and to boost Colombia's economy, which is expected to grow by just 1% in 2023, according to the International Monetary Fund.

"This government is making decisions that are anti-business," said Alejandra Mendoza, the manager of a small company that transports frozen food and other goods for supermarkets in Colombia. She attended Monday's protest wearing her company's yellow jacket.

"Our costs have gone up by a third, and we have to adjust our budget each month because of the gasoline hikes" Mendoza said.

The price of gasoline in Colombia has risen from 9,000 pesos a gallon in August of last year (US $2.50) to more than 14,000 currently ($3.40) as Colombia's government cuts back on subsidies each month.

Officials in Colombia's Finance Ministry have said

they want gasoline to reach a price of 16,000 pesos per gallon --about $4 -- by the end of the year, which would mirror current gas prices in the U.S., where the federal minimum wage, however, is more than four times greater than Colombia's minimum wage of $280 a month.

In July, the ministry said that subsidies for diesel, which is used by most cargo trucks in Colombia. will be removed after municipal elections in October, and that the price of diesel fuel will double by the end of next year.

Petro has argued that the nation's gasoline subsidies mostly benefited wealthier Colombians who own vehicles. But he has shown signs that he is willing to negotiate gasoline prices with some groups.

Over the weekend, Petro's administration cut a deal with the nation's taxi driver unions, under which gasoline prices will be frozen for the country's estimated 200,000 yellow taxis.

However members of Colombia's opposition say that the government needs to go further because gas hikes are also hurting delivery workers, drivers and small business owners who are struggling to recover from the pandemic.

Jennifer Pedraza, a congresswoman who helped to organize Monday's protest, pointed out that the government could moderate the hikes in fuel prices, by charging less sales taxes on gasoline and diesel.

"The people are asking the administration to negotiate a different gasoline policy" she said, adding that its time for Colombia's national oil company to "take an interest, in making gasoline affordable for all."

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO TARGET DRUGS FOR

By TOM MURPHY AND AMANDA SEITZ

Associated Press

PRESIDENT Joe Biden's administration will announce on Tuesday the first prescription drugs being targeted by the U.S. government for price negotiations as part of an effort to lower Medicare costs. The announcement is a significant step under the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed by Biden last year. The law requires the federal government for the first time to start negotiating directly with companies about the prices

they charge for some of Medicare's most expensive drugs. The process has drawn legal challenges from drugmakers and heavy criticism from Republicans in Congress. It's also a centerpiece of Biden's reelection pitch as he seeks a second term in office by touting his work to lower costs for Americans at a time when the country has struggled with inflation.

Biden plans to deliver a speech on health care costs from the White House after the announcement. He'll be joined by Vice President Kamala Harris.

More than 52 million people who are either 65 or older or have certain severe disabilities or illnesses get prescription drug coverage through Medicare's Part D program, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS.

About 9% of Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older said in 2021 that they did not fill a prescription or skipped a drug dose due to cost, according to research

by the Commonwealth Fund, which studies health care issues.

CMS aims to negotiate the lowest maximum fair price for drugs on the list released Tuesday. That could help some patients who have coverage but still face big bills like high deductible payments when they get a prescription.

Currently, pharmacy benefit managers that run Medicare prescription plans negotiate rebates off a drug's price. Those rebates sometimes help reduce premiums customers pay for coverage. But they may not change what a patient spends at the pharmacy counter. The new drug price negotiations aim "to basically make drugs more affordable while also still allowing for profits to be made," said Gretchen Jacobson, who researches Medicare issues at Commonwealth. Drug companies that refuse to be a part of the new negotiation process will be heavily taxed.

MOTORCYCLE riders hold a caravan to protest the increase in gas prices in Bogota, Colombia, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.

Photo:Fernando Vergara/AP

PRESIDENT Joe Biden speaks at a reception to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.

Photo:Susan Walsh/AP

PRICE NEGOTIATIONS TO LOWER MEDICARE COSTS

A fitness fundraiser to save a young woman’s life and raise awareness of kidney disease

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

AT THE age of 12, Brenique Conliffe was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. The condition presented many challenges and difficulties for her growing up, but she learned to cope and face each day anew.

But now her situation has worsened and she is suffering from renal failure.

The now 29-year-old former first grade teacher is in desperate need of a kidney transplant to give her a second chance at life.

This Saturday, at Goodman’s Bay, Brenique is hosting a special fitness fundraiser to not only help her come up with the money she needs for surgery and treatment, but also to educate her fellow Bahamians about kidney disease and how to prevent it.

Brenique initially didn’t understand the complexities of juvenile diabetes when she was first diagnosed with the disease as a young girl. She did not yet see how it would change the trajectory of her life.

Beyond the expected physical issues caused by the condition, Brenique also had to face immense mental and emotional challenges.

She had to grow to learn to embrace her differences. But this, understandably, took a lot of effort, tears and faith.

However, with the support of God, her family and friends, she was able to get through the good and bad days with strength and grace.

But then in 2020 things took a turn for the worse. Due to complications related to her juvenile diabetes, Brenique developed kidney failure. Since then, the disease has progressed and she is currently in stage 5 renal failure, which, she explained, means her kidneys are working at only five percent.

“In January 2023, I had to start dialysis treatment, which is a very taxing and time-consuming experience. I have to attend treatment three times per week, each session being four hours in duration,” she told Tribune Woman.

“It has been an incredible adjustment to my life in so many ways. Having diabetes as well as renal failure has brought on symptoms that have affected my body, mind and spirit. I think we tend to focus so much on the physical aspects of chronic diseases, that we neglect the psychosocial, emotional and environmental impact.”

Living with a condition like renal failure takes an emotional toll not only on the person living with the disease, but on loved ones as well.

The dynamics of every relationship in their life changes, which can be difficult to navigate and cope with.

For Brenique, each day presents a new challenge. She has experienced many days where she is too weak to get out of bed and has struggled with mobility. She has had challenges with her eyes, where her blood vessels have broken and bled, which in turn affected her vision.

“I have also lost friends. I think that sometimes people forget that we are still human and still desire the normalcies of life like everyone else, such as a regular conversation about a new popular series on Netflix. In some ways I understand and in other ways I don’t. Dealing with such difficult health challenges has taught me so much about life, and the things and people that truly do matter,” she said.

Some of Brenique’s favourite things to do, like travelling and being around water, have also been affected by her renal failure diagnosis. Her diet has changed drastically as well, because certain foods contain minerals that the body has a hard time filtering out. Even some fruits and vegetables are no longer good for her, which has been a very hard pill to swallow.

“As a child, I had to eliminate sweets/sugary foods, and now some of my favourite fruits… that most would consider healthy foods…have been eliminated from my diet, which makes it even more difficult to enjoy snacks and meals,” she explained.

“Travelling is a major challenge, as I require weekly dialysis, which can be very difficult to navigate in other places. Even going to the beach or taking a shower is extremely challenging because my dialysis port can’t get wet. So I must be careful around all water, even the rain.”

Brenique was born and raised in New Providence, but had the opportunity to experience life in Canada and Grand Bahama for a short period of time.

The former educator is also a member of various non-profit organisations which have nurtured her love for service and desire to ignite change and make a difference in the Bahamian community. Being of service to others, whether it is in her role as a teacher or just being involved in the community, is one of her greatest passions.

“God keeps me motivated; I have built such a stronger relationship since I’ve been dealing with kidney challenges and I have developed faith beyond my own understanding knowing that through His grace and mercy, I will overcome triumphantly,” she said.

“I also have such a tremendous community of family and friends that truly support me; real relationships that make the bad days durable and easier to get through. Another source of strength which encourages me to keep fighting is knowing that there are other people experiencing similar plights, who may be encouraged by my strength and will to fight despite how hard it may be. I honestly feel that I’m going through this trial to strengthen others by giving them hope and also by bringing awareness and prevention to a disease that is affecting a lot of persons in the Bahamas.”

For now, Brenique said she is using her social media platforms to tell her story, as she believes the best way to bring awareness to a topic is by sharing personal stories to capture the attention of others.

She said using her fundraising events to also promote healthier lifestyles and collaborating with the Bahamas Kidney Association will help shed light on the disease she is living with and encourage others to get their blood tested for any irregularities.

Brenique is currently gearing up to host a “Work-Out For Bre”, a health and wellness event to take place this Saturday, September 2, at Goodman’s Bay, from 7am to 10 am. Registration for the event costs $20.

“This workout session is multifaceted. It is meant to be a fun and interactive fundraiser to help me raise funds for my kidney transplant, but also to spread awareness about renal failure, health and wellness, and healthy lifestyle habits. We plan to sweat it out with a phenomenal fitness instructor Keith Hinsey and cool down with a relaxing yoga session with Mykah, also known as Bahama Hoop Yogi,” she explained.

“Providing a fun and lively atmosphere with energetic sounds from the infamous DJ Tank, there will also be free glucose and blood pressure testing with the help of the Bahamas Kidney Association. Persons have a chance to win amazing prizes and goodies. Refreshments and T-shirts will be on sale. All proceeds go towards my kidney journey in receiving a transplant.”

Once she receives a kidney transplant, Brenique said the plan is to utilise her experience with teaching to educate others, particularly the youth, about the disease.

“I have also very thoughtfully designed T-shirts that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also share a bit of my renal story, which I think is a great aid in bringing more awareness to kidney disease as well. These shirts will be available for sale at the health and wellness event on September 2,” she said.

“I am looking forward to having a successful fundraiser where people not only get a good workout in, but also are informed about renal failure while simultaneously enjoying the music and games. I took a different route than the standard cookout or souse-out – which are also great – but I wanted to encourage a healthier way to raise money and spread awareness for a good cause.”

The main thing she wants Bahamians to know about renal failure is that it can happen to anyone. It doesn’t matter what your age, sex or even health status is.

“There have been persons who have lived the healthiest lifestyles, who have been diagnosed with renal failure. In most cases you don’t see real signs until it’s too late. We have to take our health more seriously and prioritise going to the doctor and taking tests to prevent or be ahead of anything that may be detected,” she said.

“We have readily accessible information at our fingertips; take advantage and research ways to cleanse the body and feed it what it needs to thrive. Diet, exercise, healthy lifestyle choices, self-care, listening to our bodies, and regular health checkups are all essential to prevention/early detection.”

To assist Brenique with a second chance at life, by visit her GoFundMe page at https://tdy. lol/MgXtr or https://bitly.ws/ TkFv.

BRENIQUE CONLIFFE, 29, a former first grade teacher, has endured many physical and emotional challenges in her life.

The growing problem of antibioticresistant urinary tract infections

IN THE annals of medical history, few discoveries have ignited a revolution as profound as antibiotics.

These tiny molecules, their discovery hailing from the early20th century, have wielded a transformative impact on the landscape of medicine. Their ability to directly combat and prevent infections has rewritten the script of human health, unveiling unprecedented possibilities in disease control and medical interventions. Yet, this triumphant tale also carries a cautionary note, for within its folds lies a ticking time bomb that demands our attention: antibiotic resistance.

The inception of antibiotics was akin to a light piercing through the darkness of infectious diseases. With the newfound power to crush bacterial invaders, humanity’s battle against infections shifted dramatically. Surgical procedures became safer, pneumonia ceased to be a silent reaper, and childbirth saw a drop in mortality rates. These minuscule molecules ushered in an era of unprecedented hope, promising a world where infections would be tamed, and lives would flourish.

However, success often breeds complacency, and the story of antibiotics is no exception. While these wonder drugs were celebrated for decades, a subtle foe was evolving in the shadows: antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In a twist of irony, the very success of antibiotics paved the way for a formidable challenge. Bacteria, nature’s ultimate survivors, began adapting and developing resistance to these once-mighty drugs. The warning bells were sounded early, even as Alexander Fleming, the visionary behind penicillin, cautioned against the rise of antibiotic resistance in his 1945 Nobel Prize address.

In a world where previously, treatable infections are regaining their deadly prowess, the urgency to act cannot be overstated. The emergence of superbugs, resistant to our best defences is no longer a distant dystopian scenario; it is a reality that demands immediate attention.

Complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs)

A urinary tract infection is the microbial invasion in the urinary system, which can affect any part of the urinary system from the kidneys to the urethra.

While many UTIs can be managed with outpatient antibiotics and minimal fuss, complicated UTIs carve a more perilous path. They can serve as the unsuspecting catalyst for sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Unlike their simpler counterparts, complicated UTIs bring a host of risk factors to the table, triggering treatment complexities that can lead to recurrence, treatment failure, and even mortality. To navigate these treacherous waters, it becomes imperative to identify the red flags and act decisively.

Complicated UTIs don’t adhere to a one-size-fits-all definition. They encompass a wide spectrum of scenarios, including infections in males, pregnant females, those with obstructions or kidney stones, immunocompromised patients, and the elderly. In fact, any UTI that arises from an array of intricate circumstances falls into this category; be it post-instrumentation, following urinary catheterization, or involving patients with impaired renal function. Even recurring UTIs, despite receiving prior treatment, earn their spot among the complicated ranks.

Statistics underscore the urgency of grappling with these complexities. In the United States alone, over 626,000 hospital admissions each year bear the stamp of complicated UTIs, accounting for a significant proportion of annual hospitalisations.

The toll is not only measured in numbers but also in the distressing outcomes associated with such infections. Bacteraemia is a term used when harmful bacteria from a urinary tract infection enter the bloodstream, potentially causing serious complications and requiring swift medical attention.

Bacteraemia’s stemming from UTIs contribute to a staggering 20 percent of all healthcare-related bacteraemia’s, with the mortality rate climbing to as high as 1 in 10 patients with the infection. As the number of superbugs, those tough bacteria resistant to

antibiotics, keeps rising, treating infections is getting tricky. There’s a guideline from a group of critical care experts called the Surviving Sepsis Campaign. It states that when someone has a severe infection, they should get antibiotics within an hour. This makes a big difference in saving lives. But here is the problem: the way we usually figure out which germ is causing the infection and if it’s resistant to antibiotics takes a long time, sometimes days. This leaves the team of doctors in a tough spot to try and give the best possible antibiotic with a wider range of action to neutralise the infection, and in the era of antibiotic resistance we are fast running out of options or combinations.

How can you help with prevention and control of the spread of antibiotic resistance?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are many ways that every individual in the community can help with the problem of antibiotic resistance at hand.

Only take antibiotics when a certified health professional prescribes them for you. They know what is best for your health. Trust your health worker: If a health worker tells you that you don’t need antibiotics, don’t insist on getting them. They have your best interests in mind.

Back-to-school health tips

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

Another new school year is upon us most Bahamian students are already back in the classrooms, ready to reach new scholastic heights, hit some major learning milestones and put their best foot forward.

While going back to school can be an exciting time for both students and their parents, it can also be a worrisome one as well.

Health and safety considerations are at the forefront for many parents as their kids return to school this year. They know that in order for their kids to excel, they must be in great shape physically, mentally and be able to learn in a safe environment.

Some parents shared their health and safety tips with Tribune Health to help readers ensure their children have as seamless a start to the new school year as possible.

Medical check-ups

For students starting a new school, a health work-up was more than likely a prerequisite, however, Pauline Justin said it is her practice to take her kids to a family doctor right before the opening of a new school year.

“I like to know the status of my children’s health before they go back to school. I take them to get a physical examination so I can be sure of anything they may have.

Listen to instructions: Always listen to and follow the advice of your health worker when taking antibiotics. This helps ensure their effectiveness. Don’t share antibiotics: Never share your antibiotics with others or use leftover antibiotics. Each person’s health needs are unique. Prevent infections: You can avoid infections by washing your hands regularly, handling food safely, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, practicing safe sex, and keeping up with vaccinations.

Handle food safely: Follow the WHO Five Keys to Safer Food: keep things clean, separate raw and cooked items, cook food thoroughly, maintain safe temperatures, and use clean water and ingredients. Choose foods that have been produced without using antibiotics for animal growth or disease prevention.

What is New?

Customised molecular diagnostics: Carbapenems are a specific type of powerful antibiotics that are typically used to treat serious and life-threatening infections. These antibiotics were once highly effective because bacteria had limited resistance against them. The problem of carbapenem resistance is making it hard to use carbapenem antibiotics in emergencies like severe infections. Organisms that resist carbapenems can be deadly and

Sanitising/personal space

With students being back in the classrooms, this means they will be coming in close contact with other kids. As this the case, Marshall Forbes, a mother of two, said she ensures her children are equipped with sanitisers and other hygienic items that will help decrease the spread of germs.

“I know a good number of primary schools require children to have sanitiser, wipes and even a disinfectant spray in their bag. However, the high schools are not giving any hard and fast rules, to my knowledge,” she said.

“My kids are both in high school and I make sure they carry a small sanitiser and other items. I tell them to always wipe down their desks, sanitise their hands after moving about in school and touching doors and railings.”

Ms Forbes said one of the most important things she teaches her kids about health and safety in school is to always give others their personal space and not allow them to infringe on theirs.

“This may sound like too much, but it is not fun at all when your children are sick,” she said.

Don’t overpack the backpack

Jenny Poitier said she made the mistake of stuffing her daughter’s backpack every day, only for her to complain of back pain midway through the semester.

“I was so disappointed that I was not conscious of how that was affecting my child. She had difficulty sitting up in her chair because she would be feeling pains in her neck and back.

need fast and accurate testing to start the right antibiotics. In India, a team of experts led by Abhi Mallick have developed low-cost test to identify such organism in blood samples. This test looks for specific genes and showed good results in finding carbapenem resistance. It can help doctors choose the right treatment faster. The test’s cost is also low, making it useful in places with fewer resources. Newer antibiotics: Scientists are in a race against time to develop newer weapons to combat this rising threat that could see a regression in the milestones covered by humanity thus far. The CERTAIN-1 trial led by McGovern showed promising results in the treatment of complicated UTIs with combination of cefepime and taniborbactam. The FDA granted it a priority review to determine approval of use in the given setting. The rise of antibiotic resistance has added a new layer of complexity to the battle against complicated UTIs and others. In recent years, the fight has grown tougher, with our trusty antibiotics losing some of their power. As the governments, scientists and dedicated organisations mobilise their resources and knowledge to combat this pressing issue, let us not underestimate the role that each individual can play. A simple yet potent weapon lies in our hands; the power to change our behaviours. Small adjustments, like proper hygiene practices and responsible antibiotic use, might seem like drops in the ocean, but when multiplied across populations, they form a formidable barrier against infections. In this collective effort, where science meets personal responsibility, we are not just fighting infections; we are crafting a healthier future.

“I encourage parents, especially those who have kids of primary age, to ensure that your children’s backpack is not placing unnecessary strain on them. If they are required to tote lots of books, much more than can easily fit into their backpacks, then maybe they may need to swap a backpack for a rolling bag. The last thing you want is your child to experience back problems because their bags were too heavy,” she said.

Set sleep schedules

During the Summer months, many kids adopted the habit of going to bed late to take full advantage of their break. However, now that school is back in full swing, students getting sufficient sleep is crucial so that they can feel re-energised for their lessons.

Antoine Sands said his children got into the bad habit of going to bed late through the Summer months and now they are struggling to adjust their sleep patterns.

“Their school opens next week so they have some time. They were used to going to bed around 1am or 2am and waking up at 10am, 11am or later sometimes,” he said.

“I know that is my fault, and now I am paying for it because my kids are rarely in a good mood when they wake up in the morning. I have been trying to get their schedules adjusted. If you don’t get your kids in the habit of going to bed on time, they will be tired, sluggish, moody and they will not be off to a good start.”

PAUL Ehrlich (left), whose laboratory discovered arsphenamine (Salvarsan), the first effective medicinal treatment for syphilis, and prominent Japanese bacteriologist Sahachiro Hata in 1907.

This, in my opinion, is very important, especially in this day in time when there are difference viruses being spread around,” she said.

Ms Justin said a doctor’s visit is crucial, particularly so parents are able to discuss any allergy concerns with a medical professional.

(Phtoo_Pexels_Mary Taylor)

Dr Greggory Pinto

THE UROLOGY DOCTOR IS IN...

Screen time is contributing to chronic sleep deprivation in tweens and teens – a paediatric sleep expert explains how critical sleep is to kids’ mental health

By MAIDA LYNN CHEN University of Washington

(THE CONVERSATION)

With the start of a new school year comes the inevitable battle to get kids back into a healthy bedtime routine. In many cases, this likely means resetting boundaries on screen use, especially late in the evenings. But imposing and enforcing those rules can be easier said than done.

A growing body of research is finding strong links between sleep, mental health and screen time in teens and tweens – the term for pre-adolescent children around the ages of 10 to 12. Amid an unprecedented mental health crisis in which some 42 percent of adolescents in the US are suffering from mental health issues, teens are also getting too little sleep.

And it is a vicious cycle: Both a lack of sleep and the heightened activity involved in the consumption of social media and video games before bedtime can exacerbate or even trigger anxiety and depression that warrant intervention.

I am the lead physician of the sleep center at Seattle Children’s Hospital, where I study various pediatric sleep disorders. Our team of physicians and providers routinely observe firsthand the negative effects of excessive screen time, and particularly social media, both of which affect not only sleep, but also the physical and mental health of our patients.

Relationship between mental health and poor sleep

Research has long shown a clear relationship between mental health and sleep: Poor sleep can lead to poor mental health and vice versa. People with depression and anxiety commonly have insomnia, a condition in which people have trouble falling or staying asleep, or both, or getting refreshing sleep. That ongoing sleep deprivation further worsens the very depression and anxiety that caused the insomnia in the first place.

What’s more, insomnia and poor-quality sleep may also blunt the benefits of therapy and medication. At its worst, chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of suicide. One study found that just one hour less sleep during the week was associated with “significantly greater odds of feeling

the influence, sexual promiscuity, fighting or the use of weapons, and more. And these behaviors can start in middle school, if not earlier.

In addition, sleep deprivation is directly linked with high blood pressure, heart attacks and the development of diabetes in adulthood. Lack of adequate sleep is also linked with childhood and adolescent obesity. Undesired weight gain occurs with sleep deprivation though a series of complex mechanisms, including shifts in metabolism, a more sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary choices.

A way forward

So what can be done to pry teens and tweens away from their screens? Keeping goals realistic is key, and sometimes it is helpful to start by focusing on just one goal.

Parents need to prioritise sleep for the entire household and model good screen time habits. Caregivers too often send mixed messages around screen time use, given their own bad habits.

hopeless,

seriously considering suicide, suicide attempts and substance use.”

And what do young people do when lying in bed awake, frustrated and unable to sleep? You guessed it – far too often, they get on their smart devices.

Studies across the world in over 120,000 youth ages 6 to 18 who engage in any sort of social media have repeatedly shown worsened quality and decreased quantity of sleep. This is happening across the globe, not just in the US.

The strong pull of screens and social media

Although social media has some benefits, I believe research makes it clear that there are significantly more downsides to social media consumption than upsides. For one, scrolling social media requires being awake, and hence, displaces sleep.

Second, the light emitted from most hand-held devices, even with a night filter, a blue light filter or both, is enough to decrease levels of melatonin, the primary hormone that signals the onset of sleep.

When melatonin release is inhibited by staring at a lit device near bedtime, falling asleep becomes more challenging. For some people, melatonin supplements can help with inducing sleep. However, supplements

cannot overcome the highly stimulating powers of internet content and light.

Third, and perhaps most problematic, is the content that young people are consuming. Taking in fast-paced imagery like that found on TikTok or video games before bedtime is disruptive because the brain and body are highly stimulated by these exposures, and require time to settle back into a state that is conducive to sleep.

But it’s not just the speed of the imagery flitting by. Media content can disrupt both nondream and dream sleep. Have you ever fallen asleep watching a disturbing thriller or a horror movie and had scenes from that movie enter your dreams? And it’s not just dreams that are affected – the brain also may not sustain deep nondream sleep since it is still processing those fast-paced images. These intrusions in your sleep can be very disruptive to overall quality and quantity of sleep.

Worst of all, social media can contribute to FOMO – short for the fear of missing out. This can occur when a teen becomes enmeshed with an influencer or role model through posts, reels and stories, all of which are cultivated to reflect unrealistic perfection, not reality.

In addition, research has found a clear link between social media consumption and poor body image in kids and teens, as well as

overall worse mental health and worsened sleep problems.

These issues are troubling enough that in May 2023, the surgeon general issued a statement warning of the dangers of social media and encouraging caregivers, teachers and policymakers to work together to create a safer online environment.

A state of chronic sleep deprivation

Making sleep a high priority is a cornerstone of overall health and mental health, and it is also key to staying alert and attentive during the school day.

Multiple professional medical and scientific organisations have recommended that teens sleep eight to 10 hours per night. But only 1 in 5 high schoolers come close to that.

Some of this is due to school start times that don’t align with the natural rhythms of most teens, so they don’t fall asleep early enough on weekdays.

Teens who don’t get enough sleep may suffer from weak academic performance, a lack of organizational skills and mediocre decision-making. Teens don’t have fully formed frontal lobes, the part of the brain that controls impulse and judgment. Sleep deprivation further impairs those behaviors. This, in turn, may lead to poor decisions regarding drug and alcohol use, driving under

Ultimately, parents and caregivers need to recognize the warning signs of sleep deprivation and progressive mood and anxiety disorders. Seek professional help for disordered sleep, troubled mental health or both, keeping in mind that finding mental health professionals can take time.

When it comes to digital media, the American Academy of Paediatrics recommends avoiding screens for at least an hour before going to bed and not sleeping with devices in the bedroom.

For older kids who have homework to do online, avoiding screen use right before bedtime can feel next to impossible. What’s more, this rule tends to lead to covert use of electronic devices.

So, if one hour before bedtime is too stringent, then start by avoiding media for even 15 or 30 minutes prior to going to sleep. Or if some media is needed as a compromise, try watching something passive, like TV, rather than engaging in social media apps like Snapchat.

Remember that not everything has to be done all at once – incremental changes can make a big difference over time.

Book Review: ‘Holler, Child’ is a profound short story collection about Black lives

By DONNA EDWARDS Associated Press

“Holler, Child” by LaToya Watkins (Tiny Reparations Books)

LaToya Watkins has surpassed the high bar set by her beautifully crushing debut novel, “Perish,” with a collection of short stories titled “Holler, Child.” Heavily rooted in west Texas where the author grew up, the 11 fictional pieces focus on Black lives — and the huge range of people and relationships within — to form a profound collection.

In the namesake short story, which includes some of the most brutal scenes in the book, the bloodied face of the narrator’s son reminds her of the day she was raped and beaten — “Holler, Child” being what she commanded her 17-year-old self to do way back then, but couldn’t. Now, confronted with the possibility that her son may have raped someone, she has a chance to handle things differently.

Its ending is completely unexpected — a battlefield of conflicting logic and emotion that’s hard to fathom, but also strangely sensical.

While many of the pages are about mothers and wives, some are from a male perspective, like “Dog Person.” The narrator convinces his girlfriend to

accept his dog as a part of himself in a story that turns out to be absolutely heart-wrenching. Layers of betrayal and hurt and blame and sadness have nowhere to go, so they fester. What does the dog have to do with it? It’s

impossible to say, exactly, even though the dog is the keystone of the story. Generations of trauma, sacrifice and striving make the characters complex and Watkins fits loads of information into just a handful of pages by skipping unnecessary context. Instead, she draws on societal truths and the

reader’s empathy to form the solid foundation beneath each story. Each voice brings something special, every narrative hard-hitting yet tender. Then, in the final short “Time After,” it all comes home.

And, really, all the stories are about coming home — wherever or whomever home may be, and regardless how the characters feel about it. In many cases, home is west Texas. In some, it’s a mother, or oneself.

An article by Watkins for Juneteenth this year — the first year it was officially recognized as a federal holiday despite over a century of celebrations — helps to frame the motif of gender roles and divisions between men and women throughout “Holler, Child.” It’s a messy, fluid thing

that she explores in various forms: a wife completely fed up with her husband after decades of marriage; a husband who feels his wife has peeled away pieces of him over the years; two sisters in search of the brother who was disowned because of his identity.

Those male-female relationships go on to influence others, like the daughter who confronts her mother for her cold-heartedness; the mother who decides to love her kids out of spite for her husband; and the young woman who sees her parents in a new light after her baby’s father refuses to help.

The stories lay bare the death of a child, a partner, a sibling, a pet — topics that, in less careful hands, might be beyond ethical approach in a mere 20 pages. Watkins gives these momentous life changes the proper weight they deserve with the exact distance at which to feel them without being crushed.

In all of these stories, there’s tragedy at large and small scales. The fictional characters are in very real situations, each of them unique but carrying a feeling of familiarity.

“Holler, Child” is an excellent collection with true staying power. Every single story could stand on its own but works beautifully toward the whole.

(Pexels_Cottonbro Studio)

LATOYA Watkins

Travelling together

Ask Maggie and get answers

Relationship and intimacy specialist

Maggie Bain – also known as the Bare Naked Coach – has returned to the Bahamas to help local couples repair their relationships. She will be answering questions which she has received for Tribune Woman in the hopes of helping individuals with similar romantic problems.

Q: “I heard someone say you have not passed the relationship strength test unless you have travelled together. Is there any truth to this? What can you learn about

your relationship when you travel together as a couple?”

A: Interesting point of view. I do not think I could wholeheartedly agree that travelling together is the predetermining relationship strength test. Certainly, it is one of the important ones, but this is such a subjective area and one that is determined by our individuality. For example, some would argue surviving unemployment, traumatic medical conditions, grief, and chronic pain are tougher than traveling together.

I am not trying to dismiss or minimise the perceived challenges of traveling together, as I recognise travel can be a ‘make or break’ factor for many couples.

This is why booking a vacation with your significant other is an important decision, particularly when we are reminded of disastrous stories of idyllic locations, but realising you are with the wrong person. Talking about your past vacations, places and experiences will help you not only to gain insight into each other’s preferences, but also the attributes you each can bring to the trip. For example, one person may be good at the

planning and details, while the other may be the fun spontaneous traveller.

As with all aspects of a relationship, the more you can communicate clearly and absorb the details, the more successful you will be; instead of being blindsided by a differing vision of the vacation.

Relationship differences, no matter in which areas, always require a great deal of acknowledgement, negotiation, compassion and compromise. This means learning how to pivot your needs quickly, to establish a willingness to accommodate each other’s desires. After all this is a

THE WEATHER REPORT

partnership and not a one-sided union. Now, you may be thinking this applies to life, at home, and not just for times away. This is very true. However, travel does have a way of reminding us that we are meant to have fun and enjoy ourselves.

So this means we need to step up our game, due to the concentrated time spent together, and do our part to create happy lasting memories.

This is particularly true for those who have been entrenched in day-to-day worries, which have affected the loving feelings for each other. Catching these emotions in time, and recognising that time away can recharge your love batteries, can work wonders for the relationship. It can, in fact, have the power to change the tempo, and add a new perspective to the whole of your life.

Just as COVID lockdowns brought relationship issues to the forefront, so can travelling together. It can highlight the good, the bad, and perhaps even some ugly. Alternatively, depending on your temperament, it has the ability to top-up your glass to overflowing.

That is of course, once you decide, ‘Is my glass half empty or half full?’

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

(Pexels_William Fortunato)

More than luck – Adrianna Fox succeeds in male-dominated field thanks to inspirational role models and hard work

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

FROM battling epilepsy to now being the only woman to receive a gaming operation licence in the Bahamas’ very male-dominated industry has been quite the journey for Adrianna Fox.

The daughter of Dr Adrian Fox, Island Luck co-founder and philanthropist, she is following in her father’s footsteps, and is eager to show Bahamian women that they can shape their own destinies if they open their minds, think positive, and support one another in solidarity.

Life has not always been easy for Adrianna, who suffers from epilepsy.

“Some of my most difficult childhood memories involve spending Christmas in the children’s hospital. Many people may not know that I am epileptic. I would wake up in the back of an ambulance and the last thing I would remember is practicing for a school play or learning about a new subject in class,” she told Tribune Woman.

“God has played a major role in my life. They say He has a sense of humour, so I am always aware that everything I have been blessed with can also be taken away. And I believe that both the struggle and the success are blessings from God.”

Adrianna is the chief operating officer at Island Luck and co-founder of The Fox Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting and enriching the lives of Bahamians in the spheres of education, youth development, community-building and disaster relief.

But she said she wasn’t always blessed with success; she had to work very hard for it.

“ There are good and bad challenges, but all those challenges that were put before me made me who I am. I am the proud mother of a teenager, Khaden Fox. I was born in Nassau, Bahamas, but not

with a silver spoon in my mouth. I had great parents who provided knowledge and support to teach me how to get up each step of the ladder, which comes with its own challenges. I am very family-oriented and believe in helping and giving back,” she said.

She said her father sat her down one day and told her he would be going into the gaming and web shop business. Adrianna describes her father as “a wonderful man who takes notice of thing, and has a vision far greater than what others can see.”

“I was on board with his idea and mission because I believed in him. Once we started, the way we progressed in our business, the more and more I became interested,” she said.

“I’ve been in the gaming business now for the past 14 years. I have watched and learned from so

many fantastic people around me, but my dad is my biggest influence in my life. The way he looks at business and the way he analyses things is on a different level from the average person. My dad doesn’t doubt himself and knows he is capable of anything once he doesn’t see a negative outcome. He fostered a familyoriented mindset in me and knows that giving back goes a long way.”

As COO of Island Luck, her day-to-day responsibilities include taking care of the operations department and cash management. Her day usually consists of department head meetings, in which they discuss new projects; checking on the progress of tasks that need to be completed, and building relationships with shareholders to inform them of the company’s goals.

“If I’m being honest, it can be really difficult, but I don’t find it complicated, and there’s never a dull day. I always recall where we started and how far I’ve come in the last 14 years. Being the chief operating officer, there are so many departments that fall under that umbrella. I didn’t go to college for any of those departments, but I have an understanding of them all, from data analytics to

human resources, operations and cash management, just to name a few,” she said.

“I want women to understand that they can be in any position they want to. This has been a male-dominated industry, and working under two strong men who have shaped the company and industry has been challenging because we sometimes think differently. My mom has taught me how to be independent, and I walk with those lessons daily.”

Adrianna said she was often judged, categorised and mischaracterised because she’s a woman. However, she believes women should not accept how others rank or evaluate them based on their preconceived notions about women in the workplace.

“You can set yourself up for the future you want for both you and your family. This does not mean men do not have a part to play either. Men have pushed me to grow, and being surrounded by Island Luck’s executive team makes you feel inspired and secure in knowing that we have each other’s backs. With that kind of deep support, men can assist in empowering women. You don’t have to do it alone, as there are so many other women in the world with whom you can build community,” she said.

“I want women to go beyond our sometimes-pessimistic outlook. I think many women are held back by narrow-mindedness and petty attitudes that prevent them from realising their full potential. It is not about pushing other women out to make space for yourself; there’s enough opportunity to go around. Women can support each other in solidarity because we often face the same struggles. Get rid of that thinking; praise the women around you and those you admire.”

Adrianna said it is easy to look at your favourite celebrities and respect them for their accomplishments, but it is also important to not overlook the average woman who is living a normal life right here in the Bahamas.

“Don’t forget the woman next door who comes home from work at four in the morning but is up at 7.30am to help her children get ready for school, drives them to school, leads them to the bus, or hops on with them to take them to the school gate. They return to the school when the bell rings to pick up their children at the end of the day, and they never miss a PTA meeting. Women like that are genuine examples to (whose example) other women should aspire,” said Adrianna.

Single mom is able to jump-start her career with help from the National Training Agency

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

There are many Bahamian women out there like single parent Gia Rolle who are looking for a new start in their professional lives or who want to launch their own entrepreneurial journeys. For Gia, that fresh start was afforded to her after being unemployed for several years when she joined the National Training Agency’s baking and culinary training programme. This programme equipped her with the skills she needed to start her new professional journey.

“What inspired me to start the programme was after the pandemic I didn’t want to work for anyone anymore and also I wanted to show my daughter that I could pass the class,” she told Tribune Woman.

Gia said her daughter was of the opinion she was “too old for the class” and that her time for learning had come to an end.

Seeking to prove her daughter wrong while also hoping to pave the way for a better life for them both, Gia signed up as trainee for the programme.

And since completing the programme, she has been gainfully employed and has been able to secure a better financial future for her family.

“I would recommend any young person to take advantage of the programme and gain all the knowledge that you can gain while it’s available,” she said.

The National Training Agency (NTA) is the brainchild of Agatha Marcelle and was created under the Christie administration in 2013 to improve job readiness skills in those seeking to enter the workforce. Since the NTA’s inception, its mandate has been to build

competency-based training and a job placement system that is flexible and responsive to the actual requirements of the workplace via a network of suitable training institutions, organisations and programmes involved in the process of supplying qualified and skilled labour for the Bahamas.

Currently, the agency is accepting registrants between the ages 16-28 to join any of its programmes, including for areas like information technology, butler service, culinary and baking, auto service/care and auto body, retail knowledge, teacher’s aide work, Microsoft Office, office procedures, food and beverage service and housekeeping. Registration closes on September 1.

Stanya Davis, acting registration, assessment and guidance manager at NTA, said the programmes offer a great opportunity for trainees to acquire job readiness skills they can use throughout the course of their professional journeys.

“The mandate was to give young people a second opportunity just in case they missed their first. And not just any young person. We wanted persons who were unemployed; people with little to no education. In a nutshell, people who may have not done very well in school but who wanted an opportunity to become skilled/trained and be able to provide for themselves and their families. Our aim is to prepare persons for entry level positions,” she said.

“Our programme is intentional and well thought-out. The entire programme is 14 weeks long. The first four weeks, each trainee must complete our mandatory workforce preparation programme.”

During this time, Ms Davis said there are sessions on attitude, workplace diversity, teamwork and team dynamics, workplace values and practice, workforce preparation, first impressions,

communication, organisational governance, customer service, learning to manage self, selfawareness, as well as motivation and empowerment.

All of the sessions are led by facilitators who are currently working in the respective professional capacities.

“After the four weeks, they are placed in the discipline/programme they selected during registration. Then they receive on-the-job training for 10 weeks. In this way they now gain the necessary experience that they didn’t have before, as well as the experience that organisations require. What they may lack in education, they are able to make up for in experience,” Ms Davis explained.

And these sessions are vital, she added, as soft skills are needed in the workforce.

“We also work hard at placing our trainees within businesses. We do this by partnering with organisations and businesses who come to us for our trainees because they know they have been extensively trained and prepared. Under our registration department we have a job placement section which assists with getting them hired. We also assist with updating their resumes and preparing them for job interviews,” she said.

“We also offer local and international certification through Synergy and City and Guilds (London-based). This is something no other local programme offers.”

For more information, visit www.ntabahamas.org.

GIA Rolle is delighted to now possess the skills she needs to provide a better future for her family.

CO-founder of The Fox Foundation and Island Luck COO Adrianna Fox