09112023 BUSINESS

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Atlantis sale to ‘bring stability’

Union leader hopes buyer would be more focused on the hotel industry

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

HOTEL union president Darrin Woods said Brookfield Asset Management selling the Atlantis Paradise Island resort to a reputable hotel chain would “bring stability,” to the property.

Mr Woods, the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union’s (BHCAWU) chief told Tribune Business that Brookfield is an asset management company, not a hospitality driven company and because of that it led to a lot of conflicts on the property

because they didn’t understand the nature of the hospitality industry and its workers.

He said: “Everything has a season and their season was to buy the property, make it whole and prepare it for a sale.

“With a hotel brand coming in it can be more focused on the industry and the development to get to it to the next level. And so based on what Brookfield would have done over the years would have been to prepare the property for a buyer at the end of the day.”

SEE PAGE THREE

RENEWABLES MAY BE WAY FORWARD FOR ANDROS

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

NORTH Andros business owners are considering a $2.5m renewable energy plant to alleviate their electricity woes. This comes as URCA has announced an investigation of electronic communications outages in a number of islands.

The North Andros community has been battling with power outages since a fire at the BPL North Andros plant in July led to widespread damage of equipment and infrastructure.

Darin Bethel, the North Andros Chamber of Commerce president, said that local business owners are looking into pooling their resources to build a solar power plant that can supplement the community’s energy’s needs.

Mr Bethel said: “We are now looking at ways as a community to try and raise funds to build our own renewable energy plant.

“The community should be able to provide its own power supply and to be able to source that out.”

SEE PAGE FOUR

‘AMAZON’ FOR BAHAMIANS - IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

AN ONLINE delivery provider is set to launch an e-commerce platform just in time for the upcoming Christmas season.

Granville Collie, managing director of MUTRU, told Tribune Business this e-commerce platform will have all of the “hot ticket”

items that people order on a regular basis and it will be “strictly for local products”.

Mr Collie said: “We will have products from multiple stores and retailers from around the country. Let’s say a customer orders a Nike shirt, we will have that available from five different stores and you choose from what is available or within

SEE PAGE SIX

Growth matters: Growing our local economy part 2

IN THE previous segment, we explored the challenges posed by market

saturation and its potential hindrance to local economic growth. Now, let’s delve

PAGE 2, Monday, September 4, 2023

NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES TO DRIVE INCREASED

Tinto actionable strategies to empower local businesses and fuel demand, both for existing companies seeking expansion and new entrants aiming to establish their presence.

Investing in education and training

he Bahamas, often celebrated for its breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, stands poised with immense potential for economic growth. Throughout this two-part series, we will thoroughly explore the pressing need to invigorate and foster the growth of the local economy. It is crucial to grasp the essence and significance of what constitutes an economy, as it serves as the backbone upon which the prosperity and well-being of a nation and its people are built.

A skilled workforce not only enhances the quality of products and services but also acts as a catalyst for innovation and growth. When employees possess the expertise to handle complex tasks and adapt to changing market dynamics, businesses are more likely to innovate and stay competitive. Skilled workers can contribute fresh ideas, improve operational efficiency, and engage in problem-solving, leading to improved business practices and increased productivity.

RODERICK A.

SIMMS

What is an Economy?

An economy refers to the system of production, distribution and consumption of goods and services within a region or country. This system involves the collaborative efforts of both the private and public sectors.

It encompasses everything that people do to earn a living, from farming and manufacturing to providing services such as healthcare and tourism.

The private sector, comprising businesses and entrepreneurs, plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and wealth

Moreover, a welleducated and skilled workforce attracts external investment. Companies seeking to expand or establish themselves in a region often prioritize areas with a readily available talent pool. A community with a skilled workforce can lure these investments, leading to job creation, economic development, and an overall boost to local prosperity.

withstand global economic fluctuations and mitigate risks associated with relying solely on tourism. However, the process of nurturing and expanding local industries can be slow and challenging, requiring substantial investments and careful planning.

Promoting local entrepreneurship

creation. Through innovation and investment, private enterprises contribute to the expansion of industries, job creation and the generation of income for individuals and their families. By identifying market demands and offering goods and services, they stimulate consumer spending, further fuelling economic activity. On the other hand, the public sector, represented by government institutions and agencies, is responsible for creating a conducive environment for economic growth. Governments formulate policies

Efforts are needed to streamline the process for entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed. Enhancing access to funding, providing mentorship and training, simplifying business registration procedures, and facilitating networking opportunities can empower local entrepreneurs and promote economic diversification.

and regulations to ensure fair competition, safeguard consumer rights and protect the environment. They also invest in public infrastructure such as transportation networks, education and healthcare facilities, providing a foundation for private businesses to thrive.

The challenge of Bahamian economic growth

Climate resilience and disaster preparedness Protecting against natural disasters

It is estimated that The Bahamas has suffered more than $4.2 billion in damage and losses due to hurricanes. Despite this alarming figure, not much has been done to improve disaster preparedness as a nation. While the country has made strides in disaster preparedness, the scale of the challenge and the cost of protecting against these natural disasters can be overwhelming for a small island nation.

issue that hinders genuine economic progress.

mobility, addressing gender disparities, and creating an inclusive business environment can contribute to reducing income inequality and fostering a more equitable society.

Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship:

Driving economic growth:

The Bahamas, like many regions, faces the challenge of reconciling the notion that over-saturating the market does not necessarily equate to local economic growth. In recent years, the country has witnessed a surge in businesses, particularly within key sectors such as tourism and retail, driven by the perception that increased competition inherently fosters economic expansion. However, this perspective overlooks the complexities of market dynamics and fails to consider potential negative repercussions. The overabundance of similar businesses, often accompanied by price wars, compromised service quality and unsustainable ventures, poses a significant

Empowering local industries

The challenge of economic diversification

RThe Bahamas has been working towards economic diversification to reduce its dependence on a single industry. Diversification is essential to create a more resilient economy that can

egulatory compliance is undoubtedly a key component of trust between institutions and consumers in the financial services industry. Thus an important question facing

While the government supports local entrepreneurship, challenges remain, hindering the full potential of small businesses to contribute significantly to the economy. Access to capital and resources is one of the primary obstacles faced by entrepreneurs. Bureaucratic hurdles in setting up businesses and accessing funding can be discouraging. Additionally, some entrepreneurs struggle to compete with well-established industries dominated by larger players.

expertise of risk and compliance professionals.

Nathan Christensen, chief executive of Mineral, and a Forbes Council member, wrote: “The technology will evolve rapidly, and by identifying the unique strengths of both humans and AI - and designing systems that bring them together - organisations can bring more value at faster speeds

Against this backdrop, this article will briefly discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both AI and human expertise in the context of governance, risk and compliance, then propose a hybrid approach.

The case for AI

The power of artificial intelligence lies in its scalability, efficiency and unerring accuracy, attributes often lacking in manual processes. For

By investing in climateresilient infrastructure, such as reinforced buildings, flood barriers, and improved utility systems, The Bahamas can minimize damage caused by natural disasters. This protection ensures that essential services, such as power, water, and transportation, remain operational during and after disasters. Uninterrupted infrastructure services are vital for businesses to function smoothly, contributing to economic stability and growth. By being proactive in disaster preparedness, The Bahamas can reduce the long-term costs associated with post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. Immediate and efficient response to disasters can save resources that can be redirected towards development projects, further fueling the local economy.

In addition, a climate-resilient and disaster-prepared nation is more attractive to both domestic and foreign investors. Investors seek stable environments with reduced risk exposure. By demonstrating a commitment to disaster preparedness and climate resilience, The Bahamas can attract more investment and secure financing for critical projects that drive economic growth.

Social equity and inclusivity Addressing income inequality

Like many nations, The Bahamas faces income inequality, where the benefits of economic growth are not equally distributed among its people. While the country has implemented social programs to address this issue, significant disparities persist. Education and healthcare are two areas that require particular attention.

Providing access to quality education and skills development opportunities is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and improving economic prospects for disadvantaged communities. Similarly, ensuring access to affordable and quality healthcare is vital for improving the overall well-being of the population.

Additionally, promoting opportunities for economic

Let us consider a hypothetical example involving restaurants in The Bahamas that specialise in selling similar items, such chicken wings and fries, to illustrate the concept that over-saturating the market does not guarantee economic growth. There are a couple of restaurants that have established a reputation for their delicious chicken wings and fries. These restaurants have been operating successfully for years, serving both locals and tourists with highquality meals. The demand for this meal has been met adequately by these establishments, resulting in consistent patronage and steady revenues. Seeing the success of these restaurants, several entrepreneurs decide to open their own establishments, all focusing on selling chicken wings and fries. The prevailing belief is that the more options available, the greater the appeal to customers and the stronger the economic growth. However, this assumption fails to consider the dynamics of market saturation.

Innovation and entrepreneurship are critical drivers of economic growth. The Bahamas recognizes the significance of research and development and supports technology-driven enterprises. The country has made efforts to foster a culture of innovation by encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and the government. However, scaling up these efforts to compete globally remains a challenge. Enhancing the innovation ecosystem requires sustained investments in research and development, access to venture capital and financing for start-ups, and support for technology hubs and incubators. Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in fostering innovation and driving economic growth.

The National Development Plan

Combine AI with human expertise on

example, an artificial intelligence system can sift through millions of transactions in real time to identify suspicious activity. This task is virtually impossible for a human being to accomplish within a similar timeframe. In addition, AI platforms are built to acquire new knowledge from new sets of data. Therefore, they are reported to adapt to new compliance risks much faster than humans, whose

The National Development Plan (NDP) can significantly contribute to local economic growth by addressing various key factors. By emphasizing economic diversification through targeted policies, the plan can stimulate the development of new industries, attracting investment and creating a more resilient economy. Allocating resources to education and workforce development ensures a skilled workforce that enhances productivity and attracts external investments. Supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses through streamlined processes and access to funding nurtures a thriving business ecosystem and promotes job creation. Furthermore, the plan’s focus on infrastructure development with climate resilience and disaster preparedness safeguards businesses against natural disasters, ensuring business continuity and stability. Inclusive policies aimed at addressing income inequality, along with investments in innovation and research, create a more equitable society and foster a culture of innovation. The plan’s long-term vision and stability attract investors and guide strategic development, leading to sustained local economic growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the road to local economic empowerment is paved with multifaceted strategies that address challenges from various angles. By investing in education, promoting entrepreneurship, ensuring climate resilience, fostering inclusivity, and driving innovation, The Bahamas can create a thriving ecosystem where businesses flourish, communities thrive, and economic growth is sustained for the benefit of all.

By: Roderick A. Simms II Past BCCEC Family Island Division Director E: RASII@ME.com

AN ADVOCATE FOR SUSTAINABLE FAMILY ISLANDS

Atlantis sale to ‘bring stability’

from page one

Brookfield Asset Management bought the Atlantis from the Kerzner Group in 2012 for $175m, has now been reported as considering selling the property for as much as $2.5bn. This is the second attempt for Brookfield to sell the property as their first attempt in 2019 was aborted when the pandemic settled in.

Mr Woods, admitting the Brookfield arrangement

would “always have been short term” in his eyes, thinks a hotel brand with years of experience would be better to take over the property now that the pandemic is over and the property is back to being profitable.

Mr Woods said: “We don’t really meet with Brookfield, but their representatives have given us some challenges. For those challenges, we have been able to work through it. You are always going to have to work through

things and it’s not always going to be a bed of roses, but at the end of the day, it might have been acrimonious, but we’re working through whatever issues that we had.”

The relationship between the BHCAWU and the Atlantis property management has had its ups and downs. In July, the union protested in front of the Department of Labour against Atlantis firing one of its shop stewards, something Atlantis had “no authority to do”, Mr Woods

said at the time. The BHCAWU is also in the middle of negotiations with the Bahamas Hotel and Restaurant Employers Association (BHREA) on a new industrial agreement for all of the properties under their coverage. Atlantis has representation on the BHREA.

“There may be one or two issues that are outstanding and there are times people become entrenched in their position and it results in some actions being taken

MINISTRY ON A MISSION TO ATLANTA

THE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) is headed to Atlanta from September 13–15 to meet key film and tourism industry leaders, partners and media; and to showcase the destination’s vibrant culture, tourism offerings and developments.

The global mission will be led by Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. He will be accompanied by Latia Duncombe, BMOTIA’s director general and other senior executives.

The events of the “Bringing the Bahamas to You” Global Tour aim to heighten awareness of the islands of the Bahamas brand, drive tourism business to the destination and honour The Bahamas’ longstanding on-screen legacy, which has deep rooted connections in the market.

“Atlanta is a destination that is diverse and rich in culture, much like The Bahamas, making it the ideal place to conclude our successful US tour,” said Mr Cooper. “The city is an extremely important market to us and one that is seeing rising demand. We have been working to continue to

increase travel accessibility to meet those needs.

“Stopover visitor numbers from Atlanta for the first half of 2023 saw a 34 percent increase over the same period in 2022, and we hope to continue to see strong growth through end of year in this market.”

Georgians can feel a world away in The Bahamas without the hassle of long-haul travel. Today, visitors can book twice weekly flights to Nassau and Saturday service to Exuma via Delta Air Lines, arriving in just two hours.

Beginning November 5, the carrier will increase service to Nassau, Exuma,

Abaco and Eleuthera, ahead of the holiday season.

“Whether it’s uninterrupted relaxation, action-packed adventure, or historical pursuits that visitors seek, our 16-island archipelago has unique experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world,” said Ms Duncombe.

“Atlanta is a special launch point for travellers as it has direct access to Nassau, our capital city, and our most popular Out Island destinations.”

The “Bringing the Bahamas to You” global your will make its next stop in the United Kingdom.

on both sides,” Mr Woods said. He added: “For the most part, we’ve been able to sit and talk, even if we agree to disagree and do what is necessary to get to an agreement.”

The union is “just there” with the BHREA on finalising a new industrial agreement and met on Friday to hammer out the final details and will make an announcement within the next few weeks.

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper.

DISNEY has announced more details about its Eleuthera destination at the Destination D23 fan event.

Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Signature Experiences, shared updates about Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which will welcome guests for the first time in June next year.

Mazloum said: “With a stunning shoreline that overlooks vast, vivid blue waters, it is only fitting that we call this destination Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.”

He showed off new artist design concepts, adding:

“Disney is collaborating with talented artists and cultural advisors in The Bahamas who are helping to shape an experience that celebrates the natural beauty, traditions and artistry of this one-of-a-kind nation.”

Disney said the development has created about 300 construction-related jobs for Bahamians – nearly tripling the number of jobs the cruise line committed to in its Heads of Agreement.

“We can’t wait to welcome Disney guests and Bahamians to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point to experience Eleuthera and all of its beauty, rich culture and history,” said Joey Gaskins, regional director of public affairs in The Bahamas and Caribbean. “The Bahamian community has played a special role in this project since the beginning. We’ve

been intentional about supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs and involving Bahamians in both the development and operation of the destination.”

Disney Cruise Line has committed to creating at least 150 operational jobs, including management roles.

Disney Cruise Lines recent efforts include partnering with Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce and Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centre to support small business owners and entrepreneurs in Eleuthera; working with Junior Achievement Bahamas to build work-readiness skills in Eleuthera; providing funding and collaborating with students during the Eleuthera Junior Junkanoo Competition to celebrate Junkanoo and exchange ideas about costume design; sponsoring the LJM Maritime Academy summer camp and hosting students aboard the Disney Wish to learn about careers in the maritime industry; donating school supplies to nearly 1,000 students across Abaco, near Disney Castaway Cay, and in Eleuthera, where many of DCL’s crew members call home; participating in regular beach cleanups across The Bahamas; and teaming up with community organisations to build a backyard garden for the Ranfurly Homes for Children in Nassau.

For more information, visit lighthousepointbahamas.com.

Disney’s vision for Lookout Cay revealed

Renewables may be the way forward for Andros

from page one

“Over the coming weeks we have an initiative to try and get people on board. Most of the business owners that I’ve spoken to are ready. The cost for the infrastructure and build will be about $2.5 million, we know that it’s going to be an uphill battle to get the finances, but we have to do it.”

Mr Bethel explained that the unreliable electricity service is ‘crippling’ the local economy as many local businesses struggle with loss of business and machinery, the added costs of fuelling generators and high electricity bills.

He added: “All of August we have had little to no service, but people who would ordinarily paying $200-$300 for light bill are seeing $1400 light bills. How in the world are these people going to pay these bills? He said that the island is in a “crisis” and it is unacceptable that BPL is not compensating businesses for the losses they incurred due to the outages. He added that the lack of resolution to their electricity issues coupled slow response to a BPL diesel spill in North Andros has led many residents to feel as though the community is a “burden” for the firm.

He said: “This is a crisis, and we feel as though BPL is not doing sufficient. They feel as though we should just accept the fact that a fire burned down [the plant] and [accept]its loss. The community accept that but what we can’t accept is them not making any type of initiative to mitigate some of the loss that businesses faced during that period of time.

“And then you have the oil spill and not one official statement yet from BPL as to how they are going to mitigate the risk to residents of if they have looked into any contamination of the water.

“I know that they have a lot on their plate and

they say they have enough equipment to generate electricity but the power is still going off all the time. It seems that BPL feels that North and Central Andros are a burden for them, they say that the revenues that are coming in from us isn’t sufficient for their costs of operation.”

He recalled that the during a meeting with BPL last month, it was revealed that utility company was operating at a loss in North Andros, with over $500,000 in accumulated arrears owed collectively by customers in the area.

He said: “They were saying that, on average, they make about $198,000 a month and these are active

accounts. That is what their average bill is. And they say that they are in arrears by some $500,000 on those accounts. And so what they were saying is that they are operating at a loss in North Andros.”

He added that although BPL has discussed plans to bring renewable energy to North Andros, which he is confident will improve electricity service, a timeline for the initiative was not revealed.

He added: “They did mention that they are looking into putting a hybrid plant in the area of BAMSI that will cover north and central Andros, something like they are doing in Inagua. Once that comes along, I guess service will improve but we don’t know when that’s going to be.”

Yesterday, The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) released a statement indicating that it is currently conducting an investigation of numerous outages in electronic communications services throughout The Bahamas in recent months.

“In August alone, there were significant outages in Andros, the Berry Islands, Exuma, Inagua, Mayaguana and Ragged Island. To date, services have been restored on these islands, said URCA.

“Outages and disruptions such as these, and those documented in previous months, have led to increased public concern over the reliability and

quality of electronic communications services in The Bahamas.”

The statement went on to explain that URCA has met with BTC executives to discuss the outages and ongoing mitigation plans.

“BTC has assured URCA that to date it has addressed the reported outages and the company is taking the appropriate measures to avert these issues going forward, it said.

“While URCA has met with the leadership team of BTC, URCA is conducting its own inquiry/investigation as to the underlying or root causes of the outages.”

Mr Bethel maintained that the frequent disruptions in internet services and water services on Andros is due in part to the frequent outages caused by BPL generation issues. He explained that the constant service interruptions strain back up generators and can damage machinery.

He said: “BPL plays a very important role in what’s happening with the other utilities, the water, BTC, ALIV, because they put strain on their operation as they too depend on BPL.

“Infrastructure for telecommunication services depends on BPL to be consistent when they are inconsistent you put a bigger strain on their back up power supply and they have service interruptions with the frequent disconnections. A lot of our utility issues are directly linked to the challenges.”

JOB OPPORTUNITY

A mid-sized law frm seeks a Scanning-Filing Clerk/ Offce Assistant/Receptionist to contribute to the seamless operations of the Firm by ensuring (inter-alia) accurate and effcient digitization of essential documents.

Requirements/Qualifcations:

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ARTIST’s impressions of Disney Lookout Cay released at the Destination D23 fan event.

A new era of big government spending

RESHAPING THE AMERICAN ECONOMY

AMID GEOPOLITICAL UNCERTAINTY

By RICARDO EVANGELISTA

OVER the last two years, the United States has witnessed a profound shift in economic policy, marking the dawn of a new era of big government spending. This transformation is driven by a combination of factors, including President Joe Biden’s ambitious initiatives, such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIP Act, which are reminiscent of the largest government spending sprees of the 1930s. These initiatives not only aim to reboot the American economy but also set a precedent for the world to follow.

The contrast between this new era and the Reaganomics doctrine of the 1980s, characterized by low taxes and a small state, could not be starker. While Ronald Reagan’s approach focused on limited government intervention, President Biden’s administration is embracing a more interventionist stance, emphasising the role of the state in addressing pressing national challenges.

One of the driving forces behind the shift in government spending priorities is the looming demographic changes in the Western world. In the OECD countries, by 2050, the number of people over 65 is expected to exceed that of those that are younger, placing substantial pressure on public finances for pensions and healthcare.

Moreover, Western states have accumulated significant debt levels, following the gargantuan stimulus deployed during the pandemic and even before, after the great financial crisis of 2008. Some nations’ debt levels have surpassed their national GDP. The interest payments on this debt alone are adding substantial pressure to public finances, necessitating a reevaluation of fiscal policies. This debt burden not only constrains the government’s ability to invest in critical areas but also threatens the long-term economic stability of these nations.

In addition to addressing demographic challenges and debt burdens, the

imperative of transitioning to a greener economy is another significant driver of increased government spending. As the world grapples with the pressing issue of climate change, fiscal authorities are expected to be the catalyst for the necessary acceleration towards carbon neutrality. The state costs associated with this transition are substantial, encompassing investments in infrastructure and incentives for renewable energy sustainable technologies.

Amidst these challenges, geopolitical instability has added another layer of complexity to the equation. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and China’s increasingly belligerent stance, have led to a rearmament trend, with defense spending on the rise. This rearmament effort puts additional pressure on already stretched public finances, as governments strive to bolster their national security in an increasingly uncertain world.

To finance the increased spending, governments are pinning their hopes on increases in productivity and economic growth, which would generate larger fiscal income. This optimistic scenario is seen as the path to sustainable funding for these expansive policies. However, even if economic growth does materialize and generate more fiscal income, a prolonged era of heavy tax burdens looms on the horizon. Substantial tax rises may not be the immediate answer, but meaningful cuts also appear unlikely over the next few years.

As the world grapples with the challenges of the 21st century, the era of big government spending is a response to the pressing issues of our time. Demographic shifts, rising debt burdens, the imperative of a green transition, and geopolitical instability have converged to redefine the role of the state in modern

JOB OPPORTUNITY

A mid-sized law frm seeks a Legal Secretary/Assistant for a Partner specializing in real estate and Conveyancing matters.

Requirements/Qualifcations:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in secretarial roles at a reputable law frm;

• Experience in drafting of legal documents and correspondence related to real estate matters;

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Resumes should be submitted by email to hrlawresume@gmail.com

Gated Community in the Family Island is seeking applicants for the following positions. Offering a competitive salary and excellent benefts.

-Landscape Manager

-Security Manager

-F&B Manager

-Accountant Send resumes to jobsintheisland@outlook.

economies. The United States is leading the way in this paradigm shift, and its success or failure will undoubtedly influence the policies of other nations. Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether this new era of big government spending will be the answer to the complex challenges we are facing, or an economic experiment with uncertain consequences. In either case, the path forward will require careful consideration of fiscal policies and their implications for the future.

‘AMAZON’ FOR BAHAMIANSIN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

from page one

your price range and we will deliver it for you.”

The idea of an e-commerce platform came about during the pandemic where MUTRU realised that a lot of the partner retail stores didn’t have an e-commerce platform or even a website, which made customers ordering a difficulty in

addition to collecting payment on behalf of the retailers problematic.

“The time the customer makes a sale on our website, our technology would then pass that on to whatever retailer we have at the lowest price,” Mr Collie said.

This new e-commerce platform will allow customers to be able to order their goods, have them paid for and delivered to them in just a few short clicks. All in all, this cost about $5,000 to put together and will be ready within the next two months.

Mr Collie added: “With our original delivery app model, we were depending on retailers to have a website, but with our new website we will launch the 1,000 most popular items and it can be from any retailer that signs up with us. It will be from grocery, to liquors and beauty supplies are included as well.

This is “pretty much” like Amazon and follows the Amazon model, however, MUTRU will not have fulfilment centres and everything will have to be available on sale if the vendor/retailer has it in stock.

Mr Collie also said: “If we could start off to the point where as we fulfill in the highest demand products, and as demand increases, then we look at offering more niche products as well as even working along with other retailers and store and house more of their products. This all depends on the response from the market.”

A positive market response is all that MUTRU needs to invest more in this new innovation in the Bahamian retail market.

“We just want to nail this down before we start to invite more retail stores to come on board,” Mr Collie said.

CARIBBEAN INVESTMENT FORUM IN NEW YORK

THE inaugural USACaribbean Investment Forum is set to take place from Sept 15-16 at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, New York.

Organised by Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA) in partnership with key members of the CARICOM Consular Corps, this year’s forum promises to be a gathering of key stakeholders, investors, diaspora members and decision-makers from the United States and the Caribbean region.

The USA-Caribbean Investment Forum fosters collaboration and engagement between investors and Caribbean nations.

The event offers an opportunity for participants to explore investment prospects, discover untapped markets, and establish vital connections within the region.

Event highlights include keynote addresses by esteemed speakers and

thought leaders that will share insights into the evolving investment landscape in the Caribbean and the United States.

Participants will gain access to investment opportunities and projects in the Caribbean, with indepth discussions revolving around key sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, technology and agriculture. Networking sessions will enable attendees to establish connections with influential decision-makers and industry leaders.

Participants will also be able to engage in one-onone meetings with potential partners and stakeholders. They can learn from experts and gain valuable market insights during interactive panel discussions, workshops, and presentations.

Registration for the USA/Caribbean Investment Forum 2023 is open. To secure your spot, visit the registration page which can be found at: https:// www.investincaribbean.org.

TO VIETNAM NOT ABOUT CONTAINING CHINA - BIDEN

HANOI Associated Press

PRESIDENT Joe Biden said yesterday his visit to Vietnam to showcase stronger ties with Hanoi was not about trying to start a “cold war” with China, but rather was part of a broader effort to provide global stability by building US relationships throughout Asia at a time of tensions with Beijing.

“It’s not about containing China,” Biden said at a news conference in Vietnam’s capital after attending the Group of 20 summit in India. “It’s about having a stable base.”

The American president came to Hanoi as Vietnam was elevating the United States to its highest diplomatic status, comprehensive strategic partner.

That is evidence of how far the relationship has evolved from what Biden referred to as the “bitter past” of the Vietnam War. The expanded partnership reflects a broader effort across Asia to counter China’s influence. Biden has said Vietnam wants to flex a degree of independence, and US companies are seeking an alternative to imports from Chinese factories. He is pursuing possible allies while also trying to soothe tensions with China.

“I think we think too much in ... cold war terms,” Biden said at his news conference. “It’s not about that. It’s about generating economic growth and stability in all parts of the world. And that’s what we’re trying to do.”

He added: “We have an opportunity to strengthen alliances around the world to maintain stability. That’s what this trip is all about.”

Biden opened his news conference by saying he had “traveled around the world in five days,” from Washington to New Delhi and now Hanoi, showcasing efforts by his administration to forge alliances. The president will stop in Alaska on the way home Monday to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

In response to one question, Biden told reporters he had met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang while in India. The contact is the highest-level interaction between U.S. and Chinese officials since Biden and China’s president, Xi Jinping, held talks at last year’s G20 in Indonesia. Xi skipped the India talks and sent Li in his place.

“We talked about stability. ... It wasn’t confrontational at all,” Biden said. The exchange, between G20 sessions Saturday, was brief, according to a senior Biden administration official. It was not clear who approached whom, but Biden was interested in seeing Li and underscoring his desire to stabilize the up-and-down relationship between the two countries, said the official.

Biden went into meetings with Vietnam’s leaders after his arrival in the country. He welcomed the new partnership and said he hoped for progress on climate, the economy and other issues during his 24-hour stop in Hanoi.

“We can trace a 50-year arc of progress between our nations from conflict to normalisation to this new elevated status,” Biden said with Nguyen Phú Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, at party headquarters.

Biden has described himself as being part of the “Vietnam generation”

although he did not serve in a war. He was given five draft deferments and was exempted from military service because he had asthma as a teenager.

Biden called Vietnam “a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.” He noted that veterans such as John Kerry, his climate czar, and the late John McCain, a Vietnam POW and Republican senator from Arizona, found ways to build a relationship with Vietnam after the war.

“Both men saw so clearly, as I and so many others did, how much we had to gain by working together to overcome a bitter past,” he said.

Trong pledged that his country will work hard to implement the agreement.

“Only then can we say it is a success,” he pledged.

Biden described the US and Vietnam as “critical partners at what I would argue is a very critical time.” Neither leader specifically discussed how China’s economic and geopolitical rise had contributed to their countries’ expanded partnership, yet it was hard to explain the mutual embrace without Beijing’s growing influence.

Vietnam previously bestowed the same level of relations on China and Russia. Elevating the US suggests that Vietnam wants to hedge its friendships as US and European companies look for alternatives to Chinese factories. With China’s economic slowdown and Xi’s consolidation of political power, Biden sees an opportunity to bring more nations, including Vietnam and Cambodia, into America’s orbit.

Biden was welcomed upon his arrival in Vietnam with a pomp-filled ceremony outside the mustard-colored Presidential Palace. Schoolchildren lined the steps and waved American and Vietnam flags. Biden watched from an elevated review stand as high-stepping members of the military marched past.

Biden and Trong both expressed happiness over seeing each other again after last meeting some eight years ago in Washington. Biden was vice president at that time.

Trong had some flattering words for Biden, who is running for reelection next year and faces persistent questions at home about his age.

“You have nary aged a day, and I would say you look even better than before,” Trong said. “I would say every feature of you, Mr President, is complimenting your image.”

Biden chuckled at that.

But the packed schedule and jet lag appeared to take a toll on the 80-year-old president, who wrapped up his news conference saying “I’m going to go to bed.”

Jon Finer, Biden’s principal deputy national security adviser, addressed reports that Vietnam was pursuing a deal to buy weapons from Russia, even as Hanoi is seeking stronger relations with the US. Finer acknowledged Vietnam’s lengthy military relationship with Russia. He said the US continues to work with Vietnam and other countries that have similar ties to Russia to try to limit their interactions with Moscow, which Washington accuses of committing war crimes and violating international law with its aggression in Ukraine.

HIRING General Manager

• 10+ years in the role of a General Manager of a hotel/casino resort

• Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Resort Management required

• Extensive knowledge of all aspects of hotel/resort operations including, but not limited to, rooms, food and beverage, activities, maintenance, security, and warehouse

• Champion of driving exceptional guest service, with a proven track record of delivering

4 or 5-star service consistently

• Ability to deliver incremental pro tability gains through cost controls, including labor allocation across functional departments

• Demonstrate superior leadership abilities and a thorough understanding of all aspects of gaming and non-gaming operations

• Ability to think strategically, plan and develop detailed operational plans and drive execution

• trong nancial, marketing, and analytic skills in order to provide input to a corporate support of ce

Fully furnished housing, meals, Wi-Fi, on-property transportation, and laundry facilities are provided.

To apply, submit your resume to careers@rwbimini.com by September 14, 2023. Please indicate your position of interest in the subject heading of your email. To be considered, applicants must possess a valid Bahamian passport and be willing to relocate to Bimini.

The continuing saga of Freeport

By TERENCE R H GAPE MBE

I AM bemused by the fact that it appears there is a Licensee Group being formed with the idea that the Government (and the Port Authority?) should now negotiate with the Licensees before the Government takes the necessary action to remove the Families from their governmental functions of the Port Area to which they have shown themselves at the very least “ill-suited” especially after this last more than twenty (20) years when Freeport has been in the “wilderness” or in the “ashes” as one of the Licensee leaders have described.

I have long been of the view that the Families should sell up and go and that the Government should “take over” the Port Authority’s governmental

functions so that Freeport will be and considered to be a part of The Bahamas, and no longer under the cloud of being a separate fiefdom. I am happy Magnus Alnebeck of the Pelican Bay Hotel shares this view. Indeed in the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Port Group and GB Devco et al and the Government, the Families agreed, inter alia, to the following (none of which have been done). This is in consideration of, inter alia, the Government agreeing to an extension of the Real Property Tax Exemption enjoyed by the Families (and Hutchison) for the past seventy (70) years:-

1) On behalf of GBPA:

Use its best endeavours to continue to attract investment to Grand Bahama, which may, subject to relevant board approvals and consents being obtained, include the introduction of, new equity investor(s) including but not limited to a sale for fair market value of the whole or part, of the GBPA and its affiliate companies beneficially owned by The Estate of the late Sir Jack Hayward and the late Mr Edward St. George.

2) On behalf of GBPA: Maintain sufficient working capital to deliver on its mandate under the HCA

3) On behalf of GB Devco:

In consideration of fulfillment of the undertakings by the Government to grant further concessions and to grant the releases, implement policies and provide the support as more particularly set forth in Clause 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding, GBDevco agrees to use its best endeavours to:-

3.1 provide the Government with a twenty (20) year masterplan in respect of the landholdings of the GBDevCo within up to twelve (12) months of the date of the Memorandum of Understanding, with reviews by the Government and GBDevco, taking into account market conditions.

The rest of the Country is booming, and we have been experiencing a slow death these last twenty (20) years. So, for the Licensees, I would expect they would be interested to know that the benefits of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement would remain, and that major Investors would be welcomed by the Government just as they are in the rest of the Commonwealth. I am bemused because the Licensees would know they have never been formally included in any negotiations held between the Port Authority and the Government especially since 1992 (I believe there have been four (4) or five (5) we know about) and certainly never

been consulted or invited to such by the Port Authority. Are the Families now seeking the help of the Licensees?

This is certainly a new and novel twist!!

The Families, who have proven themselves to be good City Managers at best, are obviously seeking to delay any progress on their divestiture by at least two (2) years, which delays have served them well in the past. Are the Licensees now awakened from their slumber because they finally have a Government that wants to do something “decisive”. I submit this is a ploy by the Families to cause delay upon delay.

I implore the Government not to fall for this: how can we be worse off by having our own duly elected Government in charge of governmental affairs in Freeport??!!

As I have said before, the Families have failed in their duties to promote and cause Freeport to prosper and we are now at an economic “double bottom.”

The young Bahamian entrepreneurs have all left or never returned: we have lost City status and are more of a Settlement: all of our craftsman, technicians and engineers have all since gone to Abaco, Bimini and Nassau, some to Exuma and looking expectantly to Eleuthera. I venture to say, the Power Company is wondering how long they can provide power to a Town with no major hotel, no restaurants, no shops, and no tourism, a Town which has lost a third of its inhabitants.

I venture to say that with the rest of the Bahamas booming, a good City Manager is not what we need.

The Families showed what they were made of and their lack of belief in the future of Freeport when after the Airport was destroyed in the Hurricane, they joined with Hutchison and sold the Airport to the Government for One Dollar ($1.00). As a progressive Port Authority, they should have grasped at the opportunity to show their expertise, and energy, and connections, and belief in the future of Freeport and should have purchased the other half of the Airport from Hutchison for Fifty Cents (.50¢). But, no, they showed their lack of confidence and their continuing incompetence by handing this vital ingredient over to Government which everyone wonders now how we can pick up the pieces in our fair City.

This Town can thrive under a Bahamas Government, which is Investor-friendly and which every day is attracting Investors to Freeport in the last two (2) years, to enjoy the benefits of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. The Families need to collect their money and leave (as they did particularly after the death of Edward) so we can reach our rightful place as a vibrant part of The Bahamas and not as this tormented failure where there is no value and no future.

The Prime Minister is continuously talking about Freeport’s Promise and we want this to be achieved.

I pray the Government will move quickly to bring Freeport to fruition.

The future of Freeport as a failed Company Town is no more. If as a Bahamian Town we fail, it will be on us!!

PS I remain hopeful that Rupert Hayward as a proud Bahamian will stay on as a valued Investor in the Port Area where he has an important investment and social role to play. Certainly, no sahib need apply.

WHY US AUTO WORKERS ARE POISED TO STRIKE THIS WEEK

By TOM KRISHER AP Auto Writer

ABOUT 146,000 US auto workers are set to go on strike this week if General Motors, Ford and Stellantis fail to meet their demands for big pay raises and the restoration of concessions the workers made years ago when the companies were in financial trouble.

Shawn Fain, the combative president of the United Auto Workers union, has threatened to strike any of the three companies that hasn’t reached an agreement by the time its contract with the union expires at 11.59pm Eastern time Thursday. Both sides began exchanging wage and benefit proposals last week. Though some incremental progress appears to have been made, a final agreement could come too late to avoid walkouts by UAW workers at factories in multiple states. Any strike would likely cause significant disruptions for auto production in the United States.

WHAT DO WORKERS WANT?

The union has asked for 46 percent raises in general pay over four years

— an increase that would elevate a top-scale assembly plant worker from $32 an hour now to about $47. In addition, the UAW has demanded an end to varying tiers of wages for factory jobs; a 32-hour week with 40 hours of pay; the restoration of traditional defined-benefit pensions for new hires who now receive only 401(k)-style retirement plans; and a return of cost-of-living pay raises, among other benefits. Perhaps most important to the union is that it be allowed to represent workers at ten electric vehicle battery factories, most of which are being built by joint ventures between automakers and South Korean battery makers. The union wants those plants to receive top UAW wages. In part, that is because workers who now make components for internal combustion engines will need a place to work as the auto industry increasingly transitions to EVs.

“Our union,” Fain has said, “isn’t going to stand by while they replace oil barons with battery barons.”

Currently, UAW workers who were hired after 2007 don’t receive definedbenefit pensions. Their

health benefits are less generous, too. For years, the union gave up general pay raises and lost costof-living wage increases to help the companies control costs. Though top-scale assembly workers earn $32.32 an hour, temporary workers start at just under $17. Still, full-time workers have received profit-sharing checks ranging this year from $9,716 at Ford to $14,760 at Stellantis.

Fain himself has acknowledged that the union’s demands are “audacious.”

But he has argued that the richly profitable automakers can afford to raise workers’ pay significantly to make up for what the union gave up to help the companies withstand the 2007-2009 financial crisis and the Great Recession.

Over the past decade, the Detroit Three have emerged as robust profit-makers. They’ve collectively posted net income of $164 billion, $20 billion of it this year. The CEOs of all three major automakers earn multiple millions in annual compensation.

WHAT HAVE THE COMPANIES PROPOSED?

A contract offer from Ford proposed a cumulative 10% pay raise over the

course of the four-year contract, plus several lump-sum payments, including $6,000 to cover inflation. GM has offered 10% as well, with similar lump sums. Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler) offered 14.5% wage increases over four years, without lump sums in the wage package. But it proposed lump sums to cover inflation. All offered contract-ratification bonuses but rejected the shortened work week the UAW requested. Under its proposal, Ford said it calculated that average annual pay, including overtime and lump-sum bonuses, would rise from an average of $78,000 a year last year to more than $92,000 in the first year of a new contract. The companies have rebuffed the union’s demands as too expensive. The automakers’ argument is that they will be absorbing enormous capital expenses in the coming

years to continue to build combustion-engine vehicles while at the same time designing electric vehicles and building battery and assembly plants for the future.

They also contend that too lavish a UAW contract would saddle them with expenses that would force up the retail prices of vehicles, pricing Detroit automakers above competitors from Europe and Asia. Outside analysts say that when wages and benefits are included, Detroit Three assembly plant workers now receive around $60 an hour while workers at Asian automaker plants in the US get $40 to $45.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The union and companies are continuing to trade wage and benefit counteroffers and will likely continue to do so into the work week ahead of Thursday night’s strike deadline.

“Things are moving but they’re moving very slow and we’ve got a long way to go in four days,” Fain said on a Sunday night video event. On Friday, Fain said that the company offers weren’t enough and that he had put them in the trash. But he said he visited GM and Ford on Sunday and was preparing to meet with Stellantis on Monday. On the one hand, the UAW has struck a confrontational stance. Its members voted 97% in August to authorise leaders to call for walkouts. It has filed unfair labor practice charges with the federal government against Stellantis and GM — charges that the companies have denied. And the union has called contract offers from all three companies “disappointing.” Still, Fain has raised some hope by saying the union doesn’t want to strike and would prefer to reach contract agreements with the automakers.

HIRING

COMPROMISE AMONG DIVIDED WORLD POWERS

NEW DELHI Associated Press

INDIA’S Prime Minister Narendra Modi touted his country as well-placed to bridge gaps in the Group of 20 top economies and solve global problems, but many were skeptical ahead of the weekend’s summit given grave divisions within the bloc over the Russia’s war in Ukraine.

He was able to dispel those doubts, announcing a unanimous final agreement a day before the G20 summit ended Sunday that included language on the European war which both Russia and China signed off on.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the group agreed to a “very strong” message. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called it a “success of Indian diplomacy”, adding “many did not think that would be possible beforehand”. And India’s foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, said the declaration “responds to the situation as it stands today.”

The statement had softer wording than last year’s G20 communique and failed to directly denounce Moscow. Instead, it cited a United Nations charter, saying “all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state.”

But all countries agreed on the declaration, allowing India to claim diplomatic success.

“This is the first declaration without a single footnote or a chair’s summary,” said Amitabh Kant, India’s top G20 negotiator.

Some experts saw the agreement as a win for Russia, while others read it as an achievement for the West. But most concurred it was a foreign policy triumph for Modi as he pushes to increase India’s influence on the world stage.

“India’s statement embodies the voice of the emerging Global South” said Derek Grossman, an analyst focused on the Indo-Pacific at the RAND Corporation. “That is a coup for New Delhi, especially within the context of strategic competition against Beijing, helping it to become the leader of this bloc.”

At the summit Modi also announced the group had agreed to add the African Union as a permanent member and made progress on other key issues important to the developing nations of the Global South.

“We are seeing the G20 finally come into its own as a truly global entity, and emerging from the shadow of the G7,” said Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Center’s South Asia Institute, referring to the Group of Seven major industrial nations.

“It’s emerging as a successful case study of Western and non-Western powers and the Global

South working together to pursue shared goals,” he said.

The summit came at a time when Russia and China have been trying to put more emphasis on the more like-minded BRICS group — made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — which agreed at its summit last month to expand with six new members. Russian President Vladimir Putin and China’s leader Xi Jinping skipped the G20 summit this year. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who took Putin’s place at the summit, told reporters the “G20 is going through a crisis” and likened India’s “absolute success” to an “internal reform.”

“This was manifested in the significant activation of members of the Group of 20 from the Global South with the leading role of India, who, very clearly and persistently, sought to take into account their interests,” Lavrov said.

Beijing has been seeking to rally the Global South around a China-centric bloc, and Xi’s absence from the meetings meant that Modi and others were able to “promote their own ideas and goals,” said Michael Schuman, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub.

With his diplomatic approach, Modi emerged as “probably the summit’s big winner,” and someone who is becoming an increasingly important player in international affairs, he said.

“Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed that he is a force in the developing world as well and has a different vision of the relationship between the developed and developing worlds that is not as confrontational,” Schuman said.

A senior European Union official who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to speak candidly about the talks said it was important not to have ended the summit for the first time without a final communique.

“I think India’s strong leadership has preserved the G20 and opened the space for Brazil in the next presidency to work on global issues,” he told reporters in New Delhi.

Heading into the summit, Modi had argued that the developing countries should have more say, noting that they are disproportionately impacted by many crises including climate change, food shortages and rising energy prices.

Many see that India has laid the groundwork for Brazil and South Africa –both influential members of the Global South – to continue along the same path as they take the G20 presidency for next two years.

“With the world facing so many borderless challenges and shortages of multilateralism, that type of truly global cooperation is the need of the hour,” Kugelman said.

ALARMING NUMBER OF DEFECTS FOUND ON UNION PACIFIC OMAHA, Nebraska

Associated Press

FEDERAL inspectors said they found an alarming number of defects in the locomotives and railcars Union Pacific was using at the world’s largest railyard in western Nebraska this summer, and the railroad was reluctant to fix the problems.

Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose wrote a letter to UP’s top three executives o Friday expressing his concern that the defects represent a “significant risk to rail safety “ on the Union Pacific railroad.

Bose said the 19.93% defect rate on rail cars and the 72.69% rate for locomotives that inspectors found in July and August are both twice the national average. But the letter didn’t detail what kind of defects inspectors found in the Bailey Yard in North Platte, and there are a myriad of federal rules.

“The compliance of the rolling stock (freight cars and locomotives) on the UP network is poor, and UP was unwilling or unable to take steps to improve the

condition of their equipment,” Bose said in his letter.

Bose questioned whether the recent layoffs of 94 locomotive craft employees and 44 carmen across the Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad that is one of the nation’s largest left UP without enough people to complete the necessary repairs.

Kristen South, a spokeswoman for Union Pacific, said Sunday that the layoffs weren’t a problem, and the railroad remains committed to safety. “Union Pacific will never compromise on the safety of our employees. Safety is always our first priority, and we are reviewing and will address the concerns raised by the FRA,” South said.

Railroad safety has been a key concern nationwide this year ever since another railroad, Norfolk South ern, had a train derail and catch fire in eastern Ohio in February. That East Pal estine derailment prompted regulators and members of Congress to call for reforms, but few significant changes have been made since then.

South said the railroad

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that SOPHIA ANN MARIE HARRISON, of Sandilands Village, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 4th day of September, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that MARIE JEANNE GUSTAVE , of P.O Box SB-51031 #2 Alexandria Road, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 11th day of July 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that DORETHEA FREDERIKA HYPOLITE , of Governors Harbour, Queens Highway, Eleuthera, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 4th day of September, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

has appropriate staffing levels with enough capacity to have “a buffer to allow for the natural ebb and flow nature of our business.”

Those layoffs that UP announced late last month came after the FRA wrapped up its inspection, and they represent a tiny fraction of the railroad’s workforce that numbers more than 30,000.

Union Pacific’s new CEO Jim Vena just took over the top spot at the railroad last month. Union Pacific has a network of 32,400 miles (52,000 kilometers) of track in 23 Western states.

NOTICE is hereby given that SANDRA LILITH PIERRE-FELIX #16 Spruce Street, Nassau Village, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 4th September, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

A UNION Pacific train travels through Union, Nebraska, in 2018.

Photo: Nati Harnik/AP

Seeking to improve the herds at BAMSI

THE Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) is seeking to improve its herds of sheep and goats.

The programme will seek to both optimise the size of the herds and improve the genetic quality.

BAMSI veterinarian Dr Mark Butler said improving the herd’s genetic quality would lead to higherquality meat production.

Dr Butler said health and production are inseparable partners, saying: “Health and production are tied together like husband and wife. If animals are unhealthy, they don’t produce.”

Dr Butler carried out a recent inspection at the North Andros farm. He said: “We use proven herd health criteria to select the best and healthiest animals to breed. We separated the female goats (does) and female sheep (ewes) and selected those animals we thought, based on those criteria, were the best to breed, keeping in mind the ease of getting pregnant and carrying the pregnancy to term. Selection for breeding is a crucial step in the process.

“We will inject new genetics into the herd by artificial insemination, natural breeding or a combination of both. This move is designed to optimise the quality of the animals produced. Currently, the BAMSI herd has a total of 197 sheep and goats.

Over the next six months, BAMSI will introduce purebred genetics to

enhance the quality of the herd for meat production. BAMSI’s long-term goal is to operate as a feeder herd, providing local farmers with highquality small ruminants to kickstart their local ventures.

The goal is to maintain a core herd at the North Andros farm while offering livestock to farmers, ensuring both quality and genetic diversity in their herds and across The Bahamas. The farmers can grow the animals for food or breed them to expand their herd.

Dr Butler said that the goal is to have the first breeding in Andros completed by November this year.

He also indicated that BAMSI may collaborate with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) to access technical support for artificial insemination.

Dr Butler emphasised the programme’s significance for the food industry, stating that highquality animals are essential for producing safe and delicious meat for local consumption.

He added: “Increased small ruminant production can reduce the importation of animals. With better meat quality, local restaurants may be more inclined to buy locally –but this will not happen if animals are of low quality.

“When raising animals for food, quality management systems and good animal health practices determine the final quality of what we eat - they are interconnected.”

WINNERS in the recent Carlo Rossi Mix and Match promotion by Commonwealth Brewery Limited’s recently received a char broil grill and staineless steel grill set for participating. Pictured with Markita Stubbs, brand representative for wines are, clockwise from top left, Tennille Thompson of Eleuthera, and Nassau winners Colette Neely, Christopher McCoy, and Laverne Bostwick.