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The Tribune

NYGARD SEX CRIME COURT CASE BEGINS

Bahamians among the alleged victims of sexual assaults

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE sex crimes trial of Peter Nygard - a former long-time resident of Lyford Cay - began in Canada yesterday, two years after prosecutors in North America began accusing him of brazen attacks in multiple countries across several decades.

The trial is among several

Flag lowered to honour Obie

Nygard is expected to face in the coming years.

In addition to the trial in Canada, federal prosecutors in New York charged him in 2020 with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and other crimes allegedly committed in the United States, Canada and The Bahamas.

A Canadian judge has ordered that Nygard be

SEE PAGE THREE

BUSINESSES SAY CUSTOMERS W ILL FEEL IMPACT OF RISING BPL BILLS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SOARING Bahamas

Power & Light (BPL) bills were yesterday said to be imposing “a stranglehold” on commerce with multiple businesses struggling to survive up to 100 percent year-over-year increases in their energy costs.

Resorts, food stores

and manufacturers, which are among The Bahamas’ major employers as well as BPL’s largest customers, all told Tribune Business they have no choice but to pass at least some of the hikes on to consumers via higher prices and thus further sustain the post-COVID cost of living crisis.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

‘Praying to God’ as 1,300 turn out for hotel job fair

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THIRTEEN hundred people endured overcast conditions to attend the British Colonial Hotel’s job fair at the Andre Rogers National Baseball Stadium yesterday, highlighting the demand for jobs even after

the unemployment rate hit a 15-year low earlier this year.

Diane Roxbury, a mother of a special needs child, said she has been unemployed for three and a half years and hopes she will catch a break this time.

“It’s been rough, tedious, a little something here, a little something there,”

she told The Tribune. “I am praying to God for our sake, because there is a lot of bills.”

The Bahamas National Statistical Institute released the results of its labour force survey –– the first since 2019 –– in June, showing the unemployment

PINDLING: WILCHCOMBE WAS IN A CLASS ALL BY HIMSELF

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Governor General Dame Marguerite

Pindling said she will forever be indebted to former Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe, who died on Monday. Dame Marguerite, 91,

spoke about Mr Wilchcombe after retired sprint star Pauline Davis gave her a copy of her book,

PINE WOOD GARDENS M AN BECOMES 72ND MURDER VICTIM

A 44-YEAR-OLD man was shot dead in Pinewood Gardens on Monday. He is the 72nd person to be killed this year, according to The Tribune’s records.

“Running Sideways,” at her home in Skyline Drive.

“All I know is that he was there when I was in my lowest moment after the loss of the Right Excellent Sir Lynden Pindling, the first prime minister of The Bahamas,” Dame Marguerite said.

“He was there to give me some words of

The victim was standing outside his home with another man around 9pm on Monday when a black Nissan Note pulled up. The occupants shot him multiple times. They then escaped in the vehicle toward Nassau Village.

Police said they were alerted to this Acacia Avenue incident by shot spotter technology.

The victim was driven to the hospital in a private vehicle, where he died of his injuries.

Photo:

Celebrating 74 years of People’s Republic

A CELEBRATION was held last night marking the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China - with Chinese ambassador Dai Qingli welcoming guests to an event at Margaritaville in Downtown Nassau.

The event included drinks and refreshments, remarks and a series of performances for guests.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was among the speakers.

Photos: Moise Amisial

CHINESE ambassador Dai Qingli speaking last night and, below, from left, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis; Dr Christine Chin, president of the Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association; Brian Wong, founding president of the Chinese Community Association; and Jerusa Ali, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Nygard sex crime court case begins

extradited to the US to face those charges after the conclusion of his trials in Canada.

In the current case, Nygard has pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual assault and a single count of forcible confinement involving allegations connected to five women in the 1990s.

Prosecutors provided a synopsis of their case yesterday, saying Nygard’s Toronto headquarters had a private bedroom suite where he allegedly sexually assaulted his victims.

The victims are expected to testify during the trial, though their identities will be concealed.

The UK newspaper The Guardian reported on yesterday’s court proceedings.

According to the newspaper, a Crown lawyer, Ana Serban, described a case when Nygard, in his 40s, met a woman in her 20s on a flight to The Bahamas.

“Nygard later invited her for a job interview at his Toronto office,” The Guardian reported. “When they ended up in the bedroom, she tried to leave.”

“He ‘tackles the woman onto the bed, puts his whole body into it, pins her down on her back and tries to

undress her’ against her will,” said Serban. “She’s terrified.’”

“Nygard is alleged to have given her a new blouse and skirt to replace those he tore during the attack. ‘She runs out of the building,’ Serban said. ‘This was supposed to be a job interview at an office building.’”

In 2020, the Southern District of New York filed documents alleging that Nygard raped ten women, including nine Bahamians, in a wide-ranging criminal enterprise that involved intimidating victims and offering them hush money for over a decade.

The lawsuit claimed he evaded exposure by bribing local police and Progressive Liberal Party politicians.

Eight of Nygard’s alleged Bahamian victims were between 14 and 18 when he raped them.

The indictment claimed Nygard’s victims were typically young, vulnerable, and impoverished Bahamian girls he knew wouldn’t report his crimes to the police. He allegedly kept a database of potential victims that was maintained by the IT department of his company. By the mid-2000s, the database allegedly featured information on over 7,500 underage girls and women.

SANDS S AYS PM CONTRADICTING CLIM ATE MESS AGE BY EXCESSIVE TRAVEL S

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’ message against climate change is contradicted by his travel habits.

“Our prime minister is travelling the globe on a crusade to characterise The Bahamas as a victim of climate change,” he said in a voice note yesterday. “And I’ll agree that we are, but somehow the message just doesn’t seem to be resonating at home or abroad.

“This prime minister and his Cabinet have an appetite for luxurious travel. In the last year, I heard they charted more than a million dollars of private jets for travel.

“Private jets are one of the biggest producers of carbon, as much as 15 times the amount produced

compared to commercial travel, and that does incredible damage to our environment. So, on one hand, you say we’re victims, but you’re using behaviours that are making the problem worse.”

Dr Sands said Mr Davis and his Cabinet have done nothing to stop the excessive use of heavy fuel oil, which contributes to more pollution of the sea and environment than any other type.

“Mr Davis, if you want the world to believe you’re serious about climate change, if you want Bahamians to believe that you’re serious, then you, your deputy prime minister, and your Cabinet, need to fly commercial and maybe just sort of cut back on travel, and then maybe we and the world will take you seriously,” he said.

He questioned whether the government had a plan to transform the energy sector.

“Where’s your plan,” he said, “to cut emissions at home with more action and less talk about renewables?”

Daxon says she shareD, but DiD not write, note praising w ilchcombe’s Death

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

MARIA Daxon, the deputy leader of the Coalition of Independents, claimed she inadvertently forwarded a WhatsApp message praising the death of Obie Wilchcombe, but did not author the crass post.

In the widely circulated message, which was originally sent in a WhatsApp group called Voice Your Opinion, the writer declared Wilchcombe’s death “one of the happiest days of my life”.

“The oppressive, dishonest, corrupt and incompetent, dishonourable Obie ‘deadbeat’ Wilchcombe is dead,” said the writer in the lengthy message Ms Daxon posted.

“Good riddance, and don’t come back. One of my greatest enemies and oppressors of the poor, sick, needy, fatherless and widows.”

“No one should drop a tear for Obie’s passing. Let us all forget about him so that his filthy name may be blotted out of our remembrance. May he not see any pearly gates, but that he only sees and enters in through the gates of hell.”

According to a screenshot of the WhatsApp group where the message was placed, a user confronted Ms Daxon, saying it was insensitive. Ms Daxon responded by telling the person: “Please don’t you tell me what to do or pass. Are you serious”.

In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Ms Daxon denied writing the

message, but claimed she forwarded it to the group without reading it.

She claimed when she “see certain things and they forward it, I usually copy and I paste and I forward a lot of stuff.”

“I forwarded this message and couple other messages,” she said.

“I forwarded couple things with this.”

“No, I didn’t read over everything I forward.”

Nonetheless, she defended the writer’s right to express the harsh views.

“This is a free country, right? People have the freedom of views,” she said.

“I believe in my constitutional rights, freedom of opinions. And that’s what this is all about. I don’t take glory for anything that nobody says.”

THE sex crimes trial of Peter Nygard - a former long-time resident of Lyford Cay - began in Canada yesterday, two years after prosecutors in North America began accusing him of brazen attacks in multiple countries across several decades.

MARIA DAXON, the deputy leader of the Coalition of Independents, claimed she inadvertently forwarded a WhatsApp message praising the death of Obie Wilchcombe, but did not author the crass post.

“Where’s your plan,” he said, “to cut emissions at home with more action and less talk about renewables?”

FREE National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands

Bimini residents mourn their MP, Obie Wilchcombe

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

SOME Bahamians continued to mourn Obie Wilchcombe yesterday, including Bimini residents he represented for over 15 years.

George Weech, the former Bimini MP, expressed shock.

“We will miss Minister Wilchcombe dearly,” he said. “He has been a dear friend to this community, and he was like a son to me.”

Mr Wilchcombe, 64, was discovered unresponsive at his home in West Grand Bahama on Monday morning. Attempts to revive him failed, and he was pronounced dead at the Rand Memorial Hospital.

His death came after he appeared to be in good health and attended several public events in the past week.

As West End Grand Bahama and Bimini residents prepare for a by-election, Mr Weech said Mr Wilchcombe was an excellent MP who would not be easily replaced.

“Quite frankly, I am not interested in hearing about any by-election at this

moment,” Mr Weech said. “I am not interested in who has in mind to run or who intends to run until Minister Wilchcombe’s body is entered into its final resting place.”

Kitty Saunders, chairwoman of the PLP’s Bimini constituency association, said Mr Wilchcombe had a personal relationship with Bimini residents.

“Every day, we would get an encouraging text or call from our MP,” she said. “He was our friend; he was a people’s MP.”

“Yesterday, I don’t think there was a dry eye. And no matter what your political preference was, he made it his business to become friends with persons throughout this island.”

As a former Minister of Tourism, Mr Wilchcombe contributed to the development of Bimini.

He pushed for the Resorts World Bimini in North Bimini, the anchor project that has proven successful.

Mrs Saunders said under his representation, there were significant improvements to the straw market, government complex, clinic, and the airport to accommodate night flights.

Dame Marguerite Pindling says, ‘Wilchcombe was in a class all by himself’

from page one

encouragement, and I’m so pleased that he has learnt so much from my husband. He’s one of these people out there who knew so much more about my husband than I did. I’m learning more and more about a lot of things every day.”

Dressed in all-white as she reminisced about her late husband, who died on August 26, 2000, Dame Marguerite said Mr Wilchcombe emulated him as a “soft talker” while transitioning from journalism to politics.

“Wilchcombe was in a class all by himself,” Dame Marguerite said, shaking her head in awe.

“Wilchcombe was able to speak exceptionally well of him. I always asked him how he was able to do it?”

Like Sir Lynden, Wilchcombe often spoke without a script. Dame Marguerite recalled a meeting she attended with him in West End, Grand Bahama.

“I told him that I didn’t know what to say. He told me I will be right by your side to give you some pointers to help you out,” she recalled. “I told him that I wasn’t well trained. Sure enough, he helped me to get through it. I will never forget him.”

The last official function she attended with Mr Wilchcombe was an installation service on September 10 at the William Thompson Auditorium on Jean Street where Rev Dr Philip McPhee became the 11th president of the Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention.

“He was in his jovial style, having such a great time,” Dame Marguerite said.

With the reshuffle of the Progressive Liberal Party on September 4, Mr Wilchcombe’s portfolio of Urban Renewal was removed, and he was made responsible for information and broadcasting.

Dame Marguerite said she felt he was back in his

element.

“He was so happy to be back at ZNS,” she said.

“That alone gave him a new life. The staff alone was looking forward to working with him again.”

She commended him for the “giant step” he took as a journalist at ZNS, protecting his informant by refusing to reveal the man’s identity, which caused him to spend four days in Her Majesty’s Prison.

“Do we get that today?” she asked. “He wanted to get ZNS back to that level of credibility. ZNS, when we were growing up, was the only voice that truly covered The Bahamas.

“Now there’s so much competition that ZNS really needed some sprucing up. I was pleased that he was given the portfolio to help bring back the glory days. We’ve lost so many great journalists from ZNS, and now Wilchcombe is the latest one.”

Dame Marguerite said: “God only takes away the best.”

GOVERNOR General Dame Marguerite Pindling standing next to then Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe during an award presentation in 2016.

Photos: BIS

The Tribune Limited

What will be revealed in Nygard trial?

IT has been a long time coming, but the first of several trials facing Peter Nygard began yesterday.

A Canadian court heard of accusations of sex crimes against the former resident of the Nygard Cay property in Lyford Cay – and the legal proceedings against him will have ramifications here in The Bahamas.

Among the various claims against Mr Nygard are allegations by nine Bahamians that he raped them – along with a non-Bahamian – in documents filed in the Southern District of New York.

That lawsuit alleges that Mr Nygard evaded exposure by bribing local police and members of the ruling Progressive Liberal Party.

Eight of his alleged victims were aged between 14 and 18 at the time.

Until now, the allegations against Mr Nygard have not been properly tested by the courts – but that process begins now.

It is even claimed that he kept a database of potential victims that was maintained by the IT department of his company.

The size of that database is staggering – if accounts are true, there were more than 7,500 women and girls stored on it by the mid-2000s.

The scale of the claims against Mr Nygard make clear that, if they are true, then it was not just a one-man operation. To maintain such information and to allegedly cover up such activities would be abuse on an almost industrial scale.

That is what the courts will reveal – and that is why the courts must be given the chance to properly examine the allegations, to find out what is true, and what is not.

But if they are true, and if indeed some Bahamians helped to cover up the extent of the abuse perpetrated, those responsible should not rest easy. They too should answer for their part

in such activities if they are proven to be true. Equally, their names should be cleared if the allegations are not proven.

These are cases with great resonance for our own nation. We should all be watching with interest. ashamed of herself.

She posted a message to a Whatsapp group that celebrated the death of Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Obie Wilchcombe.

Now, she says that she forwarded the message to the group rather than writing it – but she has been far from apologetic about it.

The deputy leader of the Coalition of Independents says she forwarded the message to the group without reading it. Deputy leader, let us repeat, a member of the leadership of a party – or whatever the coalition is – that seeks to win people’s votes at the next election, who does not even read what she is sharing.

When challenged in the group, did she apologise? No, she told the person challenging her not to tell her what to do. And she has gone on to defend the writer – whoever it is, her or otherwise – because “this is a free country, right?”

We hope that freedom extends to those sections of the community who have been scapegoated by members of the coalition for the country’s ills.

It is crass in the extreme, and it is irresponsible for a would-be leader of the country – if what she says is true –to share along such views without even reading them.

Let us see if other members of the coalition raise their voices in criticism of their deputy leader – for if they don’t, they ought to be held to the same level of contempt. This party ought to distance itself from such views – and smartly.

A moment to mourn f rst, please

EDITOR, The Tribune.

LAST Monday, as I listened to the commentators over ZNS emanating from the northern Bahamas, I heard comments like “who should replace him”, “having a deep bench”, “maintaining that seat”, and the like (review the tape). It appears obvious to me that they were referencing the vacancy in Bimini and western Grand Bahama created by the untimely death of Obie Wilchcombe.

I thought that the timing was off. It seemed too early, in my opinion, for such political chatter. We are all aware that eventually a replacement for Mr Wilchcombe will emerge in one form or another, because nature does not like a vacuum.

But for now, let us focus on his enduring legacy, his display of civility and grace towards humanity in general. Resist the temptation to crank up the political

Political implications for West GB

EDITOR, The Tribune.

FROM the outset I would like to extend sincere condolences to the family of the late West End and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe. His death is a grim reminder of the uncertainty and brevity of life on this side of eternity and the importance of living each day as if it would be our last, with our focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. Wilchcombe has gone on to his eternal reward. I consider him to have been a quintessential Progressive Liberal Party supporter, whose roots within that political organisation runs deep, owing to his ties with the late Sir Lynden O Pindling.

votes in that election.

engine just now. Waiting until his remains are eulogized might not be a bad idea. Obie Wilchcombe was a football “guru”, so to borrow a football analogy, those comments were “offside”, meaning, too quick.

It was a slight blimp on what was otherwise an excellent coverage.

ZEPHANIAH BURROWS Nassau, September 26, 2023.

I remember him well reading the news on the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (ZNS TV13) during the 1980s. Along with Ed Bethel, Debbie Bartlett, Calsey Johnson, Yvette Stuart, Phil Smith and Mike Smith, Wilchcombe was legendary in broadcast journalism, who helped in developing television in The Bahamas. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. The sudden death of Mr Wilchcombe has forced somewhat of a referendum on the PLP government in West End and Bimini, as the Constitution calls for a by-election in the not too distant future.

I believe the timeframe is sixty days. I stand to be corrected. West End is a PLP stronghold. Consequently, the PLP should win, I think. The Free National Movement has held West End twice, between 1997 and 2002 with David Wallace; and between 2017 and 2021 with Parkesia Parker -Edgecombe. If you examine the election numbers in West End and Bimini for the 2021 general election, you would see that Wilchcombe, notwithstanding his popularity in that community, only gained 53 percent of the 3,856 votes that were cast. He would lose his re-election bid in 2017. In 2012, Wilchcombe gained 2,877 or 55.42 percent of the votes. He outpolled Parker-Edgecombe by 644

In 2007, Wilchcombe gained 1,820 votes to the FNM David Wallace’s 1,527. In 2002, he would capture 1,986 votes to the incumbent David Wallace’s 1,581. It would appear that Wilchcombe’s best election performance was in 2012. I think that was the year when the Boundaries Commission amalgamated West End with Bimini. Based on these election figures, Wilchcombe wasn’t unbeatable. Granted, he would win three consecutive elections in 2002, 2007 and 2012. He lost only once, which was in 2017, as mentioned above. I think his popularity in West End proper, coupled with that community’s unflinching loyalty to the PLP are two factors that helped to tip the scale in his favour four times. With him no longer being the PLP standard bearer, it will be interesting to see what kind of political support the new candidate will garner in that area.

Wilchcombe had plenty family members in the close knit community of West End -- the overwhelming majority of whom are PLPs. With Wilchcombe gone, will these family members continue to throw their unflinching support behind the PLP? It was rumoured in the lead-up to the 2021 general election that the PLP top brass was pushing for another candidate to field in West End instead of Wilchcombe. Have the scores of family members and friends of Wilchcombe forgotten about this incident and have buried the hatchet with the party?

Also, we must bear in mind that Grand Bahama continues to wallow in a deep protracted economic recession exacerbated by the ongoing inflation crisis.

Wilchcombe was obviously aware of the grave challenges on the ground in his mostly below middle-class constituency, especially with his portfolio as minister of

social services. He recently spoke about assisting the less privileged. For the PLP, I believe that the upcoming election will be somewhat of a gauge of where the party really stands in the minds of the Bahamian people. A loss would be catastrophic. A win would only confirm what I stated earlier about West End being a PLP bastion. The PLP stands to gain virtually nothing from a win, while on the flip side a loss would greatly boost the morale of the official Opposition.

Conversely, a loss for the FNM wouldn’t mean much of anything, other than to confirm that the FNM is not strong in West End and that the party is two years into its role as the official opposition, with a scheduled general election three years away, God willing.

A win would solidify FNM Leader Michael Pintard’s grip on the party. I can only imagine that his political detractors within the FNM are hoping that the FNM fails at the by-election polls. With an FNM win, Pintard would become virtually invincible within the FNM. It will be interesting to see who Pintard runs in West Grand Bahama. Will it be Parker-Edgecombe? Or has the party moved on from her? For the PLP, the party must hope that the untimely death of Mr Wilchcombe will move many West End mourners to stand in solidarity by casting their votes for the party in tribute to their fallen MP. In the final analysis, I believe the PLP will win. But a loss isn’t beyond the realms of possibility, considering Wilchcombe’s margin of wins and the ongoing recession in West Grand Bahama. Truth be told, the FNM can win that seat, if the party can get its act together. Having said all of the above, the nation must now prepare itself to say a final farewell to one of its most interesting political figures in recent decades. KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama. September

CHINA’s Qin Haiyang competes during the men’s 100 meter breaststroke swimming final at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Monday, Sept. 25, 2023.

Photo: Lee Jin-man/AP

Louby calls on government to finalise DNA protocols for citizenship before year’s end

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

IMMIGRATION rights

activist Louby Georges hopes the Davis administration will finalise the genetic testing protocol for people affected by a landmark court ruling before the end of the year, saying he has been bombarded with calls and visits from

people affected by the verdict who still cannot get a passport.

His comments yesterday came after Health and Wellness Minister Michael Darville said the protocols will be addressed during an upcoming meeting with the attorney general.

Dr Darville said his ministry is working quickly to resolve the matter.

“Before the end of the

year, we’re at the end of September right now, so that would be tremendous,” Mr Georges said. “It would be a huge achievement. It would be huge in the sense of advancement in terms of regularising individuals and allowing people to be able to have another avenue to meet their full potential and be able to contribute to the growth of the country.

PINEWOOD GARDENS MAN BECOMES 72ND MURDER VICTIM

from page one

The killing is the second for the month. On September 7, a man died in hospital after a triple shooting on Comfort and Hay Streets. Meanwhile, police said a stabbing incident in Pinewood Gardens left a

16-year-old hospitalised last Monday. The victim was involved in a verbal argument with another male near his home on Buttonwood Street around 7pm on September 11 when the suspect “produced a knife and stabbed the victim to the upper body, causing

serious injury,” police said in a statement. The victim was driven to the hospital in a private vehicle. He remains there in critical condition.

Police said another 16-year-old resident of Pinewood Gardens is in custody assisting police with their investigation.

MAN RE M ANDED ON FOUR COUNTS OF ATTE M PTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICERS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN on bail for two murders was sent to prison yesterday after he was accused of attempting to kill four police officers last week.

Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain charged Keno McKenzie, 28, with four counts of attempted murder.

McKenzie also faces seven counts of violation of bail conditions.

McKenzie was on release on two murder charges for the shooting deaths of 54-year-old Ferdinand Agenor and Daniel Sterling.

The men were killed hours apart in Englerston on February 10, 2019.

While on release for these charges, the defendant breached his court-ordered curfew on April 10. McKenzie also allegedly breached curfew six times between April 11 and July 15.

According to initial reports, police officers responded to reports of gunfire around Miami Street early in the morning of September 20. McKenzie is accused of opening fire in the direction of ASP Melanie Allen, Inspector Rico Brown, PC Clifford Bain and PC Arnold Taylor, causing them to duck for

cover behind their police truck.

While McKenzie pleaded guilty to one curfew breach on April 10, he pleaded not guilty to the remaining six bail-related charges. Man remanded on four counts of The accused was not required to enter a plea for the attempted murder charges as they will be transferred to the higher court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Given the nature of the old and new charges against him, McKenzie was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. His VBI is set for service on December 1.

Mr Georges said some people visited him, saddened by their inability to get a passport.

“I’ve met countless individuals who have come over to my consultancy firm, who reached out to me via social media, sending messages and phone calls. It was only when persons would go down there, or I made phone calls, that I actually found

out that the DNA testing part of the legislation is not in effect as yet. And that was kind of shocking to me.

“It was kind of sad to see persons, their faces, their attitudes being so sad, and to hear that there’s one portion of individuals that can move forward with regularising their status and others that can’t at this time.”

The Privy Council affirmed in May that children born to Bahamian fathers are Bahamians at birth, regardless of their mother’s nationality. While many such people have since obtained passports, those whose father is not identified on their birth certificate remain in limbo as the Davis administration finalises protocols for the testing regime.

IMMIGRATION rights activist Louby Georges hopes the Davis administration will finalise the genetic testing protocol for people affected by a landmark court ruling before the end of the year

Government ‘unserious’ on gender policy progress

THE national gender policy has been on the shelf for years. It was first drafted more than a decade ago, and last updated in 2018. Despite consistent calls for its update and implementation, very little has been done over the years to bring the draft in alignment with international human rights standards, engage technical experts across sectors, and plan for its implementation.

Gender equality has been little more than a buzzword for successive government administrations which have all failed to take decisive action to move The Bahamas toward it.

Gender inequality is a reality that many continue to deny. There are those who believe women and girls have equal access to opportunities, and there are those who believe women and girls have greater access than men and boys. Sometimes overlapping with one those two groups is the group of people who are opposed to gender equality and believe that women and girls are inferior and should be subservient to men.

Some of those, frankly, are the people whose quotes we read in newspapers and whose voices we hear on the news calling for intervention on some issues, such as violence against women, but failing to make the connection to the human rights we all inherently have, but do not freely access. They are a part of the problem, confusing the general public and cavorting with anti-rights actors.

While it is frustrating, it is not surprising that people are confused, opting out of the conversation, or completely opposed to human rights for women, especially when they realize that women includes people — like LBTQ+ women and migrant women — whose humanity they would prefer to deny. Interestingly, there are crises that change our environments and personal circumstances so much that we can begin to have experiences that can compare to those of the people whose realities seem far away from our own. This is a truth exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic that many still refuse to acknowledge.

In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the

By Alicia Wallace

time it will take to close the gender gap increased by 36 years. The gender gap is not only the differences in attitudes in and toward people of different genders in various sectors of society, but the reflection of those differences in social, political, cultural, and economic attainment.

The 2021 Global Gender Gap Report by World Economic Forum stated that it would take 135.6 years to reach parity. The 2023 Report, looking at the four dimensions of Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment, reviewing 146 countries, stated that at the current rate of progress, it would take 131 years to reach gender parity. Countries that have closed 80% of the gap or more include Sweden, New Zealand, Nicaragua, and Namibia.

The gender gap is a direct result of gender-based violence, and to address it we have to understand that gender-based violence is not limited to interpersonal violence. It includes structural violence. The ways our laws and policies discriminate against people on the basis of gender is both violent and the perpetuation of violence.

Addressing gender-based violence, including discrimination, requires legal reform and feminist policymaking, ensuring that we are anticipating and responding to the needs of the people experiencing and most likely to experience the greatest vulnerabilities.

International mechanisms have been helpful for international non-governmental organizations, national non-governmental organizations, governments, and advocates, setting human rights standards, monitoring

and reviewing State progress, and making clear, specific recommendations to States. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) are examples of mechanisms through which The Bahamas has received concrete recommendations the include the development and implementation of a gender policy.

A meeting, framed as a consultation on the gender policy, was cobbled together by the Department of Gender and Family Affairs and held last week. The scheduling of the meeting was consistent with previous meetings hosted by the department which not only consistently lacks technical expertise on human rights issues, but does not seem to have anyone adept at managing technological aspects of hybrid or virtual meetings and has a complete lack of respect for the people it claims to want to engage and their schedules. In the first instance, an email invitation was sent on a Friday for a meeting scheduled for Monday, only one business day in advance. It was later postponed and said to be a virtual meeting.

When the meeting began, it was clear that some representatives of non-governmental organizations were in the room, raising questions about the supposed hybrid format and the ability of some to breach boundaries set by the department itself. There seemed to be technical difficulties as those of us online were not able to hear the representatives of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs and everyone in the room had to use the screen and microphone of one computer rather than a proper video conferencing system to interact

with those of us who were online.

The Bahamas is fortunate to have experts with international human rights experience who can lead these processes, and the government should ensure that they are engaged and provided with all of the necessary support to efficiently undertake their work. It is nearly impossible to work on a project of this magnitude without true partnership with the relevant government departments. It did not appear, at the meeting, as though the department was prepared to meaningfully participate. Even when invited to speak, to answer questions, and to provide clarification, the representative of the department refused and it was baffling.

The consultant engaged (by an institution that is not the Government of The Bahamas) to produce the gender policy made it clear that she wanted to engage with non-governmental organizations and receive recommendations on strategies that need to be included in the policy. The participants in the meeting, however, were not all non-governmental organization representatives. It quickly became clear that the invitation had somehow been shared with people who have no interest in gender equality or human rights, much less a consultative meeting on the development of a gender policy. Their sole aim was to disrupt the meeting with poorly articulated questions (which were largely hostile toward trans and intersex people), offensive outbursts, personal attacks, and religious fundamentalist rhetoric. The Department of Gender and Family Affairs obviously had no IT specialist or even an administrative assistant in the room to manage the meeting by monitoring the chat and muting microphones as was desperately needed.

When attendees were invited to share their recommendations, the ridiculous questions poured in. One of the first was, “What is the [categories] of boys?” The person noted that the consultant

said the gender policy would address issues affecting women and girls and men and boys, and said this led him to question who is included in these groups. Following his refusal to articulate exactly what he was unsure of and what he wanted explained, other people starting asking similar questions until someone finally made a disgusting statement, misgendering transgender people, and it was understood that these people wanted to exclude transgender and intersex people. To be clear, this is not about saying that they do not like or approve of transgender or intersex people — which is a serious problem and irrelevant to the government’s obligation to protect, promote, and ensure access to human rights for those people — but about their assertion that transgender people and intersex people should be denied human rights, including equal protection under the law and, by extension, policy.

Throughout the meeting, people refused to offer recommendations, choosing to proselytize with misinformation and inaccuracies about the constitution, The Bible, and the relationship between the two. They also hyper-focused on the timeline for the project and the reason — a loan to the government that has a gender policy as requisite — that it is now being prioritized. At no point did anyone from the Department of Gender and Family Affairs intervene in order to refocus the meeting or state the position of the government which, at the very least, must be that is obligated to guarantee access to human rights for everyone and that gender is an identity marker that has been and continues to be used to discriminate and to curtail access to and the enjoyment of rights and this is the basis upon which a gender policy is deemed necessary.

The day after the meeting, an inflammatory text message and voice note was circulated on WhatsApp by a religious misleader who made absurd claims about the meeting. He outright lied about both the purpose of the gender policy and the purpose of the

loan. He sent this message, as though a warming, to be shared widely, inciting hate with LGBTQI+ people as the target. Just as disturbing as the religious misleader’s determination to upset people with his deception is the ease with which people believe and share absolute nonsense, seeking no verification.

The meeting held last week was doomed due to poor management of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs. The most recent draft of the gender policy was not provided to everyone who was invited to attend the meeting. The invitation itself obviously went to more than just nongovernmental organizations, turning it into a chaotic town hall meeting which is not the same as consultation. People were allowed into the meeting when they should have been a part of separate meetings, such as a meeting for the religious misleaders. There can be no productive consultation with scores of people, especially without guidelines for participation and at least one person dedicated to moderation. Those who were repetitively disruptive should have been warned and subsequently removed from the meeting.

Equality Bahamas has, for years, called for the development a national gender machinery, and highlighted that it is required to be at the highest level of government—not a department. The Department of Gender and Family Affairs has yet to be properly resourced with the human and financial resources required to lead the country on issues of gender. The Government of The Bahamas has yet to acknowledge its obligations to the people of The Bahamas the way it has in international spaces such as the United Nations. It continues to use gender, in particular, when it is convenient, and refuse to even use the word when it fears it could lose votes in the next election. As the young people say, this government is very unserious. If only we, the people, could demonstrate our seriousness, especially when it comes to human rights for everyone, without distinction.

‘Addressing gender-based violence, including discrimination, requires legal reform and feminist policymaking...’

AMAZON UNVEILS ‘SMARTER, MORE CONVERSATIONAL’ ALEXA AMID AI RACE AMONG TECH COMPANIES

By HALELUYA HADERO Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon has unveiled a slew of gadgets and an update to its popular voice assistant Alexa, infusing it with more generative AI features to better compete with other tech companies who’ve rolled out flashy chatbots.

During a demonstration at the company’s second headquarters in Arlington, Virginia last week, Amazon’s devices chief Dave Limp said the latest language model will allow consumers to have more human-like conversations with a “smarter and more conversational” Alexa.

The company showed different interactions through a pre-recorded video and a live demo where Alexa responds to prompts to write a poem, give ideas for a date night and provide a breakdown of a football game. Limp also demonstrated a capability where the voice assistant can prep a text message, though his exchange with Alexa included some awkward pauses where he had to repeat some prompts twice before getting an answer.

The company says its also working on a “speech-to-speech” model that will, for example, allow Alexa to exhibit human-like attributes,

such as laughter and phrases like “uh-huh” during conversations.

Amazon holds the annual gadget event to exhibit new devices in front of journalists and industry insiders before they officially hit the market. Among other things, the tech giant also showcased a feebased emergency service for Alexa that allows users to call for help without using the phone, new Echo smart speakers as well as Amazon Fire tablets for kids.

In August, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced Limp would retire after almost 14 years with the company, where he’s overseen innovations in Kindle readers, Amazon’s Fire TV and Echo devices. Although the devices unit has rolled out a large number of gadgets over the years, not all of them have caught on. Think the Alexa-enabled microwave or the roaming Astro robot, which Amazon unveiled in 2021 at an introductory price of $1,000 but has had a limited rollout.

The devices unit was hit by Amazon’s company-wide layoffs several months ago.

The company hasn’t announced Limp’s replacement.

Amazon is a leader in the U.S. smart speaker market, commanding nearly 64 million monthly users of its Echo devices, according to Insider Intelligence. But

the market research company forecasts that the devices will lose some market share in the next few years as the number of smart speakers continues to grow. Consumers have also become more likely to use their smartphones to access voice assistants instead of smart speakers.

For years, Amazon has been seeking to drive consumer purchases from its Echo devices,

A NEW BATTERY RECYCLING FACILITY WILL DEEPEN KENTUCKY’S TIES TO THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE SECTOR

By BRUCE SCHREINER Associated Press

A recycling facility will be built in Kentucky to shred electric vehicle batteries in a $65 million venture between American and South Korean companies that will supply material for a separate battery-related operation in the same town, the companies announced Tuesday.

The 100,000-square-foot (9,000-square metre) EV battery recycling facility to be built in Hopkinsville will create about 60 jobs, according to U.S.-based Ascend Elements, which is partnering with South Korea-based SK ecoplant and its electronic-waste recycling subsidiary, TES, on the project. Construction is set to begin in November and be completed in January 2025. Hopkinsville is 170 miles (274 kilometres) southwest of Louisville, Kentucky.

“This is just the beginning of an entirely new industry in the United States,” Mike O’Kronley, CEO of Ascend Elements, said in a news release. “For every new EV battery gigafactory that is built, we will need to build a new battery recycling facility to process manufacturing scrap and end-of-life batteries.”

a dream that hasn’t been fully realised. Amazon said last year 50% of Alexa customers used their device to shop. Limp noted on Wednesday that more customers have been using Alexa to shop yearover-year. According to Adobe Analytics, consumers typically use their smart speakers to play music, check the weather and set alarms and reminders.

NASA’S FIRST ASTEROID SAMPLES LAND ON EARTH AFTER RELEASE FROM SPACECRAFT

By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer

NASA’s first asteroid samples fetched from deep space parachuted into the Utah desert Sunday to cap a sevenyear journey.

In a flyby of Earth, the Osiris-Rex spacecraft released the sample capsule from 63,000 miles (100,000 kilometres) out. The small capsule landed four hours later on a remote expanse of military land, as the mothership set off after another asteroid.

“We have touchdown!”

Mission Recovery Operations announced, immediately repeating the news since the landing occurred three minutes early. Officials later said the orange striped parachute opened four times higher than anticipated — around 20,000 feet (6,100 metres) — basing it on the deceleration rate.

To everyone’s relief, the capsule was intact and not breached, keeping its 4.5 billion-year-old samples free of contamination. Within two hours of touchdown, the capsule was inside a temporary clean room at the Defense Department’s Utah Test and

Training Range, hoisted there by helicopter.

The sealed sample canister will be flown on Monday to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, where it will be opened in a new, specially designed lab. The building already houses the hundreds of pounds (kilogrammes) of moon rocks gathered by the Apollo astronauts.

“We can’t wait to crack into it. For me, the real science is just beginning,” said the mission’s lead scientist, Dante Lauretta of the University

of Arizona. He’ll accompany the samples all the way to Texas.

Lori Glaze, NASA’s planetary science division director, added: “Those are going to be a treasure for scientific analysis for years and years and years to come.”

Scientists estimate the capsule holds at least a cup of rubble from the carbon-rich asteroid known as Bennu, but won’t know for sure until the container is opened in a day or two. Some spilled and floated away when the spacecraft scooped up too much

material, which jammed the container’s lid during collection three years ago.

Japan, the only other country to bring back samples, gathered about a teaspoon during a pair of asteroid missions.

The pebbles and dust delivered Sunday represent the biggest haul from beyond the moon. Preserved building blocks from the dawn of our solar system, the samples will help scientists better understand how Earth and life formed, providing “an extraordinary glimpse” of 4.5 billion years ago, said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

Osiris-Rex, the mothership, rocketed away on the $1 billion mission in 2016. It reached Bennu two years later and, using a long stick vacuum, grabbed rubble from the small roundish space rock in 2020. By the time it returned, the spacecraft had logged 4 billion miles (6.2 billion kilometres). At a news conference several hours later, Lauretta said he broke into tears of joy upon hearing that the capsule’s main parachute had opened.

“I knew we had made

it home,” he said, so overwhelmed with emotion when he arrived at the scene that he wanted to hug the capsule, sooty but undamaged and not even bent.

Flight controllers for spacecraft builder Lockheed Martin stood and applauded the touchdown from their base in Colorado. NASA camera views showed the charred capsule upside down on the sand with its parachute disconnected and strewn nearby, as the recovery team moved in via helicopters.

“Boy, did we stick that landing,” Lauretta said. “It didn’t move, it didn’t roll, it didn’t bounce. It just made a tiny little divot in the Utah soil.”

British astronomer Daniel Brown, who was not involved in the mission, said he expects “great things” from NASA’s largest sample return since the Apollo moon landings more than a half-century ago. With these asteroid samples, “we are edging closer to understanding its early chemical composition, the formation of water and the molecules life is based on,” he added from Nottingham Trent University.

The recycling facility will disassemble and shred about 24,000 metric tonnes of used EV batteries and gigafactory scrap per year — or approximately 56,000 EV batteries yearly, the company said. The exact location for the new facility hasn’t been determined, it said.

TOP FREE iPHONE APPS (US):

1. Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire, Temu

2. Lapse - Disposable Camera, Lapse

3. Retro Bowl College New Star Games

4. McDonald’s McDonald’s USA

5. Wendy’s, Wendy’s International, LLC

6. Google, Google LLC

7. MONOPOLY GO! Scopely, Inc.

8. TikTok, TikTok Ltd.

9. WhatsApp Messenger, WhatsApp Inc.

10. Instagram, Instagram, Inc.

TOP PAID iPHONE APPS (US):

1. Minecraft, Mojang

2. Geometry Dash RobTop Games AB

3. Heads Up!, Warner Bros.

4. Shadowrocket, Shadow Launch Technology Limited

5. HotSchedules, HotSchedules

6. Bloons TD 6, Ninja Kiwi

7. Purple Place - Classic Games, Semyon Popov

8. MONOPOLY, Marmalade Game Studio

9. The Wonder Weeks, Domus Technica

10. Papa’s Freezeria To Go!, Flipline Studios

AMAZON Echo and Echo Plus devices, behind, sit near illuminated Echo Button devices. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

TECHNICIANS in a clean room examine the sample return capsule from NASA’s Osiris-Rex mission after it landed at the Department of Defense’s Utah Test and Training Range on Sunday. The sample was collected from the asteroid Bennu in October 2020. (NASA via AP)

‘Praying to God’ as 1,300 turn out for hotel job fair

rate to be 8.8 per cent, the lowest since 2008 before the Great Recession sent the figure soaring. The institute determined there were only 2,035 discouraged workers in the country, people who are available for work but not actively seeking a job because they believe their job prospects are dim.

Ms Roxbury said she has become discouraged from waiting over the years. She said she and her child get assistance from social services and “other places that would entertain us when we are very low”.

“I really need a job so I hope on a positive side it really works out for me,” she said.

Takeya Williams, a mother of one, said she has been unemployed for about four months.

“It’s been tough being a mom trying to do the right thing for your son, trying to go on the straight

THIRTEEN hundred people endured overcast conditions to attend the British Colonial Hotel’s job fair at the Andre Rogers National Baseball Stadium yesterday, highlighting the demand for jobs even after the unemployment rate hit a 15-year low earlier this year.

“Without a job it’s very difficult because I have to maintain lunch and keep him focused, whereas I

have a place and rent (to deal with).”

wants to tap into during emergencies. Dan McDermott, the general manager of the

previously said. The hotel aims to fill 300 positions. The job fair will be hosted again today.

Photos: Moise Amisial path so he wouldn’t turn around and become what you wouldn’t want him to become,” she said.

MAN SERVING 50-YEAR SENTENCE FOR MURDER HAS SECOND APPEAL DIS M ISSED

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER death row inmate sentenced to 50 years for murdering a man in 2001 on Johnson Alley had his second sentence appeal attempt dismissed.

Mark Capron was found guilty of the shooting death of Andrew “Half-a-Man” Simms on Johnson Alley on March 6, 2001.

During his trial, it was revealed that the convict shot Simms in the face and chest with a shotgun after the two got involved in a fight.

While Capron was initially sentenced to death

in 2002, the Privy Council ordered a retrial.

Following a six-day retrial, Capron was again found guilty of murder and sentenced to 50 years in prison in January 2010. Capron’s first appeal to quash the 50-year sentence failed in March 2013 after the Court of Appeal could not see merits in his arguments.

In his second appeal attempt, Court of Appeal Justice Sir Michael Barnett refused Capron’s application to reopen his appeal. Sir Michael found that the basis of his appeal –– that his lawyer overlooked something during the trial –– was too insubstantial to

proceed with an appeal.

“The appeal having been heard and decided 10 years ago, the applicant represented by competent counsel at the time, he cannot now come back and ask the court to reopen it on the basis that his lawyers overlooked something. There has to be what we call finality in litigation, and the matter must be considered as closed,” Sir Michael said.

“Unless the applicant can identify some exceptional circumstances, which he has not done – his only circumstance is his lawyer overlooked something –there is no basis for us to reopen the appeal.”

MAN ADM ITS TO POSESSION OF 5 POUNDS OF M ARIJUANA WITH INTENT TO SUPPLY

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was fined $5,500 after admitting to having over 5lbs of marijuana last week.

Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Glen Miller, 27, with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Miller was arrested in New Providence after police found him with 5lbs and 9oz of marijuana on September 20. The drugs seized in this matter have

an estimated street value of $5,500.

After pleading guilty to the charge, Miller was ordered to pay a fine of $5,500 fine.

Another man was placed on six months probation and fined $500 after admitting to having a small quantity of marijuana and lying to a police officer earlier this month.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged Fredrick Davis, Jr, 25, with possession of dangerous drugs and deceit of a public officer.

Davis was found with one gram of marijuana in New Providence on September 15. During this same incident, Davis was accused of lying to his arresting officer.

Davis was granted a conditional discharge for the drug charge following his guilty plea to the offence. He was placed on six-months probation. Failing to follow the conditions would carry a $500 fine or three months in prison. Davis was fined $500 for the deceit charge.

British Colonial Hotel, said the hotel would open in December, not October as government officials from page one To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

MINISTER of Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey, Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation Deputy Director Dr Kenneth Romer and Minister of State for Education Zane Lightbourne at Qatar Aeronautical Academy for high level meeting and tour.

Photos: BIS

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation Chester Cooper and Qatar Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti at Qatar’s Ministry of Transport to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

slows

BRAZIL

Associated Press

LUZINEIDE Marques

da Silva knows the location of each of the 748 rubber trees scattered in her area of the Brazilian Amazon, where she and her family hold rights to tap the trees for latex to sell to a sneaker manufacturer. So she watched in pain and anger last week as two of them were badly damaged by a fire she said was started by one of the land-grabbers encroaching on her territory.

I see the fire engulfing my rubber trees, and I feel as if I myself were being murdered right there,” Silva told The Associated Press in an interview. “He’s burning down the trees from which I earn my livelihood, and I cherish them so much.”

After nine months in office, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has halved Amazon deforestation, which reached a 15-year high under predecessor Jair Bolsonaro, and has promised to promote development that makes sustainable use of its resources.

But progress has been uneven, and in the symbolic Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve, it could be too late for scores of rubber-tapper families like Luzineide’s, who are increasingly under siege by illegal cattle ranchers.

Extractive reserves are federal conservation units set aside for non-Indigenous forest communities to pursue their traditional lives protected from landgrabbing and deforestation.

The areas were created after the international outcry that followed the 1988 assassination of Mendes, a rubber tapper, union leader and environmentalist, on the orders of a local cattle rancher.

Despite the land’s protected status, cattle trickled into the reserve in the years after it was created, and their numbers exploded during Bolsonaro’s fouryear rule as the far-right president tried to shrink protected areas and legalize large-scale cattle herds inside extractive reserves.

Now Luzineide, who leads a family of 12, including her husband, daughters, and grandsons, fears being killed as Mendes was. Her area, with four rubber tree groves, has become a forested island surrounded by pasture and cattle. She says she has repeatedly received

DEFENSE AGREEMENT AHEAD OF PLANNED H AITI DEPLOYMENT

Chico

THE US and Kenya signed a defence agreement Monday that will see the East African nation get resources and support for security deployments as it is poised to lead a multi-national peacekeeping mission to Haiti to combat gang violence.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Kenya’s Defense Minister Aden Duale signed the accord at a meeting in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The agreement guides the countries’ defence relations for the next five years as the war in East Africa against the al-Qaeda linked al-Shabab extremist group intensifies.

Austin thanked Kenya for volunteering to take the leadership of the Haiti multi-national force and reiterated that the Us government would work with Congress to secure the $100 million in funding that it pledged on the sidelines of the Un General Assembly.

Austin said the rest of the world ought to follow Kenya’s commitment to global security and “step up and provide more personnel, equipment, support, training and funding.”

Kenya has pledged to send 1,000 security officers to Haiti to combat gang violence in a mission that is pending the Un Security Council’s formal approval but has received support

from the UN and US

Duale said his country is ready to deploy to Haiti and cited Kenya’s “very long history of global peacekeeping” in Kosovo, neighbouring Somalia and Congo.

Human rights activists, meanwhile, have expressed concerns over the deployment, citing a history of human rights abuses during security operations in the country.

Some security analysts have expressed concerns that there will be a language barrier between the deployment from Kenya, an English- and Swahili-speaking country, and the people of Haiti, where the official languages are French and Creole.

On the regional fight against al-Shabab, Austin said he had met with Somalia’s president and that both agreed that the country had made “significant progress in the last year against alShabab.” But Austin also said that “progress is not always a straight line so we may see things improve significantly on one day and maybe we’ll see challenges on the next day.”

Somalia last week asked the UN to pause for three months the withdrawal of 3,000 troops in the second phase of drawdown to allow the country’s forces to regroup. Somalia is expected to take up its full security responsibilities by end of 2024.

JUDGE RULES DONALD T RUMP DEFRAUDED BANKS, INSURERS A S HE BUILT REAL ES TATE EMPIRE

NEW YORK

Associated Press

death threats for opposing deforestation. Her situation is not unique. The reserve this year has registered 300 fires, the second-largest figure among conservation units in the Amazon biome, according to official data. Most fires in the rainforest are human-set, either to clear the forest or manage pasture. The context is especially complex in the Chico Mendes reserve, where some former rubber tappers are eager to make more money by turning to cattle or illegally selling their rubber tree groves to ranchers.

Luzineide said the federal agency in charge of managing the reserve, the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, also known as ICMBio, does not have enough people to curb environmental crime in the 3,600-squaremile reserve. She said she requested their presence for weeks, but agents came only two days after the fires and briefly detained a man suspected of setting them. He was arrested for illegal possession of a weapon and released after posting bail.

The ICMBio did not respond to questions from AP.

But Mauro Pires, president of the institute, addressed Luzineide’s case when he was asked about it on the sidelines of an

ecotourism congress last week near Rio de Janeiro. Pires said the Mendes reserve had been deliberately targeted for its symbolism, and in what he called a coordinated effort to disrupt rubber tappers’ lives.

He suggested that Luzineide could seek help from a government program that offers protection to grassroots leaders and public servants who face threats.

Marina Silva, Lula’s minister of Environment and Climate Change and herself a former rubber tapper, told AP in an August interview that Bolsonaro was to blame for deforestation inside the reserve. She urged patience as the government designs an ecological transition toward a low-carbon national economy.

Lula has promised to end net deforestation by 2030 — two years beyond his current term. The federal government is hiring new personnel for the understaffed environmental agencies, but the process is bureaucratic and it will take months to train new officials before being deployed for fieldwork.

Mary Allegretti, an anthropologist who was a close friend of Mendes and has spent decades working to improve the lives of rubber tappers in the Amazon, said the ICMBio’s

response to Luzineide’s pleas was “unacceptable and inexcusable.”

“What is the role of ICMBio in the reserve if it can’t verify a complaint in time to prevent the burning of rubber trees, which is her livelihood?” Allegretti said.

Angela Mendes, a daughter of Mendes and herself a social activist, blamed large-scale land ownership that she said is entrenched in Brazil’s political system. She said stopping continued deforestation requires electing a more diverse Congress and getting state governments and the attorney general involved against criminal activities.

“These are complex issues that can be resolved with political will,” she said.

Rubber tapping has been the main source of income for Luzineide’s family for three generations. She is part of a network of 500 rubber tappers who sell their production to Veja, a French shoemaker, currently the only buyer of local rubber. About 10% of the rubber tappers are women, according to the local cooperative.

“I want you to publish my story,” Luzineide said. “For this is not only my pain but also that of thousands of people who live inside the reserve. If something happens to me, if I fall, my story will already be written.”

A JUDGE has ruled that Donald Trump committed fraud for years while building the real estate empire that catapulted him to fame and the White House.

Judge Arthur Engoron, ruling Tuesday in a civil lawsuit brought by New York’s attorney general, found that the former president and his company deceived banks, insurers and others by massively overvaluing his assets and exaggerating his net worth on paperwork used in making deals and securing financing.

The decision, days before the start of a non-jury trial in Attorney General Letitia James’ lawsuit, is the strongest repudiation yet of Trump’s carefully coiffed image as a wealthy and shrewd real estate mogul turned political powerhouse.

Beyond mere bragging about his riches, Trump, his company and key executives repeatedly lied about them on his annual financial statements, reaping rewards such as favourable loan terms and lower insurance premiums, Engoron found.

Those tactics crossed a line and violated the law, the judge said, rejecting Trump’s contention that a disclaimer on the financial statements absolved him of any wrongdoing.

Manhattan prosecutors had looked into bringing a criminal case over the same conduct but declined to do so, leaving James to sue Trump and seek penalties

that could disrupt his and his family’s ability to do business in the state.

Engoron’s ruling, in a phase of the case known as summary judgment, resolves the key claim in James’ lawsuit, but six others remain.

Engoron is slated to hold a non-jury trial starting Oct. 2 before deciding on those claims and any punishments he may impose. James is seeking $250 million in penalties and a ban on Trump doing business in New York, his home state. The trial could last into December, Engoron has said.

Trump’s lawyers had asked the judge to throw out the case, which he denied. They contend that James wasn’t legally allowed to file the lawsuit because there isn’t any evidence that the public was harmed by Trump’s actions. They also argued that many of the allegations in the lawsuit were barred by the statute of limitations.

Brazil

Amazon deforestation, but in

Mendes’ homeland, it risks being too late

KENYA Associated Press

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, left and Kenya Cabinet Secretary for Defense Aden Duale, sign a bilateral defence cooperation agreement in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday. The US and Kenya have signed a defense agreement that will see the East African nation get resources and support for security deployments as it is poised to lead a multi-national peacekeeping mission to Haiti to combat gang violence.

Photo: Khalil Senosi/AP

LUZINEIDE Marques da Silva, a rubber tapper, talks near a damaged rubber tree in the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve, in Xapuri, Acre state, Brazil, on Saturday. Recently some of her forest plot were destroyed by a fire started by a land-grabber encroaching on her territory.

Photo:Gleilson Miranda/AP

LUZINEIDE Marques da Silva, a rubber tapper, talks near a damaged rubber tree in the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve, in Xapuri, Acre state, Brazil, on Saturday. Recently some of her forest plot were destroyed by a fire started by a land-grabber encroaching on her territory.

Photo:Gleilson Miranda/AP

FORMER President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Summerville, SC, Monday.

Photo:Artie Walker Jr/AP

‘Obie’ Wilchcombe was a sportsman

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Before he got his feet wet in politics, Burkett Turnquest said he was able to persuade former Minister of Social Services Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe to become the president of the Commonwealth American Football League in 1990-1991.

Wilchcombe, who had served previously as president of the Grand Bahama Amateur Basketball Assocation before he moved to New Providence as a journalist at ZNS, served with Turnquest as his first vice president for one season before he got into politics.

The duo, at the time, played with the Sunburners Football Club, coached then by Richard Gardiner. Wilchcombe, however, quit playing as the Sunburners’ quarterback the following year, relinquishing his position in the CAFL and turned his attention to running for office in the Progressive Liberal Party.

“I just had my 70th birthday and I invited him down to celebrate with some of our football friends,” Turnquest said. “That was the last time we talked face to face, but we still communicated over the phone.

“Obie was a nice, guiet guy. He always wanted to organise things. We did well together as a team because we were able to advance the league.”

Popular businessman Bernard ‘Porky’ Dorsett said he was so shocked when he heard about the passing of Wilchcombe that he called his former Sunburners Football Club teammate to confirm whether it was true or not. When he didn’t receive an answer, Dorsett said it confirmed his worse fear that Wilchcombe, a former quarterback in the Commonwealth American

COACH FRANKLYN WILLIAMS ‘WAS AN UNSUNG HERO’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SCORES of Bahamians showed up at the Christian Life ministries to pay their last respects to the late coach Franklyn Williams, who was lauded as an “unsung hero” for the role he played in the development of so many young track and field athletes.

The 63-year-old Williams, the coach of the 4-D Stallions, was laid to rest in his coffin with his trademark cap, whistle and toothpick in his mouth before he was funeralised and interred into Woodlawn Gardens.

Officiating were Rev Trajean Jardorette and associate pastor Carolyn Gordon.

Also in attendance were Rev Dr William Thompson, Rev Patrick Paul and district elder Portia Ferguson, who all participated in the service.

In giving his condolences, the senior pastor at Faith United Missionary Baptist Church called Williams an “unsung hero,” who may never get the credit that he deserves for what he has done in transforming the lives of the members of the 4-D Stallions Track Club.

Football League, had indeed died.

“I thought it was a joke when I woke up and saw the notice on my phone. I had to call him, but he didn’t answer the phone. He would call me back because we talked all the time,” said Dorsett, who was the backup quarterback to Wilchcombe.

“The man was a consummate sportsman. He played the game, he loved the game. I had some good times playing with him. I still can’t believe that he is dead.”

Dorsett, the proprietor of Porky’s Gas Station, said he remembers how they both were in attendance at Turnquest’s 70th birthday

party on January 20 at his home in Montagu near Queen’s College. “We were there talking foolishness all night,” Dorsett said. “It was like old times for us. He cracked me about not attending my party. I told him that the next one he will definitely be there.”

While he was a double sport superstar, Wilchcombe held court in basketball in Grand Bahama at the YMCAS Gymnasium, but stuck mainly to American football here in New Providence with the Sunburners Football Club mainly at the DW Davis playing field.

The Sunburners’ archrivals were the Pros

Football Club and Ken Kerr, representing the club, extended their heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Wilchcombe’s immediate family, friends and fellow colleagues in government and his beloved constituents of West End, Grand Bahama and Bimini.

“We also want to extend our thoughts and prayers to his wider sporting family and in particular the Sunburners Football Club of which he played numerous years as captain and quarterback,” Kerr said.

“He was instrumental in leading them to their first national championship against us. This was for him and his team a cherished

Magic has declined multiple NBA ownership chances, New York Knicks would interest him

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) —

Magic Johnson’s love for his Los Angeles Lakers has kept him from considering ownership of any other NBA team.

The New York Knicks would be the one franchise that could make him have second thoughts.

“I think it would be intriguing,” Johnson said yesterday. “The only team I would actually probably think about is the New York Knicks.”

Johnson arrived in New York for a speaking engagement at a YMCA from Washington, where the member of the Commanders’ new ownership group watched his NFL team lose to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

Once back in Los Angeles, he will gear up for his Dodgers to begin play in baseball’s postseason.

But the basketball Hall of Famer repeatedly has passed on opportunities for ownership in the sport he knows best.

Johnson named the Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks as teams he turned down, rather than find himself in competition with the Lakers. The Knicks, though, offer something different.

“I think because of the way fans love basketball you might have to think about that one, because I love coming to New York and going to the Garden and watching the Knicks play,” Johnson said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I love being with fans who are so passionate about their team and the Knick fans are, and they’re smart. They’re smart basketball fans and so that one I would have to think about. I think that other than that, I would

probably never think about ever being a part of another franchise.”

Johnson said he hasn’t spoken with Madison Square Garden Executive Chairman James Dolan about the idea and isn’t looking for an opportunity, content to watch the

Lakers as a fan after serving as their president of basketball operations for two seasons before resigning in 2019.

But if the conversation did happen, Johnson would listen.

and long overdue victory because they were challenged over the years to beat the Pros.”

Kerr also noted that Wilchcombe’s competitive drive on the field transcended in his daily life and his politics.

He noted that under his calm demeanour, he was a fierce competitor.

“Obie loved sports and will be sorely missed,” Kerr stated. “Again, on behalf of the Pros Football Club, we extend our best wishes to all during this extremely difficult time. In sports as in life, Obie competed well. May God grant him peace and blessings to his family. Our country has lost a gem.”

He encouraged the athletes who were highlighted to show their appreciation to coach Williams by continuing to be disciplined and dedicated to the sport.

It was a similar message that was given by coach Williams’ only living brother Kevin and Albert Gaitor, who was instrumental in getting the club started.

The former distance runner, who attended the Big Pond Primary School, CH Reeves Junior High, RM Bailey Senior High and the College of the Bahamas, began his employment as a member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

After serving for three years, he became a certified

SEE PAGE 15

NAMIBIA CHASES ELUSIVE FIRST WIN AT RUGBY WORLD CUP

By FOSTER NIUMATA Associated Press

THIS is the one Uruguay and Namibia have been waiting for. The one Rugby World Cup matchup they truly believe they can win.

Both teams are winless heading into the Pool A game today in Lyon.

This marks Namibia’s last and only winnable game in a pool also including France, New Zealand and Italy.

Uruguay has one more game, against the All Blacks next week.

URUGUAY vs. NAMIBIA (Uruguay leads

4-1 overall, 0-0 in RWC)

For the only time in the tournament, Uruguay will start as a favourite. It’s a mental switch that will put a little pressure on Los Teros to deliver.

Uruguay has three wins at Rugby World Cups: Spain in 1999, Georgia in 2003 and Fiji in 2019.

The Uruguayans targeted Italy and Namibia in France and were 40 minutes from history against the Azzurri last week.

Los Teros deservedly led Italy 17-7 at halftime but the effort was taxing. Italy changed tactics and had the capacity beyond Uruguay to go up another gear. Italy won 38-17 and Uruguay was heartbroken.

“Namibia is still 50% of our objective here,” Uruguay captain Andres Vilaseca said. “They are aiming with everything towards us since it is their last game. It’s going to be a very tough and physical battle. Our team is doing very well, we have already turned the page (on Italy).

“Uruguay has only won three games in all the history of the Rugby World Cup, and this adds some pressure on our side. We must accept this as there

MAGIC Johnson attends the Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS on September 21 at The Beverly Hills Hotel in California.

(Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

THE LATE Minister Obie Wilchcombe shares a moment with Burkett Turnquest and friends at his recent birthday.

THE LATE Minister Obie Wilchcombe with some members of the Sunburners football team.

SHOWN, from left to right, are Jim LaRoda, Bernard Dorsett and the late Obie Wilchcombe.

MARLINSMETS GAME POSTPONED

By MIKE FITZPATRICK AP Baseball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) —

The series opener between the Miami Marlins and New York Mets was postponed last night because of unplayable field conditions caused by Tropical Storm Ophelia.

The game will be made up today as part of a singleadmission doubleheader beginning at 4:10pm. It’s a crucial series for Miami, which began the day one game out of a National League playoff spot with six to play. The Mets are eliminated from postseason contention.

‘Nardo’ Dean pleased with bodybuilding medal haul

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH they didn’t have a full team like their counterparts, team manager Leonardo ‘Nardo’

Dean said he was still pleased with the performances of Team Bahamas at the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding Championships.

The 10-member team, selected by the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Wellness Federation, returned home from Aruba yesterday where they collected a total of four gold, three silver and two bronze with eight other top six place finishes for seventh in the field of 10 countries who participated in the event over the weekend.

“Each of the athletes competed beyond their expectations,” Dean said.

“They represented us well, from their attitude to their personalities and mixing with the other teams. They were very good representatives of the federation and the Bahamas.

“Each of those athletes did a fantastic job and we are very proud of them. Terrion (Kemp, who won his professional card in the men’s physique division) was one of them. He came under me when he got started in the sport.

“I saw the talent in him from the very beginning. I saw his discipline, his drive and his passion for the sport.

“The others didn’t get their pro cards, but as long as they stay focused and keep God first, they will become champions. All of them are champions.

“Even though who finished fourth to seventh did their job in helping us to

gain points and they were able to encourage each other when they were on stage.”

With his job done, Dean said he will now take a break away from the sport in an executive role, but will continue to work behind the scenes to assist in the further growth and development of the sport.

“This year will be the end of my season, but my aspirations for the federation is for it to continue to grow,” Dean said.

“Whoever takes over my position, I know they will do a good job helping to motivate the people and make sure all of their plans are well kept and executed.

“As for the athletes, we met with them before and after the competition and they know exactly what their homework should be to improve for next year.

“We know that we had some athletes who were hyped up to compete in their first international meet.”

With the CAC Championships going to Guyana next year, Dean said they will ensure that Team Bahamas is ready, especially as they look at the athletes who competed on the team this year and those who didn’t get to compete in their National Championships.

“Hopefully with the influx of a lot of these new athletes that we have, we will get more cohesiveness and more support from the general public as well as corporate and the government to assist us getting a bigger and better team.”

Compared to their counterparts, Dean said one of the reasons why the Bahamas can’t regain its spot as one of the top countries in the championships is

because they don’t have the funding to take the big teams like they did in the past when Bahamas dominated. “We may not be getting the gold, silver and bronze, but we’re still scoring points across the board in almost every division,” he said. “Hopefully we can send a bigger team next year and become a leader in this region once again.”

As he prepares to step down, Dean said the federation will be looking for some more vibrant persons to get involved to stay in and make their contribution to the sport in getting some fresh, new faces at the top.

Making the transition from track and field and gymnastics, Dean first got involved in the federation

in 1996 when Danny Sumner served as the president. He has worked behind the scenes until he was promoted to the executive board.

The former public relations officer also served as the national coach for Team Bahamas before he was elevated to team manager under president Joel Stubbs.

Three straight days of rain in New York left the Citi Field infield a soggy mess when the showers finally subsided late Tuesday afternoon and the tarp was removed.

Members of the Mets’ grounds crew worked for about three hours attempting to dry and smooth the infield and get the surface in playing shape. A message on the scoreboard long before the scheduled 7:10pm start alerted fans the game would be delayed, and another message read: “Tropical Storm Ophelia brought heavy precipitation to the area. We are trying to make the field conditions playable.”

NAMIBIA CHASES ELUSIVE FIRST WIN AT RUGBY WORLD CUP

FROM PAGE 13

are a lot of people talking about the good performances we are having at this Rugby World Cup. We’ve received very nice messages, too. But the truth is that if we do not win against Namibia we wouldn’t confirm this great progress.”

This is the first Rugby World Cup match between Uruguay and Namibia but their second this year. Namibia toured South America and stopped in at Montevideo last month. Namibia fought back from 12-0 down to lead 13-12 but Uruguay’s better set-piece and general play prevailed to win 26-18. Both teams have nine survivors in the starting XVs.

Uruguay is back to its best after restoring firstchoice tighthead Diego Arbelo and wing Bautista Basso, and starting flanker Carlos Deus and centre Felipe Arcos Perez, who both scored tries against Namibia in August. Namibia has reached its fourth and last match in 18 days depleted. It is without first-choice players Le Roux Malan and captain Johan Deysel in midfield, flanker Wian Conradie and fullback Divan Rossouw. Flanker Tjiuee Uanivi is captain.

MANCHESTER UNITED BEATS CRYSTAL PALACE 3-0 IN LEAGUE CUP DEFENCE

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Seven months after lifting the trophy, Manchester United made a successful start to its defence of the English League Cup yesterday by beating Crystal Palace 3-0.

Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro fired the holders into a 2-0 first-half lead at Old Trafford and Anthony Martial added a third after the break in the third-round match.

It is now back-to-back wins for Erik ten Hag’s team, which has endured a

disappointing start to the season.

The dominant performance against an understrength Palace followed Saturday’s narrow victory at Burnley and will give United fans hope the team has turned its form around.

“The mood is always good, but of course when you are not winning at United there is disappointment, and there is frustration, but the togetherness is always there,” Ten Hag said.

“We know we are not now in the position where we want to be.

“So we have to build up, we have to catch up and then you have to go from game to game, working on the process and working on the results. Don’t get too far ahead.”

The League Cup ranks fourth among English soccer’s most important trophies. But Ten Hag still savoured last season’s success.

Victory against Newcastle in February’s final at Wembley Stadium ended the club’s six-year wait for a trophy and saw Ten Hag deliver silverware in his first season at the club. He went on to also reach the FA Cup final, only to lose to Manchester City, and also guided United back into the Champions League to mark an impressive campaign.

Things have not gone so well this term, with his team losing four out of five games before beating Burnley 1-0.

This latest victory was far more convincing, even if Palace benched regular starters Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Joachim Anderson and was also without forward Odsonne Edouard.

Ten Hag also made changes with Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund on the bench and Christian Eriksen absent. Mason Mount, however, made his first appearance since Aug. 19

after returning from an injury.

Garnacho fired United ahead in the 21st minute after converting Diogo Dalot’s cutback in the box.

His low shot had too much power for Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who had only just come on as a substitute for the injured Dean Henderson.

Johnstone was tested again moments later when Dalot blasted an effort from an angle, which the keeper blocked.

He was beaten again, however, in the 27th, this time by Casemiro, who headed in Mount’s corner to double United’s lead.

Martial added a third 10 minutes into the second half when firing across goal after meeting Casemiro’s looping ball to the far post.

United plays Palace again in the Premier League on Saturday and the Londoners showed their threat when twice forcing saves from ‘keeper Andre Onana later in the match. But

manager Roy Hodgson did not sound confident about securing a different outcome when the teams next meet.

“We are going to have to become a totally different team in the way we approach the game and the way we play the game,” he said.

CUP UPSETS

Third-division Exeter produced a shock 1-0 win against Luton to knock the Premier League club out of the competition. Luton made 10 changes from the team that picked up its first topflight point of the season against Wolverhampton on Saturday, but the result will still go down as a big upset.

Demetri Mitchell scored the winner in the 83rd, but Exeter had to see out the game with 10 men after he was sent off in the 88th.

Wolverhampton was also eliminated after throwing away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at seconddivision Ipswich. Hwang Hee-Chan and Toti Gomes

had seemingly put the visitors on course for the next round after goals inside the first 15 minutes. But Omari Hutchinson, Freddie Ladapo and Jack Taylor sealed a comeback win for Ipswich.

BURNLEY ADVANCES

Burnley is still waiting for its first win in the league this season, but it is powering on in the cup after a 4-0 win against Salford City, the fourth division club co-owned by Manchester United greats including David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.

Elsewhere, Middlesbrough beat Bradford 2-0 and Port Vale won 2-1 against Sutton United. Fourth-division Mansfield beat third-division Peterborough 3-1 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. Lucas Akins’ penalty to even the score in the 93rd had sent the game to a shootout.

TEAM manager Nardo Dean, centre, with Ricardo Gibson and Tim Rolle on their return home.

FEDERATION president Joel Stubbs, wearing tie, poses with Team Bahamas on their return home.

Jonquel helps Liberty beat Sun 84-77 to even semifinals series at 1-1

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) —

Sabrina Ionescu scored 21 points and Betnijah Laney added 20 to help the New York Liberty beat the Connecticut Sun 84-77 last night, evening the best-offive series at 1-1.

Jonquel Jones also posted a double double for the Liberty with 11 points, 13 rebounds and two assists.

Game 3 is Friday night in Connecticut. New York led 59-57 to start the fourth quarter before the team went on a 13-5 run to start the period.

Breanna Stewart, who was having a rough offensive night hours after she was honoured as the WNBA’s MVP, hit her first 3-pointer of the series to cap the spurt and give the Liberty a 72-62 advantage.

Stewart had missed her first 11 3s in the opening two games. Connecticut was able to get within striking distance a few times after that, but Laney answered with key

3-pointers. Her second one made it 80-70 with 2:55 left. Laney was coming off a rough Game 1 where she had just three points.

The Sun scored five straight to make one final push, trailing 80-75 with 1:43 left before Ionescu hit two free throws and then got a steal on the next possession to seal the win.

Tiffany Hayes scored 30 points and DeWanna Bonner added 19 to lead Connecticut.

The Liberty, who scored a season-low 63 points in Game 1, trailed by four at the half before getting going in the third quarter. They were down 47-45 before scoring 11 straight, including Stewart’s first basket of the game.

New York was up 59-50 with 4:14 left in the third before going scoreless the rest of the period as the Sun cut their deficit to 59-57.

Before the game, Stewart was awarded the league’s MVP trophy by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert much to the delight of the

sellout crowd that included Grammy award winner Alicia Keys. Stewart edged Connecticut’s Alyssa Thomas and Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson in one of the closest races ever for the award. The entire Liberty team wore MVP Stewart shirts in warmups. The Liberty were up 14-7 before

Connecticut closed the first quarter on 15-2 run to take 22-16 advantage. Hayes had 12 points in the opening 10 minutes. The Sun continued that spurt extended the lead to 30-18 before the Liberty scored seven straight during a 10-4 run to get in the game. Stewart scored her first

points of the game on two free throws in that burst.

New York closed to within 37-36 on Ionescu’s transition 3-pointer with under a minute to go in the half, the Liberty’s first fastbreak points in the series. The Sun led 42-38 at the half behind Hayes’ 17 points and 11 from Bonner.

SCORES OF BAHAMIANS SHOW UP TO PAY THEIR LAST RESPECTS TO COACH FRANKYLN WILLIAMS

FROM PAGE 13

electrician.

However, Williams ventured back to his first love - track and field - as he got two of his eight children, Mizpha and Franklyn Williams Jr, to follow in his footsteps.

They took it a bit further as they went on to

represent the Bahamas at the CARIFTA Games.

He eventually formed the 4-D Stallions, using the logo “Desire, Determination, Dedication and Discipline,” in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations.

BAAA president Drumeco Archer lauded coach Williams for the

remarkable job he has done with the club, producing one of the bright young stars on this year’s CARIFTA team in Darvinique Dean, who is now a member of the Red-Line Athletics Track Club and a student of St Augustine’s College.

His brother Kevin spoke about how coach Williams

was actively involved in church and together they sang with their other deceased brothers in a popular group called the “Gospel Brothers.”

He noted that not having a car, coach Williams was dedicated to fulfilling his obligations and on time to his family, church, work and the 4-D Stallions.

BARCELONA’S WINNING STREAK ENDS WITH 2-2 DRAW

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer

MADRID (AP) — Barcelona’s five-game winning streak in the Spanish league ended with a 2-2 draw at Mallorca yesterday.

Barcelona twice came from behind to salvage the point. It had won five in a row after opening with a draw at Getafe. It also won in its Champions League debut against Antwerp last Tuesday.

The result left the Catalan club in danger of relinquishing the lead when the remaining midweek games are played. It leads

Girona by one point and Real Madrid by two points.

Girona visits Villarreal today, while Madrid hosts promoted Las Palmas. “We conceded two goals after defensive mistakes and we can’t allow that to happen,” Barcelona coach Xavi said. “It’s a shame, we lost two points because of these mistakes.”

Mallorca, which squandered a few good chances on counterattacks, has just one win so far and is sitting near the relegation zone with six points. “It was a fair result, we are satisfied,” Mallorca’s Mexican coach Javier

Aguirre said. “A victory would have been too much for us today.”

Mallorca was coming off a 5-3 loss at Girona.

The hosts opened the scoring through Vedat Muriqi in the eighth minute before Raphinha equalised in the 41st.

Abdon Prats put Mallorca ahead again just before halftime, and Fermin López sealed the draw in the 75th with what was his first league goal for the Catalan club.

Barcelona had a penalty kick awarded in the 66th, but the decision was reversed by video review.

Williams was married to Audrey Williams and along with their children, he leaves behind four sisters and a brother.

His only uncle Ronald Williams said coach Williams will be sorely missed because he was so committed to living his life to the fullest. May his soul rest in peace.

A LOOK at what’s happening in European soccer today:

ENGLAND

Newcastle hosts Manchester City in the third round of the English League Cup today. City has made a 100% start to the season, while Newcastle routed Sheffield United 8-0 on Sunday. Newcastle was beaten by Manchester United in last season’s final and is still waiting for its first major trophy since 1969. City won everything but the League Cup last season when it completed a trophy treble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. Other all-Premier League clashes include Aston Villa vs. Everton, Brentford vs. Arsenal and Chelsea vs. Brighton. Liverpool hosts Leicester.

SPAIN

Real Madrid looks to rebound from its first loss of the season when it hosts promoted Las Palmas in the Spanish league. Madrid had won its first five league games before losing 3-1 at city rival Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Vinícius Júnior is expected to make his return after missing the match against Atletico because of a stomach illness. The Brazil forward had been out before that with a hamstring issue. Las Palmas defeated Granada in the previous round for its first win of the season. Girona, which entered the midweek games tied at the top with Barcelona, visits Villarreal looking for its six straight victory. In other matches, Athletic Bilbao hosts Getafe, Rayo Vallecano visits Cadiz and Real Sociedad is at Valencia.

ITALY

Inter Milan will be looking to continue its perfect start to the Serie A season when it hosts Sassuolo. Inter has won all five of its Italian league matches, conceding just one goal in the process. However, it found it harder than perhaps expected before winning 1-0 at bottom club Empoli at the weekend and faces a Sassuolo team full of confidence after a 4-2 victory over Juventus. AC Milan is just three points behind its city rival and hosts Claudio Ranieri’s Cagliari, which is still seeking its first win back in Serie A. Udinese and Salernitana are also winless and play defending champion Napoli and Empoli respectively. Last season’s runner-up Lazio is surprisingly struggling and it hosts Torino, while Atalanta travels to Hellas Verona.

GERMANY

Two-time champion

Leipzig begins its German Cup defence at Wehen Wiesbaden, which has lost its last two games and failed to win any of its last four in the second division. Leipzig has made a fine start to season, winning its last four Bundesliga games after an opening defeat at Bayer Leverkusen. Wiesbaden will be hoping the visitors are distracted by their upcoming league game against Bayern Munich on Saturday.

SEVILLA WINS

AGAIN

Sevilla scored twice in the first 10 minutes and went on to rout Almeria 5-1 for its second league win of the season.

Youssef En-Nesyri scored in the seventh minute and Dodi Lukebakio in the eighth, then Suso added another in the 38th before Erik Lamela and Kike Salas closed the scoring in the second half.

It was the fifth loss for Almeria, which remains the only team yet to win a match. Almeria next hosts Granada, while Sevilla visits Barcelona.

BARCELONA’s Robert Lewandowski reacts during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Mallorca and Barcelona at the Son Moix stadium in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, yesterday.

(AP Photo/ Francisco Ubilla)

SHOWN, from left to right, are track and field officials, NACAC

president Mike Sands, technician Rev Trevor Moss and coaches Rupert Gardiner and Shaun Miller Sr.

SUN forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa, left, blocks a shot by Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35) during Game 2 of a WNBA basketball playoffs semifinal last night in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

OVERALL CHAMPIONS EMERGE IN NEW PROVIDENCE CYCLING ASSOCIATION’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLASSIC

THE New Providence Cycling Association held its Back-To-School Cycling Classic on Sunday with Felix Neely and Ilaria Gervasini emerging as the overall champions in the men’s and ladies’ divisions.

Open Male - 24 miles

1st - Felix Neely - 1 hr.11mins.30 sec. 2nd - Barron Musgrove Jr - 1hr.11mins.32secs. 3rd - TJ Paul - 1 hr.11mins.53secs.

Open Female - 24 miles

1st - Ilaria Gervasini - 1 hr.25mins.34ses.

Boys 15-17 years - 24 miles

1st Enea Gervasini - 1hr.11mins.39 secs.

2nd - Brian Burrows - 1 hr.27mins.18secs.

Boys 12- 14 years - 12 miles

1st - Jayden Smith - 33mins.03secs. 2nd

- Tristian Johnson - 36 mins.15secs. 3rdNathaniel Adderley - 46 mins.41secs. 4th

- KJ Cargrill - 50 mins.10secs.

Girls 12- 14 years - 6 miles

1st - Taylor Knowles - 23mins.04 secs.

Boys 9- 11yrs - 6 miles

1st - Anthony Knowles Jr - 23 mins.05secs.

Knicks would interest Magic Johnson

FROM PAGE 13

“That one you would really have to think about, in terms of being a minority owner of that team,” he said. “But other than that, I would just stay with the Lakers and even with my role now, just being a fan, I’m happy just doing that with the Lakers because, again, I bleed purple and gold.”

Johnson, who was in charge when the Lakers signed LeBron James, believes they can play for a second NBA title in five years.

“I think they’re going to be the best team in the West this year,” Johnson said.

Johnson, 64, had to retire as a Lakers player in 1991 after contracting HIV. Former NBA Commissioner David Stern allowed him to return and play in the 1992 All-Star Game, a decision Johnson believes helped encourage and educate people in the fight against AIDS.

He remains a passionate advocate for health education and yesterday led a discussion about the risks of RSV, a contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages that causes an estimated 14,000 deaths annually in adults 65 and over.

“I’ve always talked about, whether it was HIV, AIDS and now RSV, it’s really important that I come to the people,” he said of GlaxoSmithKline’s “Sideline RSV” campaign.

“It’s one thing to do a commercial, it’s another thing to be live and in person and shake people’s hands and really tell them: ‘Look, get your physicals. If you’re feeling something, go to the doctor,’ because a lot of times what happens, we don’t go when we first feel something, right, and RSV, you can be a healthy person and don’t even know you have it.”

Johnson told the audience that early detection helped him when he was infected with HIV. He said he gets a physical every January and receives recommended vaccinations, with one for RSV now available.

“I’m trying to be here for a long time,” he said, “so sign a brother up.”

EAGLES’ DEFENCE CONTINUES TO SHUT DOWN RUNNING GAMES AND FORCE TURNOVERS IN 3-0 START

By DAN GELSTON

Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— Jalen Hurts, the “ tush push” and suddenly one of the best rushing offences in the NFL get the bulk of the love for the Eagles’ second straight 3-0 start.

Don’t forget about the defence.

The Eagles’ D — full of new starters and new defensive coordinator Sean Desai — has been downright dominant over the first three games. They produced their best effort of the season in a 25-11 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a game that put the spotlight on Jalen Carter, Darius Slay Jr., Jordan Davis and the rest of the defence.

And one sure to put the rest of the NFL on notice.

The Eagles have allowed just 145 yards rushing — total! — in three games on 48 carries. That’s a bit over 48 yards per game and 3.02 yards per carry. The longest run allowed over that span is just 12 yards.

Tampa Bay had yet to turn the ball over in its first two games, both wins, until it ran into the Eagles. Baker Mayfield threw an interception and there was a lost fumble and a safety. That’s about as stout as limiting Minnesota to 28 yards rushing in Week 2. Or Slay’s pick-6 in the opener against New England. Turns out, Philadelphia’s most explosive plays are happening on defence.

“This defence is awesome. I love the defence,” said Carter, this year’s first-round draft pick. “Everybody trusts one another. Everybody plays their role and do what they got to do. And if somebody is going down, it’s that next man up and we are not worried about who the next man is.”

Carter actually forced two fumbles; the first one was recovered by Tampa Bay. The second came on the next play when he punched the ball out of running back Rachaad White’s arms. James Bradberry recovered that one.

“That’s why you got to punch as hard as you can to try to get the ball out,” Carter said. “Running backs work on holding the ball and keeping it protected. I feel like if you push hard enough, you can get it out.”

WHAT’S WORKING

The jokes ran wild on social media all night and even the Eagles had fun with the fact they have their own Kelce-Swift connection.

Unlike the Chiefs — who are the talk of the NFL thank to Taylor Swift’s visit to Kansas City to watch Travis Kelce play — the Eagles are getting production out of their Swift. With centre (and Travis’ brother) Jason Kelce anchoring the offensive line, running back D’Andre Swift continues to play like the pickup of the offseason. A week after running for a career-high 175 yards, Swift ran for

130 yards on 16 attempts. He rushed for 100 yards in consecutive games for the second time in his career and the first time since 2021.

WHAT NEEDS HELP

A.J. Brown had a big game after beefing with Hurts on the sideline in the previous game, but the early season pattern of only one receiver getting the bulk of the receptions continued. Dallas Goedert was shut out in the opener and DeVonta Smith had only four catches for 28 yards on Monday.

Yes, there’s only one ball, and Swift’s fantastic start means fewer opportunities to throw, but Hurts and offensive coordinator

Brian Johnson are surely aware they’ll have to spread the love to keep everyone happy.

STOCK UP

Britain Covey’s careerlong 52-yard punt return in the first quarter was the longest for an Eagles player since 2020. He also had a 30-yard return and returns of 14 and 15 yards, giving a needed boost to Philadelphia’s field position.

STOCK DOWN

Much like last season, when the Eagles are on, it’s hard to find anyone not playing well. Hurts (who played despite flu-like symptoms) did throw two interceptions and was late on a few throws, meaning he still has work ahead to

reach last season’s MVP runner-up level. But he still accounted for two touchdowns and the Eagles are 3-0.

Yes, Eagles fans want more from Hurts — and he’s clearly aware he can improve — but it’s hard to argue with the bottom line.

INJURIES

WR Quez Watkins (hamstring) and RB Boston Scott (concussion) were inactive. S Justin Evans (neck) left the game in the first quarter.

KEY NUMBER

25-11. — Scorigami! The game was the first in NFL history that ended 25-11 and it was the 1,078th unique final score in league history.

AP

TAMPA Bay Buccaneers’ Rachaad White (1) fumbles as he is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Carter (98) and Sydney Brown (21) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday night. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

WINNERS, from left, are third place TJ Paul, runner-up Barron Musgrove Jr and winner Felix Neely. JUNIOR champion Enea Gervasini.

LADIES’ champion Ilaria Gervasini.

COMPETITORS show off their hardware won in the THE New Providence Cycling Association held its Back-To-School Cycling Classic on Sunday.

Wall Street falls sharply as its September slump gets even worse

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer

WALL Street’s ugly September got even worse Tuesday, as a sharp drop for stocks brought them back to where they were in June.

The S&P 500 tumbled 1.5% for its fifth loss in the last six days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 388 points, or 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite lost 1.6%.

September has brought a loss of 5.2% so far for the S&P 500, putting it on track to be the worst month of the year by far, as the realization sets in that the Federal Reserve will indeed keep interest rates high for a long time. That growing understanding has sent yields in the bond market to their highest levels in more than a decade, which in turn has undercut prices for stocks and other investments.

Treasury yields rose again Thursday following a mixed batch of reports on the economy.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged up to 4.55% from 4.54% late Monday and is near its highest level since 2007. It’s up sharply from about 3.50% in May and from 0.50% about three years ago.

The rise in yields means bonds “now seem reasonable after a long time, but stocks still do not,” according to strategists at Barclays led by Ajay Rajadhyaksha.

One economic report on Tuesday showed confidence among consumers was weaker than economists expected. That’s concerning because strong spending by U.S. households has been a bulwark keeping the economy out of a long-predicted recession.

A separate report said sales of new homes across the country slowed by more last month than economists expected, while a third report suggested manufacturing in Maryland, the Virginias and the Carolinas may be steadying itself

following a more than yearlong slump.

While housing and manufacturing have felt the sting of high interest rates, the economy overall has held up well enough to raise worries that upward pressure still exists on inflation. That pushed the Fed last week to say it will likely cut interest rates by less next year than earlier expected.

The Fed’s main interest rate is at its highest level since

2001 in its drive to get inflation back down to its target.

Besides high interest rates, a long list of other worries is also tugging at Wall Street. The most immediate is the threat of another U.S. government shutdown as Capitol Hill threatens a stalemate that could shut off federal services across the country.

Wall Street has dealt with such shutdowns in the past, and stocks have historically

been turbulent in the runup to them, according to Lori Calvasina, strategist at RBC Capital Markets.

After looking at the seven shutdowns that lasted 10 days or more since the 1970s, she found the S&P 500 dropped an average of roughly 10% in the three months heading into them. But stocks managed to hold up rather well during the shutdowns, falling an average of just 0.3%, before rebounding meaningfully afterward.

Besides the threat of higher interest rates for longer, Wall Street is also contending with higher oil prices, shaky economies around the world, a strike by U.S. auto workers that could put more upward pressure on inflation and a resumption of U.S.

student-loan repayments that could dent spending by households.

On Wall Street, the vast majority of stocks fell Tuesday under such pressures, including 90% of those within the S&P 500.

Big Tech stocks tend to be among the hardest hit by high rates, and they were the heaviest weights on the index. Apple fell 2.3% and Microsoft lost 1.7%.

Amazon tumbled 4% after the Federal Trade Commission and 17 state attorneys general filed an antitrust lawsuit against it. They accuse the e-commerce behemoth of using its dominant position to inflate prices on other platforms, overcharge sellers and stifle competition.

A PRESS conference by Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell is displayed on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. The Federal Reserve left its key interest rate unchanged for the second time in its past three meetings, a sign that it’s moderating its fight against inflation as price pressures have eased.

Photo:Seth Wenig/AP

Three groups eyeing BISX digital assets partnership

from potential partners in developing the exchange in a digital asset manner and other non-traditional avenues.”

Asked how serious these “partners” are, and how far their plans and discussions with BISX have progressed, Mr Davies replied: “Everyone who comes to us expresses that they are extremely serious. There is a due diligence process we go through. We have an internal framework that we follow for the engagement of potential partners, and also the approval of their plans. “We are at various stages with these individuals. I know there are three entities that have expressed significant interest in what

they would wish to work with us on, and we’ll see where that goes.” The BISX chief was anxious to manage the expectations of investors and other market participants by indicating that any agreement or partnership remains some ways off.

“Just to put this in perspective, we have these approaches from time and again,” he told Tribune Business. “It’s not uncommon that we go through this process with these entities. I want to manage expectations. It goes through a process, and is not done until it is done. We will see where it goes; don’t over-anticipate and set unrealistic expectations because then there is a let down.

“We are going through a very methodical process that is very transparent at the end of the day. Once we reach that point, we intend to let persons know who, what, when, where and why.” That would include BISX’s primary regulator, the Securities Commission of The Bahamas, which has to approve any digital assets partnership or venture involving the exchange.

Mr Davies, meanwhile, pointed out that digital assets do not mean crypto currency. “Digital securities are the future of securities in the world,” he explained.

“People need to understand that this is not crypto currency. Digitisation of securities really essentially means we have elements of blockchain, but it’s literally having a programmable

security where things are built into that security.

“That allows its trading, that allows its ownership, that allows its accessibility or not to be controlled. When you place certain securities in that environment, you can do more. Your costs go down and more people have access. This is a natural evolution of the securities market. Stock exchanges around the world and regulators around the world are preparing for this, talking about this.

“It behooves us to be part of this as time goes on, as we prepare and continue to prepare ourselves even more. One of the things we are doing is having persons in-house that continue to gain expertise. We are gathering expertise

Bahamians were more interested in ‘socialising’ than digital training

FROM PAGE A24

The project’s ultimate goal is to “foster the development of digital skills of the displaced workforce and self-employed persons in The Bahamas, and to connect them with new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities”. However, despite solving the trainee behaviour issues, the IDB report said the initiative is not without other challenges.

“The primary concern lies in candidates withdrawing from the training programme after being accepted due to various factors such as health issues, family responsibilities or securing a job that lacks flexible working hours.

While we strive to accommodate their requests to the best of our abilities, there are instances where circumstances are beyond our control. Nevertheless, our dedicated team is readily available to offer continuous support onsite,” project managers said.

As to the project’s biggest success, they added: “Conducting virtual training has proven to be highly advantageous, as it allows candidates from other Family Islands to participate, which might not have been feasible otherwise.

Despite their keen interest, certain circumstances occasionally hinder their

ability to attend regularly or punctually.

“However, we recently organised a live event, marking the first time since the inception of the training, and it was gratifying to witness numerous graduates from Family Islands making their way to Nassau. The event not only brought visibility to the training but also garnered enthusiasm from government entities such as the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Department of Labour. These entities have shown great interest in the training’s success.”

The IDB has partnered on the project with the Avasant Foundation, a foundation that has spent the past six years teaching digital skills in multiple Caribbean countries, with more than 90 percent of graduates placed in the private sector.

“The Bahamas is now at a critical juncture where saving lives due to the health consequences of COVID-19 must also be balanced with saving livelihoods directly affected by the economic impact of the crisis,” the IDB said in an earlier position paper justifying the project.

“The disruption in commercial and business activities across sectors such as tourism, financial services and retail and services has caused many companies to re-think the

Legal Notice

WEMIX BAHAMAS LLC

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No.45 of 2000)

In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the dissolution of WEMIX BAHAMAS LLC has been completed, a Certifcate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the Dissolution was 4th day of September, 2023.

Crowe Bahamas Liquidator

LEGAL NOTICE

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION HOLDINGS INC.

In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act. 2000, ROCKWELL AUTOMATION HOLDINGS INC. is in dissolution as of September 21, 2023

MERLION ADMINISTRATIONS INC situated at Withfeld Tower, Third Floor, 4792 Coney Drive, P.O. Box 1777, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator.

way they do business and seek ways to incorporate new innovations or digital tools as they pivot their business models to adapt to the ‘new normal’.....

“Therefore, businesses must find creative ways to build a knowledge-based economy that improves productivity, competitiveness and prospects for economic growth in a future

that is uncertain. This situation is further compounded by the relatively low digital and technological skills of the workforce at every level in these companies.”

Turning to the project’s intended 500 beneficiaries, the IDB said: “Most of these displaced workers who have been temporarily or permanently laid off are from families with an

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that MAGDALENE MARCELLA NÉE BELL-ALBURY, General Delivery of Lower Bogue, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 27th day of September 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

and knowledge to be able to deliver on that promise of an innovative stock exchange.”

Mr Davies told Tribune Business that BISX had received promising indications that there are “a lot of irons in the fire” in the domestic Bahamian capital markets when it comes to potential new debt and equity capital raises and listings. “There are some debt instruments that we expect will be there, and go through, preference share and debt instruments, from private companies to be listed on the exchange,” he disclosed. “We have gotten reports from industry players that there are a lot of irons in the fire and we expect to be beneficiaries of that work. We’ve received

average of 3.4 people per household. Therefore the indirect beneficiaries of the project can be estimated as 1,700 family members that experienced loss of income due to the pandemic.

“Priority will be given to participants from low income households with the aptitude to undertake the training programme, and will target at least a

some positive indications of equity listings as well, but this is all contingent on the market. The signs are promising, I will say that, and I’m encouraged by what I’m seeing in the marketplace.”

The BISX chief executive added that the exchange has also received promising signals from the investment fund industry on more mutual fund listings once it fully shrugs off COVID era uncertainty and puts monies “back to work”. He added: “The message that is coming back to us is we’re beginning to come back. We’re looking at structures and expect to be approaching you in the future. All we can do is wait and be prepared for when they move.”

50 percent female participation rate. In The Bahamas, female-headed households have a higher rate of poverty at 9.7 percent as opposed to the poverty rate of 7.9 percent among households headed by men. Additionally, 40 percent of self-employed participants will adopt digital business models.”

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE SNOW GOOSE LIMITED

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) SNOW GOOSE LIMITED is in voluntary dis solution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 25th September, 2023 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(c) The Liquidator of the said company is CST Ad ministration (Bahamas) Limited, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, Nassau, Bahamas. Dated this 27th day of September, 2023

CST Administration (Bahamas) Limited Liquidator

away at the little profitability of the business and, I mean, I don’t know how most of them are really making it.

“But they are complaining. They don’t know how long they’re going to be able to continue with it. That’s across the board; from the chains to the individual ones. For some of them, the increases are as low as about 50 percent, and as high as about 80 percent to 85 percent compared to where it was.

“In some cases, the operators who were paying $5,000-plus per month, the bills they are receiving now are as much as $9,000-plus. Some of them that were $20,000-plus, their bills are now about $50,000. In some cases, it’s just doubled. That’s what we’re faced with. It’s like a stranglehold on you. They’re all complaining about it.”

Given BPL’s status as a monopoly supplier, Mr Beneby said there was little the food distribution and retail industry can do but “hope for the best” and that the fuel charge portion of bills will soon reduce to market rates as promised by the Davis administration. In the meantime, to maintain their commercial viability and survive this period, he explained that many operators will have no choice but to pass a portion of the increased energy costs on to consumers via higher food prices.

“This is about as high as we’ve seen it for as long as I can remember,” he added. “They [the operators] cannot absorb it themselves for any length of time. The only thing they can do is try and pass it on as slow as they can.” However, to do

this, Bahamian food stores and wholesalers must first overcome the bureaucracy and delays associated with price controls, as a significant portion of their inventories are subject to such restrictions.

Asked how difficult the industry’s trading environment is at present, Mr Beneby replied: “It’s not easy, Neil. I can tell you that much. It’s a difficult field to be in at this time. It’s not easy for sure. That’s all we can do; hang in there, hang in there. That’s all we can do for as long as we can.”

The Association’s president was backed by two of his largest members. Rupert Roberts, Super Value’s principal, told this newspaper in a recent interview that higher gas prices (transportation costs) and BPL were increasingly eating into the 13-store chain’s profit margins, although its ongoing company-wide solar roll-out will eventually mitigate this and reduce energy costs.

“The gas stations and BPL are taking our sales. It’s cutting into the grocery budget [of consumers],” Mr Roberts said. His comments were echoed by Gavin Watchorn, president and chief executive of BISXlisted AML Foods, who told shareholders in the Solomon’s and Cost Right operator’s 2024 first quarter report that higher BPL costs were shrinking profit margins.

“Although sales for the quarter improved over the previous year, inflation pressures continue to impact our business. Expense increases, such as utilities and wages, as well as shrink have had a negative impact on our margins, and customers’ shopping behaviours demonstrate that their spending capacity remains limited,” Mr Watchorn wrote.

While sales for the three months to end-July 2023 rose by $3.2m, or 7.2m, to $47m year-over-year, AML Foods saw its profits decline 46.3 percent against 2022 comparatives. They dropped to $690,000 as opposed to $1.284m for

the prior year, with the group’s cost of sales rising by $2.62m to $32.63m. In addition, sales and administrative expenses jumped by nearly $1m, matching the sales rise with a 7.2 percent increase to $13.377m from $12.476m.

Food retailers are among BPL’s largest customers because they consume large quantities of energy to run their refrigeration and other systems on a 24-hour seven days per week basis to prevent perishables and other stock from spoiling, Manufacturers, too, have comparable energy demands for similar reasons.

Caribbean Bottling’s Mr Wells told Tribune Business: “Our electricity bill today is more than 100 percent higher than what it was a year ago. It has more than doubled without reservation. Obviously, it’s significant from a profit and cash flow perspective. It’s right across the board. From a residential standpoint, I don’t know how people are coping with it. It’s really significant.”

He voiced scepticism as to how much BPL’s fuel charge will reduce given expectations that global oil prices will soon hit $100 per barrel again, although for the minute they appear to have stabilised at $91.02 per barrel on the West Texas Intermediate index, and $94.58 for Brent Crude, as this newspaper went to press last night.

“It’s really a challenge for ourselves and, I have to say it’s pretty much the same for every other business in town at the moment,” Mr Wells added. “I keep reading these messages that it [BPL’s fuel charge] should start coming down soon. I hope that is the case, but time will tell. I suspect it’s going to be a challenge in seeing it drop down from the standpoint that a barrel of oil keeps increasing. It’s a challenge to say the fuel charge is going down when fuel costs are going up.

“The flip side of that is it’s also pushing companies to increase prices to try and recoup the loss. It has a

negative impact all-around. The cost of electricity is ultimately higher than I have ever seen it before.”

Ms McIntosh, though, voiced fears that increasing hotel rates to counter BPL’s escalating costs will at some point make Abaco and other destinations too expensive and cost them their repeat visitor customer base. While the Bluff House has enjoyed a 15 percent increase in business for 2023 to-date compared to 2019, even without the marina fuel business that existed pre-Dorian, she added that surging energy costs threaten to put a damper on this.

While the Bluff House is presently closed to resort guests until October for refurbishment and cleaning, Ms McIntosh said she had felt the impact in her own bill. “Personally, my biggest bill up to now has been $581, but then it went to $1,295,” she disclosed. “You can imagine that got me looking at other places to live.

“It really, really had an impact on me personally and, business wise, we’re losing money because the electricity rates have gone up and we haven’t raised our rates. It’s not just the Bluff House, but Green Turtle Cay and the whole of Abaco. We’ve really been hit hard.

“If my electricity bill is like that again I’m definitely going to have to look at somewhere else to live. If you’re spending more money than you’re making, there’s only so much that you can do. I love it here. I’ve been through the mill. I stayed through the hurricane, after the hurricane, saw such progress and people coming together. You get hit with things like this, and it’s a little dismaying,” the Bluff House chief added.

“They say it’s going to go down. We will see very soon whether I get another bill for $1,295. I’ll have to do something. That’s not sustainable on my salary. It’s very likely you will see people leave because they cannot pay the bill. Solar

would be great, but the initial investment to buy it and have to put it in is beyond a lot of people’s reality.”

The $1,295 bill was issued for the period July 20 to August 18.

Ms McIntosh said she and others “wouldn’t mind paying a bit more money” to BPL if it resulted in better service and more reliable, consistent power supply as opposed to frequent outages “half the time” and appliances being fried. She added that Abaco’s post-Dorian rebound, and projected future economic growth, meant more investment in the island’s energy infrastructure is required.

The Bluff House will likely have to consider raising its rates to visiting boaters for using the marina’s electricity by between five-ten cents per kilowatt hour as the property has to cover its costs. Summer room rates may also have to be adjusted. “I hope we don’t lose business,” Ms McIntosh said. “In Abaco we have a lot of repeat business. People have a loyal following and they keep coming back, but how long will that continue before price increases send them somewhere else?

“Our business so far this year is 15 percent over what we made for 2019 [pre-Dorian]. Every day brings out reservations for November, January, March and some periods are already sold out - June and July. We’re booking reservations for both the marina and the restaurant. Normally this time of year things slow down a bit in terms of reservations, but they are piling in. It is really busy.”

BPL’s all-in electricity rates increased by 70 percent for the period JuneAugust 2023, compared to October 2022, due to the imposition of a so-called ‘glide path’ strategy to recover fuel costs that the utility had failed to recoup from passing them on to customers. This resulted in the utility’s fuel charge increasing by some 163 percent from 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour (KWh) in October 2022 to 27.6 cents for that three-month summer period.

Both the Government and BPL will be hoping

that the fuel charge “glide path’s” impact will be relatively short-lived, and businesses will be able to survive soaring energy costs over the remaining months of 2023 prior to the ‘glide path’s end at the close of the 2024 first quarter. The fuel charge shown in customer bills will then return to reflecting the market rates at which BPL buys its fuel.

BPL last week told this newspaper that some 44 percent of its “under-recovered” fuel costs remain to be recouped over the ‘glide path’s’ final seven months. The glide path rates, which peaked alongside summer consumption, indicate BPL back-loaded its reclamation to coincide with when businesses and households using more than 800 kilowatt hours (KWh) per billing period were at maximum electricity usage.

The Government has never precisely stated how much this fuel “underrecovery” is costing the Bahamian people and businesses. However, Alfred Sears, ex-minister for public works and utilities, who then had responsibility for BPL, last October informed the House of Assembly that the utility’s debt to Shell was around $90m.

The $90m debt to Shell was accrued because BPL held its fuel charge at the hedged 10.5 cents per KWh price even after the trades to secure extra cut-price volumes were not executed by the Davis administration. This resulted in BPL having to buy increasing fuel volumes at higher global market spot prices, but the full cost was not passed on to consumers as the 10.5 cents rate insufficient to cover this BPL’s fuel costs are supposed to be passed on 100 percent to consumers by law, and government officials last October conceded that it had cost taxpayers “tens of millions of dollars” to hold the utility’s fuel charge at 10.5 cents. With the Government prevented from providing direct subsidies, the higher BPL fuel charges are required to reimburse the Government for paying-off Shell’s debts and effectively keeping the lights on.

JUNKANOO BEACH CHIEF BACKS MANAGEMENT COMPANY IDEA

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE JUNKANOO Beach Association's (JBA) president yesterday argued that his group would be the best management authority to administer the destination should the Government choose to outsource this responsibility.

Barron Coley-Austin told Tribune Business he welcomed the concept of a management group taking control of how Junkanoo Beach is run while

advocating that the Association, which represents area vendors, would be bestsuited to the task.

An estimated 300 people are now employed by activities at Junkanoo Beach, with some 25 vendors also operating at the site. It is said to be vastly improved compared to the “garbage and prostitute-riddled area" it was some 15 years ago when the first vendors opened in an effort to commercialise the area for Bahamians.

The Downtown Nassau Partnership (DNP) had expressed interest in

incorporating Junkanoo Beach into its plans for the overall redevelopment of the downtown area, to which Mr Coley-Austin said: “I think it will be good for us. I believe that there will always be pros and cons, but I think we have to start somewhere and I believe, as Bahamians, we just have to start working with one another. We have to put all of our differences aside and stop being sceptical of one another.”

The Downtown Nassau Partnership has previously said it was a mistake to allow Junkanoo Beach

to develop in the ad-hoc, unplanned way it has evolved over the years. It added that it had a vision to turn the entire strip from The Pointe all the way down to Arawak Cay into a waterfront restaurant and entertainment venue.

In response, Mr ColeyAustin said: “If they want to put in a management group, we already have a constitutional body and we have a constitution approved by the Government. So even if they want to bring someone in, I think we will all have to have an opportunity to sit at the table.

“For me, I am very apprehensive when I hear about all of these ideas flying about because I have been here for five administrations and I have seen ideas come and go all the time. Hopefully this will manifest into something meaningful, but we are prepared to work with anyone that wants to enhance the Bahamian experience and give Bahamians opportunities.”

The idea of appointing a management group for the Junkanoo Beach area even made it to a formal tender process under the former Minnis administration, but

no winning bidder was ever selected. Mr Coley-Austin said: “It took us five years to get it all done and legalised, so no matter what they bring to the table, they have to have us included. The minister (Chester Cooper) has said that we have to be included, and the Senator (Randy Rolle) said that we have to keep you informed. We are prepared to work with everyone, and if it’s a management company and they are prepared to abide by our constitution that is already in place, then it could be a beneficial thing.”

Gov’t: Communications sector regulation requires full review

of Things (IoT), the Government and URCA are confronted with a key challenge of how best to protect citizens and residents of The Bahamas, ensure fair markets and enforce regulations, while simultaneously allowing these new technologies, services and service providers to flourish....

“As The Bahamas embarks upon digital transformation, the security and resilience of the telecommunications infrastructure from cyber-attack becomes critical to our continued progress and national growth. Cyber attacks can involve the theft or destruction of data/ information; the theft of financial assets or services; or the destruction of network infrastructure. S

“Such attacks can be directed at the Government, firms or private individuals, and significantly disrupt communications services dependent on functioning communications networks. The Government will therefore support the development of a new

generation of technologies and regulatory measures that protect against cyber attacks and maintain a resilient telecommunications infrastructure that provide secure, trustworthy and sustainable electronic communications services and networks in The Bahamas.”

Summing up what this all means, the draft sector policy said: “While some amendments were made to the legal and regulatory framework since 2009, having regard to above stated changes, the Government considers that a comprehensive review of the legal and regulatory framework is now necessary.

“The Government, in conjunction with URCA, will review the existing legal and regulatory framework to ensure that it remains relevant, responsive and applicable to the rapidly evolving technological advances and changes.” Capacity building, too, is required.

“The Government is aware that proficiency in information and communications technology

(ICT) in The Bahamas is still relatively low among ICT professionals and the general populace. This is especially the case for regulatory experience and expertise, and translates into a skills gap which in turn signposts untapped benefits that ICTs and the electronic communications sector could potentially deliver to the socio-economic development of The Bahamas,” the draft sector policy said.

It also called on regulators to submit a revised National Spectrum Plan so that “a very valuable state asset” is maximised for the benefit of mobile providers, radio stations and their consumers alike. The Government hinted that a new Plan should be among URCA’s priorities given that the present three-year version expires this year.

“The Government is aware that the current National Spectrum Plan expires in 2023 and therefore expects URCA to formulate and submit the revised National Spectrum Plan to the minister in accordance with the

‘Don’t get tied down’ to 50% debt-to-GDP goal

FROM PAGE A24

growth as opposed to being tied down to achieving a target which, all things considered, is highly unrealistic at this point in time.

“We have to accept, understand and appreciate where we are and the overall impact debt is going to have on decision-making going forward,” he said.

“Anything that makes that process more difficult is not going to inure to the benefit of the country at this time. We have to look at where we are, accept where we are, look at some of the realities for what they are, and have conversations on the path to fix some of the things highlighted by S&P and Moody’s.”

Calling for reforms to state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the ease of doing business and the public finances, along with multiple other measures, Mr Edwards added: “The biggest risk we face now, which has been highlighted in the [S&P] report and discussed many times, is the fact The Bahamas is reverting to limited growth rates; 1.8 percent does not cut it.

“We need greater growth rates north of 3.5 percent to make some serious dents.”

The ORG economic development chief said higher economic growth rates will drive more commercial activity and lead to greater government revenues, which could be key given that the Government has now likely “maxed out its options for raising revenues” without introducing new and/or increased taxes.

He added that it was clear from the S&P report that, despite tourism’s performance getting back to and surpassing pre-COVID levels, this and the industry by itself will not be sufficient to drive the economic growth that The Bahamas requires to both provide jobs for its citizens and reduce the national debt.

And Mr Edwards also agreed that S&P’s forecast that the 2023-2024 fiscal deficit will come in three times’ higher than the Government’s own

prediction, standing at 3.2 percent of GDP as opposed to the latter’s 0.9 percent, is “an important point of reflection”.

“The rating agency is obviously not satisfied the target set by the Government is going to be achieved,” he said. “I don’t, though, believe we need to get to 0.9 percent in terms of the deficit. We certainly don’t need to go all that deep. A slightly higher amount would be fine, but S&P indicated we would not even get to 1 percent. But, if we look at the report in its totality, it doesn’t seem S&P are too much bothered by a 2-3 percent deficit. “

However, Mr Edwards acknowledged that the $131m deficit forecast for 2023-2024 is designed to set the stage for the Government to achieve a Budget surplus the following fiscal year. As a result, failing to achieve that goal could “cause some other things to fall behind, but shouldn’t be fatal”.

S&P, in its report, warned that the Government will likely struggle to meet its debt reduction targets “without material new revenues, significant cost-cutting or well above average economic growth”.

The rating agency, in a report that made no change to this nation’s creditworthiness, said the debt blow-out produced by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID pandemic means the Government’s “previous fiscal consolidation plans” are insufficient to achieve its fiscal goals unless economic growth is strong enough to avoid the imposition of further austerity measures.

“We believe the country’s record of slow progress in

Communications Act,” the draft policy said. “Spectrum is critical to any electronic communications service or network that requires wireless technologies.

“The increase in the provision and take-up of mobile services and the introduction of new wireless broadband technologies, such as LongTerm Evolution (LTE), have significantly increased the demand for spectrum. There is also the need to assign spectrum to enable the roll-out of 5G technology. These and other factors have made spectrum a very valuable state asset which must be managed efficiently and effectively....

“The Government considers that it is imperative that appropriate regulatory measures are adopted to maximise the economic and social benefits from the use of spectrum as a potentially scarce resource. URCA is the custodian of radio spectrum on behalf of the people of The Bahamas,” the policy continued.

“The Government also considers it important that URCA continue to

review and assess spectrum management activities to ensure that radio spectrum is used efficiently by licensees, at prices which reflect as closely as practicable the value of this potentially scarce resource, and recover the costs incurred in the regulation and management of spectrum in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner.

“The Government is cognisant that these objectives should be achieved through appropriate allocation of spectrum bands, assignment of an appropriate quantum of spectrum to licensees, setting incentive-based prices where appropriate, and claw-back or redistribution of spectrum where use of the spectrum is not consistent with established policy objectives and international best practices.”

Elsewhere, the Government gave its backing for URCA’s revisions to the sector’s consumer protection regulations and urged that they be properly enforced.

“The Government is aware of the prevailing concerns by consumers regarding the quality of service of

electronic communications services throughout The Bahamas,” the draft policy said.

“While the Government commends URCA’s efforts in this regard, the Government urges URCA to revise its quality of service regulatory measures where necessary to effectively address consumer concerns, and to enforce the consumer protection regulations and service quality regulations to ensure the reliability and availability of electronic communications services on all islands of The Bahamas, if the objectives outlined in this policy and the Act are to be achieved.”

reforming public finances and key economic sectors has weakened its financial profile over the long-term and hurt its economic performance,” S&P said of The Bahamas. “The Bahamas has faced two large negative shocks (Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and the pandemic in 2020), resulting in a significant rise in government debt and testing the Government’s resolve to put the nation’s finances on a sustainable path.

“The rapid increase in debt in recent years means the Government’s previous fiscal consolidation plans will likely be insufficient to meet its debt targets without material new revenues, significant cost cutting or economic growth well above historical averages. Furthermore, the country remains vulnerable to environmental risks.”

Joining Moody’s and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in warning that The Bahamas faces “elevated” external financing risks, with the Government requiring $2.1bn during the present 2023-2024 fiscal year to refinance maturing debt, S&P nevertheless hinted it was optimistic that it will source the necessary funding to cover the $300m foreign currency bond coming due for repayment in January 2024.

However, it then warned that “material spending cuts will be more difficult to implement if they become necessary”, pointing to the “drain” imposed by subsidies to loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs) which consume 15 percent of the Government’s total annual expenditure.

THE DEPUTY prime minister yesterday said he and his team have made “a strong case” for Qatar Airways to establish an air cargo hub on Grand Bahama during their threeday visit to the Gulf state.

Chester Cooper, also minister of tourism, investments and aviation, in a video-taped interview said the air cargo push was part of a wider drive to promote the island as “a place to invest” and potential technology hub. Air cargo was also previously unveiled as a key component in the $200m Grand Bahama International Airport revival plan.

Seeking to boost the Bahamian aviation sector through forging binding ties with Qatar Airways, Mr Cooper said the proposed Bahamas Aeronautical Academy will mirror the Middle Eastern state’s own institution by training commercial pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation mechanics and aviation managers

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that he signed will also result in collaboration between Bahamasair and Qatar Airways, with the former branding long-haul flights operated by the latter.

“We have today executed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Transport of Qatar and the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation to collaborate on aviation matters,” Mr Cooper said.

“It will be an ongoing affiliation between the Qatar Aeronautical Academy and the new Bahamas Aeronautical Academy, where we will exchange best practices and know-how and we will cater to new students entering the aviation field whether they want to be a commercial pilot, air traffic controller, aviation mechanic or to study aviation management. This is a programme that we are starting in The Bahamas but will be extended to the Caribbean region.”

Mr Cooper is leading a Bahamian delegation on a trade mission to West Asia,

which began with the Qatar visit. He said The Bahamas may eventually serve as a hub for Qatar Airways, which will lend technical support to the aviation sector, including Bahamasair. He hinted that the national flag carrier may eventually begin to offer long-haul flights operated by Qatar Airways.

“Also in the aviation field, we will be provided some technical assistance in terms of aviation safety, and in some other areas where we have determined that we can use some assistance from the state of Qatar,” Mr Cooper said. “We are continuing dialogue with Qatar Airways - in the spirit of the agreement - to hopefully begin a process where The Bahamas might be a hub for Qatar Airways, catering to multi-destination travel [and] hopefully catering to Latin America as well.

“This is an ongoing conversation. We are working together with Qatar Airways and Bahamasair to provide certain technical assistance to Bahamasair. I foreshadowed before that Qatar Airways would provide some support in terms of business planning, feasibility, commercial and other technical assistance.

“We have an open skies arrangement with US, UK and Canada, where we might in future see Bahamasair offering long-haul flights, perhaps operated by Qatar Airways.” He explained that Qatar Airways currently services 130 destinations and is looking into another 70 routes, but is currently constrained by a lack of available aircraft.

“Qatar Airways is one of the most successful, vibrant, robust airlines in the world. One of the largest, with more than 130 destinations that they’re serving. They are looking to add an additional 70 routes in terms of new destinations, limited only by their inability to acquire new aircraft at this time due to there being a shortage in the world,” Mr Cooper said.

“So this is a partner that will add significant value to Bahamasair and, of course, Bahamasair stands on its strong safety record with good quality Bahamians running the airline, connecting our 16 island destinations and, of course,

our destinations in Florida. We are, quite frankly, restrained by limited capacity in terms of equipment, and we’re looking at a number of ways to be able to address this long-standing, vexing issue.”

Mr Cooper also voiced hopes that Qatar Airways may establish an air cargo hub on Grand Bahama, while also referring to potential partnerships with Qatar’s government to invest in the island and explore liquefied natural gas (LNG) opportunities.

He said: “We’ve been able to make a strong case for Grand Bahama as an air

cargo hub for Qatar Airways. So certainly we are strengthening this relationship, and we look forward to be able to make formal pronouncements in due course. We expect Qatar Airways to visit The Bahamas mid-October to finalise their work.

“We’re advancing Grand Bahama as a place to invest and do business, building on the infrastructure, the proximity to the US, the growing airport and transshipment. We see opportunities. We’re looking at potential opportunities in LNG.”

Mr Cooper said The Bahamas will reciprocate by giving technical support to Qatar’s tourism industry. He added: “On the tourism front, we are beginning dialogue that will have The Bahamas offering technical assistance to the state of Qatar. We are experts in the

field of tourism. This is recognised worldwide.”

The Deputy Prime Minister said that during his visit he will be meeting with Qatar’s prime minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani; the Qatar Fund for Investments and Development; and Qatar Investment Authority to explore investment possibilities. He added that he will also seek a partnership to help develop sustainable tourism in The Bahamas.

He said: “We’re meeting with the tech hub here in Qatar, and we’re going to hopefully, in due course, execute a partnership with them for co-operation, collaboration and for them to provide assistance when necessary in helping to build out an ecosystem.

“We are looking at sustainable tourism. We’re

looking at many environmental, sustainable initiatives. And certainly we are seeing how we might infuse in our sustainable tourism product some lessons that we are gleaning from the use of technology for climate resilience, etc. And this is going to bode well for us into the future.”

“We continue our meetings tomorrow. We will meet with the prime minister, we will meet with Qatar Fund for Investments and Development and the Qatar Investment Authority. And, as you would imagine, there would be a heavy focus on investments, attracting new investments to The Bahamas through foreign direct investments, joint ventures and otherwise. We will continue these discussions for attracting new business to our shores.”

GINGER MOXEY, minister of Grand Bahama; Dr Kenneth Romer, deputy director-general for the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and aviation director; and Zane Lightbourne, minister of state for the environment, at Qatar Aeronautical Academy for a tour and meeting.

CHESTER COOPER, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, and Dr Kenneth Romer, the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation’s deputy director, attend a meeting with Qatar Airways chief executive, Akbar AlBaker, and other delegates.

CHESTER COOPER, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, and Qatar’s minister of transport, Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti, at Qatar’s Ministry of Transport to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

‘RELENTLESS BRAIN DRAIN’ HURTS LOCAL HEALTHCARE

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE “relentless brain drain” means the Bahamian healthcare system continues to suffer from a shortage of nurses, midwives, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, a senior government official reiterated yesterday.

Dr Cherita Moxey, the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ policy and planning lead, told the Pan American Health Organisation’s (PAHO) executive committee sessions that the sector’s workforce is struggling to cope with patient demand even as The Bahamas rebounds economically from Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Identifying, in particular, a shortage of nurses, midwives, pharmacists, dentists and allied health professionals, she said: “The tides are now turning in The Bahamas, with optimistic economic rebound from the devastations of Dorian and the pandemic now in view. However, the fall-out related to the health impacts of these disasters on our people is still unfolding.

“As it unfolds, what we know is that The Bahamas does not meet the minimum density threshold for nurses and midwives as well as pharmaceutical professionals and dentists, not to mention allied health professionals. And although my country nominally exceeds the density threshold for physicians, this cadre is inequitably distributed across our archipelago.”

Dr Moxey reiterated that developing countries such as The Bahamas typically lose a large number of qualified healthcare workers to larger developed countries whose healthcare systems are able to offer better salaries, benefits and working conditions. She said: “The brain drain to, and relentless recruitment from, developed countries is unyielding. Thirteen years after its adoption we must ask: Has the Global Code of Practice on international recruitment yielded the intended results? And is it time to advocate for the review of this Code?

“Madam President, meeting supply demands for an integrated, interdisciplinary and primary care-focused health services requires investing early to influence career choices.

‘White hot’ Cable Beach development 85% sold

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A HIGH-RISE Cable Beach development was yesterday branded “white hot” with 85 percent of its first-phase units already sold even though its construction will only be completed in 2024.

Matt Marco, director of marketing at Bond Bahamas, told Tribune Business that Aristo Development’s Aqualina project is attracting new buyers and related inquiries every day. “It’s white hot right now,” he said. “We’ve been selling units for a year-and-a-half. We’re 85 percent sold and the building will be finished next year. It’s going absolutely incredible.”

The Aqualina site will feature two buildings. The first is the property that is 85 percent sold out and, while construction on the second has not started yet, it

will be “launched in the next few weeks”.

Mr Marco said: “Things are going really well at Aqualina. We’re experiencing incredible business. Typically with previous projects we had an offseason in summer, September and October, but with tourism record-breaking I think we’re going to have another record-breaking winter.

“With people coming down they’re realising what The Bahamas has to offer between the ease of access and the residency programme and the tax-free benefits. We’re getting more and more interest than ever before. Things are going great and selling at prices that were unheard of before.”

“We’re still half the price of what South Florida is. So if someone is looking for a serious place on the beach that’s three to four bedrooms and very highend finishes, they are spending up to $3,000 per square foot in Florida whereas in The Bahamas

We urge PAHO to develop a framework, in collaboration with member states, for exposing and attracting high school students to careers in health. This will be indispensable if we are to meet the needs of our populations and achieve the universal health coverage (UHC) mandate.”

Dr Moxey added that each Caribbean country is at a different point in implementing proper human resources for healthcare (HRH) procedures, and urged PAHO to help provide technical support and resources to ensure that adequate healthcare is offered throughout the region.

“Our region is not homogeneous. Member states are at varying stages of HRH implementation. As such, PAHO is requested to prioritise and scale-up capacity

they are only spending a maximum $1,500. I would rather be in The Bahamas any day over Florida.”

Bond Bahamas still has the listing for a $40m Old Fort Bay residence that has been described as the “most expensive home in New Providence”. Agents will head to Canada within the next two weeks to speak to potential buyers with the ambition of sealing a sales agreement by November.

“I’m getting a lot of interest from Europe and Canada. I’m actually on the way to Canada next week to meet with some prospects and also have an event there, too. So everything’s going well. I’m very bullish on the on the country in general,” Mr Marco said.

“We listed the property back in June. So, it’s the summer season and all of the people at that level are away in Europe, but I am confident that it will sell this winter. All it takes is just one guy to come and realise the benefits of that house. To have a house on the beach.... With one side you have the beach, and the other side the marina, at 15,000 square feet, is incredible. In South Florida a property like that would go for $100m, so we are half the price.”

building opportunities, resource mobilisation and technical assistance such that no member state lags behind.

“Without an adequate, skilled, fit-for purpose and motivated health workforce, UHC will be an elusive ideal; smart health facilities will be desolate edifies; and health technologies and information systems will be no more than a reminder of unrealised potential.”

Dr Moxey said The Bahamas has launched a National HRH Committee to diversify and empower the healthcare workforce.

“The Bahamas appreciates that intentional and progressive actions are necessary to advance HRH,” she added.

“To this end, my country took bold, historic action in establishing a National

TAX INCREASES MAKE BAHAMAS HARD SELL

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Association of The Bahamas (ABM) president yesterday argued that this nation will be a hard sell at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show due to increased taxes and fees levied on the industry.

Peter Maury told Tribune Business that while the event presents a great opportunity for Bahamian marinas to court European business from yacht brokers and their clients, the market will compare the 10 percent VAT that was imposed on foreign yacht charters last year - making an effective rate of 14 percent when added to the existing 4 percent Port Department fee - with zero to lower taxes in the rest of the Caribbean.

“Hopefully these yachts in Monaco will be leaving Europe and coming over to the Caribbean and The Bahamas for the winter, and we’re hoping that we can give them enough information to encourage

HRH Committee whose work, though countryspecific, is closely aligned with PAHO’s HRH Policy 2030 and will serve as a foundation for a diversified, resilient, engaged and empowered workforce.”

The Bahamas yesterday supported a resolution to strengthen the healthcare system’s workforce by mitigating the impact of mass recruitment. It encouraged PAHO to create initiatives that encourage high school students to pursue careers in healthcare. The resolution is aimed at strengthening the region’s health workforce in the aftermath of the COVID19 pandemic, which showed the importance of maintaining strong healthcare systems.

them to come to The Bahamas,” he added.

“[But] a lot of brokers have told us they are booking the Caribbean because of these higher fees. Basically, we have a 14 percent tax when the rest of the Caribbean has zero. They don’t charge anything to have these people come over to spend their money in their country when we are. We are just pushing them out the best way we can.

“We have boats from Florida, but a lot of the bigger boats come from Europe, so they cross the Atlantic or they get shipped over and then they get dropped in the Caribbean. So if they’re shipped over we have to try to get them up to The Bahamas. The Bahamas is further than the Caribbean on the European side. We can’t take European yacht business for granted because they can opt to head to the Caribbean as opposed to coming to The Bahamas,” Mr Maury continued.

“But I know a lot of people that like sending their clients to The Bahamas. It’s a beautiful country, but because it’s become so difficult with all of these new taxes and filings and everything else, now they’re saying you’re going to have a task force to go on the boats and arrest the people. People get scared of that. They don’t want to get into any of that.”

BPL ‘stranglehold’: Business battles up to 100% bill rises

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SOARING Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) bills were yesterday said to be imposing “a stranglehold” on commerce with multiple businesses struggling to survive up to 100 percent year-over-year increases in their energy costs.

Resorts, food stores and manufacturers, which are among The Bahamas’ major employers as well as BPL’s largest customers, all told Tribune Business

they have no choice but to pass at least some of the hikes on to consumers via higher prices and thus further sustain the postCOVID cost of living crisis. Walter Wells, president and chief executive of Caribbean Bottling Company (Bahamas), the local Coca-Cola producer, disclosed that his firm’s electricity costs have more than doubled year-over-year to squeeze profits and cash flow. Acknowledging that the impact is “right across the board” for all businesses and residents, he added: “I don’t know how people are coping.”

And Molly McIntosh, general manager of Green Turtle Cay’s Bluff House Beach Resort, told this newspaper that she will be seeking “somewhere else” to live if her electricity bill remains as high as the peak summer billing she just received. While the Government and BPL have both sought to reassure households and businesses that energy costs have peaked, she revealed her July-August home bill was a 123 percent increase on her previous $581 high at $1,295. Meanwhile, Philip Beneby, the Retail Grocers Association’s

Three groups eyeing BISX digital assets partnership

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS

International Securities Exchange’s (BISX) chief executive says he is keen to avoid any “let down” with three separate groups “expressing significant interest” in partnering with it to develop a digital assets arm.

Keith Davies, the exchange’s chief executive, told Tribune Business that even though it is “fielding serious interest” he wants to ensure “expectations are managed” such that BISX and the wider capital markets are not harmed - and escape any reputational fall-out - if an agreement does not materialise.

Declining to identify the parties involved, or

give details on their plans, he indicated much work remains to be done before any partnership or digital assets-based market is formalised. However, he told this newspaper that BISX remains alive to “all potential opportunities” to expand the Bahamian capital markets, plus the products and services it offers, and digital assets remain in its focus despite FTX’s implosion and the

Gov’t: Communications sector regulation requires full review

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE GOVERNMENT has determined that “a comprehensive review of the legal and regulatory framework” governing the electronic communications sector is now critical given the speed at which it and associated technologies are evolving.

The draft Electronic Communications Sector policy, unveiled for industry and public consultation late last week, identified the regulation of What’s App and other so-called over-the-top (OTT) service providers; cyber security; and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and the Internet of Things as key challenges that will have to be addressed.

“The Government is aware of the ongoing regional discussions at the CARICOM level, and amongst regional regulators, regarding the complex issues to effectively regulate OTT services such as What’s App, and service providers such as Meta, Tik Tok, Netflix, Amazon and Microsoft throughout the Caribbean,” the draft policy said.

“While the Government supports a collaborative approach between all stakeholders to the issue of OTTs, as proffered by the secretary-general of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), the Government firmly believes that The Bahamas’ policy and legal framework should be properly aligned with market developments.... URCA is therefore requested to continue to engage with its regulatory counterparts regarding OTTs, and to accordingly advise the Government.”

Similarly, the policy added: “In light of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, distributed ledger technology (Blockchain) and digital/crypto currency and the Internet

president, said both food store chains and individual locations were complaining about increased energy costs that range from what he described as a “low of about a 50 percent” rise to surges as great as 85 percent or even 100 percent year-over-year.

“Just about as many of the retail operators I’ve spoken to, they are all complaining about BPL bills - how they have spiked, and putting a lot of them in a serious position,” he told Tribune Business. “It’s eating

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Bahamians were more interested in ‘socialising’ than digital training

much-publicised ‘crypto winter’.

“The one thing you can rest assured on is that we look at all potential opportunities,” Mr Davies said.

“It would not be responsible of us if we did not do that, but we will go through the proper process to evaluate it and determine if it is something that, as an organisation, we wish to pursue.”

Confirming that digital assets remain one such

KEITH DAVIES

expansion possibility, he added: “When we were looking at it initially or early, it was all the rage and BISX was literally being bombarded by proposals from persons all over the world. I’m not exaggerating this.

“Then the market changed and the crypto environment changed, and there was a downturn. Even though we were not in the crypto space, that kind of dampened the digital assets conversation. But the digital assets arena is still very much alive, and I can tell you we are fielding serious interest

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‘Don’t get tied down’ to 50% debt-to-GDP goal

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS must move away from its 50 percent debt-toGDP target and instead prioritise achieving economic growth rates “north of 3.5 percent” to get back on track, a governance reformer is arguing.

Hubert Edwards, the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) economic development committee head, told Tribune Business that The Bahamas should adjust the debt-to-GDP ratio it is targeting by 2030-2031 upwards to 60 percent as the present figure is “unrealistic” given the present economic circumstances.

Instead, he argued that this nation needs to focus on expanding and diversifying its economy as the 1.8 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth projected by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) for The Bahamas in 2024 simply “does not cut it” when it comes to making the necessary inroads into the $11.5bn-plus national debt.

“The Government have indicated that by 2030 the debt-toGDP ratio will be 50 percent,” Mr Edwards told this newspaper. “I always thought that was extremely ambitious having regard for all the things we’re dealing with now. I don’t see any over-arching reason for us to necessarily rush to achieve a 50 percent debt-to-GDP target.

“Having said that, that the only thing that the Government can be held accountable to by the rating agencies. I would suggest again that, with some of the challenges being experienced, that number being raised to 60 percent, which

would take the pressure off the Government to achieve that and shift the focus towards growing the economy.”

The 50 percent debt-to-GDP target was among the key fiscal benchmarks to achieve in the 2018 Fiscal Responsibility Act, which was subsequently repealed by the Davis administration and amalgamated with the Public Financial Management Act 2023.

The timeline for achieving it was pushed back to 2030-2031 by the former Minnis administration as a result of Hurricane Dorian and then COVID-19, which together combined to produce a debt blow-out that accelerated an already-deteriorating fiscal situation. The Davis administration, though, reaffirmed the 2030-2031 target date and 50 percent ratio.

Mr Edwards, though, argued that “given what we know now and a better understanding of how our creditworthiness is shaping up, the Government needs to be in position to shift some energy to finding avenues and means for

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIANS were initially more interested in socialising than learning new technology-related skills deemed vital to prospering in the 21st century’s digital-driven economy, a report has revealed.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), in a ‘status report’ on an initiative designed to prepare “500 self-employed and displaced workers” from the industries hardest hit by COVID for the digital economy’s demands, disclosed that the first group of trainees were more interested in “casual conversations” than job readiness.

As a result, the project replaced its co-ordinator and “dismissed” several of attendees, and is now said to be functioning better although it is grappling with persons withdrawing due to health issues, family responsibilities and securing employment where the working hours are not sufficiently flexible to enable them to be present.

Asked to detail the “findings and lessons” learned, the project team responded:

“The training programme commenced in June 2021 amidst the pandemic, and despite the challenges we

managed to recruit a programme co-ordinator and a programme assistant to facilitate candidate selection. However, it soon became apparent that many applicants were not genuinely interested in the training. Instead, they joined the programme to engage in casual conversations and socialise.

“Recognising the need for a change, we replaced the programme co-ordinator and dismissed some of the candidates, successfully realigning the training on its intended path. This experience served as an important lesson. With the appointment of a new programme co-ordinator, we established stricter recruitment guidelines, enabling us to identify deserving candidates who truly valued the scholarship opportunity and the programne itself.

“Since implementing these measures, we have not encountered similar behavioural issues in subsequent cohorts. To-date, we have successfully graduated 10 cohorts, encompassing digital skills and digital entrepreneurship. Additionally, the virtual nature of the programme allows us to track students’ progress at any given time, ensuring effective monitoring and support.”

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HUBERT EDWARDS

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