10032023 NEWS, SPORT, FEATURES AND BUSINESS

‘TROOPS READY FOR FAILED STATE HAITI’

UN approves mission - as Commodore vows ‘minimum casualties’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

MONTHS after The Bahamas committed 150 officers to help stop the violence in Haiti and restore stability there, the United Nations Security Council approved a year-long multinational security mission to that country yesterday.

Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Raymond King said yesterday

that the environment in Haiti is volatile but vowed to keep Bahamians protected.

“It’s a failed state,” he said. “It’s not a safe environment given the gang activity, but the public could rest assured, if and when we decide to send persons to Haiti, the vulnerabilities and the risks will be reduced significantly. We will make sure that our

SBF OFFER TO PAY NATIONAL DEB T ‘never entertained’, says OPM

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Office of the Prime Minister said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis never entertained proposals from Sam Bankman-Fried to pay off the country’s national debt.

OPM’s statement came after The Times of London

t ears, reflectiOns and tributes fOr dariO

published an excerpt of an upcoming biography of Bankman-Fried.

The excerpt said: “Sam explained that he was trying to decide whether simply to pay off the $9 billion Bahamas national debt himself, so the country could fix roads and build schools and so on.

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE students, faculty and staff of Queen’s College confronted the death of a beloved student leader with tears, reflections and tributes yesterday.

During a special assembly for Dario Rahming, who died suddenly on

Saturday, they struggled to answer a difficult question: Why him?

Some wore sunglasses to hide their tears. Many posted tributes on memorial boards around the campus pavilion.

Dario was a model student and devout Christian who maintained honour roll status and completed some BGCSE exams

in Grade 11. He was a member of the Student Christian Movement, the basketball team and the Junkanoo club. He died during a basketball practice at the school’s campus under unclear circumstances.

His homeroom teacher, Michell Peters, said he was

eleuthera bOy that died ‘had dengue’

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

CENTRAL Eleuthera High School 12th grader

Chykino Kenny Thompson died on Sunday after his mother claimed he was diagnosed with dengue fever.

His father, Obie Butler, said he was home when the

urca finds cOstly hOle in electricity act 2015

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

REGULATORS are scrambling to fill a “void” created by Parliament in electricity sector supervision which has potentially left Bahamians at the mercy of appliance-destroying voltage and frequency fluctuations without recourse.

boy’s mother called him so distressed she could barely speak.

“She said she was waiting for the emergency vehicle to take him to the clinic at that time, and before I got there, I got the news he had already passed,” he told The Tribune yesterday.

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) revealed that the last Christie administration and the then-Parliament blundered by failing to ensure voltage and electricity standards survived the switch to a new regulatory regime.

Tears, reflections and tributes for Dario

died ‘had dengue’

like a son to her, his desk directly opposite hers.

“It’s going to be very difficult every homeroom session when I have to be looking up to see an empty desk looking back at me,” she said. “It hurts. It’s indescribable. It’s still surreal.”

She said Dario confided in her. The last time she saw him, around Friday afternoon, his last words were: “See you on Monday, Ms Peters”.

“This morning when I came to school and I opened the homeroom door, I still expected him to be there at 8.10 this morning,” she said. “When we finally got to 8.10am, and he did not show up, that is when reality hit.”

Dario’s other homeroom teacher, Carlene

Hanna, said he was the classroom’s prayer warrior and a big brother to his peers.

“He always gave thought-provoking devotionals that not just helped the students, but even us as teachers, we were guided by them,” she said.

Dario’s classmates remained in the auditorium for most of the school day, praying, singing and recounting stories of how he helped them.

“If there was anyone who loved God, it was Dario,” said Matthias Simms, who met Dario when he was six. “He would not want us walking around and sulking. He would want us to praise God and just give thanks for what he lived for.

“This morning, his pastor said he finished his mission and he was called

home. I truly believe that. That brought me peace because he fully lived his life for God, and that’s something that we’re celebrating here today.”

Queen’s College Principal Rev Henry Knowles said the school is providing resources to help students and staff process the grief.

“At Queen’s College, we have a very extensive guidance department, who came together to prepare, but we know we could not handle it alone,” he said. “We are very blessed that many schools within The Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) sent their guidance counsellors. They were messaging me all weekend, and they were here. They came out in full force from their schools. Many of them are still here, meeting with students,

consoling them and just offering words of hope.” Rev Knowles said it may be sometime before classes return to normal.

“We’re looking toward healing,” he said. “For the next few days, we know things will not be normal, but we also know that young people still need the structure, so in the midst of our grief and our healing, we know that we need to get back to the business of education and as we continue to progress, we’ll be honouring and remembering Dario along the way.”

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander, Dario’s godfather, led a moment of silence for the young man at a press event on an unrelated matter yesterday. He said police await the autopsy report into the death.

from page one

Chykino’s unemployed mother, Laquell Thompson, was anguished during an interview with Eyewitness News Behind the Headlines yesterday.

The crying mother claimed when she took her son to a clinic last week Monday, he tested positive for Dengue fever.

She said she called the hotline Thursday night and said her son had a fever and was experiencing hot sweats.

She said when she took the boy to the Palmetto Point Clinic, staff took his temperature and blood pressure and prescribed him Motrin before sending them home.

She said no one helps her with her children.

Chykino was the second 12th-grade student to die suddenly over the weekend, following Queen’s College Head Boy Dario Rahming on Saturday.

Mr Butler laments that he didn’t give his son a proper goodbye. Although Chykino had a younger brother and sister, he was his father’s only child.

“As a parent, I don’t care how much kids you have, you don’t want to lose none,” Mr Butler said. “But it feels extra different to know that was the only one.”

“My mind went on to remember the first time he started walking and when he came to me. I just remember his smile. He always had this cute chubby face.”

Mr Butler said he couldn’t ask for a better son.

Chykino, he said, hadn’t decided on his career path but loved cooking and was excited about his future.

He said his son was asthmatic.

“When he comes up by me and my mom, everyone loves him,” he said. “When I told my mom yesterday that he passed, nobody could believe it because no one was really expecting it. He always was a happy person, ain’t much could have happened to keep his spirit down.”

CHYKINO KENNY THOMPSON

NOTES covered a memorial board for Dario with condolence posted by students.

Photos: Letre Sweeting

SBF offer to pay national debt

‘never entertained’, says OPM

He’d recently met the new prime minister to discuss this idea and some others. I learnt later from one of the prime minister’s aides that

after the Bahamian general election in September 2021, Sam was the first person the prime minister had wanted to meet.”

Acclaimed author Michael Lewis wrote the biography: “Going Infinite:

The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon.” The book comes out today.

In response to the excerpt, OPM Director of Communications Latrae Rahming said yesterday:

“We wish to clarify recent reports surrounding a meeting between Prime Minister Philip Davis and Mr Sam Bankman-Fried. Discussions were strictly confined to FTX’s relocation and its operations in the Bahamas,

specifically concerning the invitation extended to the Prime Minister for the inauguration of FTX’s new headquarters. Mr Bankman-Fried advised the Prime Minister that FTX had changed its position

from a satellite office to opening a headquarters. Prime Minister Davis used the platform at the company’s opening to signal that The Bahamas is open for business in the digital currency space.”

FLAMINGO A IR SAYS EMPLOYEE REPRIMANDED A F TER PLANE DOOR OPENS MID- FLIGHT

FLAMINGO Air said an employee had been reprimanded after the passenger door of its plane flew open mid-air during a flight.

The airline described the incident as a “minor issue”.

A video showed the plane hovering over Bahamian waters with the door open. Residents reacted with horror at the clip.

Flamingo Air said a failure to fasten the latch caused the ladder to be deployed.

“We are deeply sorry for the recent incident that caused concern among our valued passengers,” the airline said. “We were just as shocked as everyone else when we saw that video of one of our aircraft’s boarding ladders

‘I just thank God’ for NEW HOME A F TER F IRE

being deployed while in flight. We want you to know that we take this matter very seriously.”

The airline said the loose latch was compounded by turbulence, causing the ladder to become detached.

“We want to emphasise that at no point was the safety of our aircraft or passengers compromised,” a statement from the airline said. “The incident was indeed a minor issue, but we take it seriously nonetheless.

“The individual responsible for this mishap has been reprimanded, and we are implementing a plan to introduce refresher courses for all our employees to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.”

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) is investigating the incident, which happened yesterday morning around 8.30am and

involved a Beech 99 aircraft with Bahamas registration C6-MMK.

“Reports received indicate that the aircraft, operated by Flamingo Air Ltd, departed the Lynden Pindling International Airport with 17 persons on board enroute to the Staniel Cay Airport, Exuma, and shortly after departure, the aircraft passenger door opened in flight,” the authority said. The aircraft safely returned to the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) without further incident.

In August, police in Exuma investigated the circumstances surrounding an emergency crash landing. A preliminary report indicated that the pilot of a Flamingo Air chartered flight with nine passengers crash-landed at Black Point, Exuma. No one was injured during that incident.

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

ELLEN Sherman and her family were crushed last year when a fire destroyed their home.

They cried with joy while receiving the keys to a new house yesterday.

Ms Sherman, the family matriarch, discussed the journey with reporters.

She said her family’s life changed last September when their Golden Gates home burned.

“When we got home, the house was still standing, but then we noticed on the side, and my back portion was completely consumed with the fire,” she recalled.

The next day, the fire reignited and destroyed their house.

The family was separated afterwards, with Ms Sherman no longer living with her daughter and grandchildren.

But thirty-seven years after buying that house, Ms Sherman is a homeowner and gets to live with her family again.

“I just thank God,” she

said. “He has been so good to us, and His hands have mercy on everybody who came into our life during this time period.”

Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle recalled staying overnight with the family last year after their house caught fire, only to learn later that the fire reignited and destroyed the structure.

“Arawak Homes stepped in as they always do, a great community partner, and gave her hope and now a brand new, beautiful modern home, and Ms Sherman and her family are able to start again,” she said.

President Franon Wilson said Arawak Homes enjoyed helping the Sherman family alongside CIBC First Caribbean.

“Everyone has a journey when you talk about homeownership,” he said. “As a result of the fire, this family is still living in different places.

“The fact that this could bring everyone back together, this really truly is what it’s all about.”

SCREENSHOT of viral video showing a Flamingo Air plane door opened during flight.

ELLEN Sherman and her family stand inside their new home as a priest blesses it for them. Her house was destroyed by fire last year and Arawak Homes and CIBC First Caribbean helped to rebuild her home. Pictured on the left is Franon Wilson - president of Arawak Homes and next to him Pia Glover-Rolle, Minister of Labour and Public Service.

Photo: Moise Amisial

from page one

SAM Bankman-Fried leaves Manhattan federal court in New York on February 16, 2023. The Office of the Prime Minister said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis never entertained proposals from the FTX founder to pay off the country’s national debt, which Bankman-Fried claims in a book releasing today.

Photo: Seth Wenig/AP

‘Troops ready for failed state Haiti’, says RBDF Commodore

from page one

members are prepared to the highest degree. We are resourced and prepared to keep any risk of casualty to a minimum.”

He declined to say how the deployed officers will be chosen.

“I want to be reserved on any matters related to potential peacekeeping,” he said. “At this time, it is prudent for the government to speak on those issues politically in terms of winning the hearts and minds of the general public and the need to send our troops. But, as an organisation, we continue to prepare, we continue to plan.”

The mission, led by Kenya, aims to secure critical infrastructure and transit hubs such as airports, ports, schools, hospitals and key intersections.

According to the United Nations, more than 3,000 homicides have been reported in Haiti this year and over 1,500 cases of kidnapping for ransom.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutierrez described the grip armed gangs have on Haiti in a report to the Security Council in August.

He said gangs encircle Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.

“Gang attacks are characterised by extreme violence,” he wrote. “Reports include indiscriminate shooting of people in public spaces or in residences, burning

people alive in public transportation vehicles, mutilation and execution of people perceived to be opposed to the gangs.”

Secretary-General Gut-

ierrez noted the violence has disproportionately

affected women and girls.

“Large-scale attacks by gangs, which involve indiscriminate killing and mass burning of homes, have displaced almost 130,000 people,” he wrote.

The Haitian police

force is unable to curb the violence.

Secretary-General Guterres said the force lost 774 officers in the first half of 2023.

More than two dozen police officers have

reportedly been killed in the country this year.

In August, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said Bahamian troops in Haiti would offer training and technical help. He said the task

would be low-risk for those involved. Between 1994 and 1996, 141 defence force officers conducted security operations in Haiti as part of a United Nations peacekeeping operation.

COP SAYS P OLICE THAT STRUCK BOY WAS REPRIMANDED, FINED AND REMOVED FROM FRONTLINE DUTY

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A POLICE officer shown in a viral video striking a boy was reportedly reprimanded and ordered to pay a fine.

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said the officer pleaded guilty to the allegations before the Police Tribunal.

“I believe that he was reprimanded severely,” he said, “and I think he paid some fines and all of that. So, he was dealt with, and I think he was removed from frontline duties, and I believe that’s where we are at this time.”

The commissioner did not reveal the amount of the fine, saying Deputy Commissioner Leamond

Deleveaux would know the details.

Last month, a video showed two police officers on a golf cart approaching a group of students near the Mall at Marathon. One of the officers demanded the students “go home and find the bus stop”.

A male student responded: “I just reached here. I going to go get something.”

The officer replied: “Who you think you talking to like that? Boy, you stupid, ay?” He then struck the student with a baton, roughing him up before placing him in the back of the golf cart.

Critics scolded the officer. Attorney Christina Galanos pledged to provide the boy with legal aid.

POLICE Commissioner Clayton Fernander said the officer seen in a viral video last month grabbing and striking a boy was reprimanded and fined.

RBDF officers stand at attention during a handing-over ceremony.

Seized: Police put guns on display

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

AN employee of the Office of The Prime Minister and two others, including a 13-year-old boy, will be charged today with illegal possession of firearms.

Police arrested the people after executing a search warrant on an apartment complex on Bradley Street, Sunset Park, last week. Officers reportedly recovered nine firearms, five handguns, four highpowered weapons and a large quantity of suspected marijuana.

The Office of The Prime Minister released a statement on Friday acknowledging that an employee in the Department of Information and Technology was being investigated.

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said the employee is suspected of being involved in firearm trafficking, and importing weapons from the United States.

“As you could see, some of the weapons were wrapped in plastic properly secured,” he said during a press conference yesterday.

“There’s a trend we noted that some of them just came with component parts, so they are breaking down the weapons and sending them in different areas.

“We suspect that it came in from the US, and we are partnering with our partners along with the firearms unit with respect to trying to trace exactly where these weapons come from.

“The serial numbers were still attached to those weapons, and as we continue to see, the majority of our serious crimes are being committed with the use of firearms. And what we have seen in recent times, high power rifles are the weapons of choice that are being used on our streets in the commission of a number of our serious crimes.”

Commissioner Fernander said police retrieved 276 firearms this year and 7607 loads of ammunition. This includes 19 high-powered rifles, eight shotguns and 11 revolvers.

“Based on our tracing all of those weapons, you see the 270 I told you that was recovered, the majority of them have already been traced back to the US,” he said.

OFFICERS TO BE CERTIFIED IN MENTAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT AFTER RECENT SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

POLICE Commissioner

Clayton Fernander said he is alarmed by the number of attempted suicides in the past week and wants more officers to become certified in mental health management.

A 44-year-old woman reportedly attempted suicide on Sunday in Grand Bahama, the fourth attempted suicide in two weeks.

Shortly before 5pm, the victim was being driven on the airport road with a male friend when she opened the cars’s passenger door and jumped from the moving vehicle in an alleged attempt to take her life.

On Wednesday, a 47-year-old woman ingested a quantity of over-the-counter medication.

Earlier that day, a 25-year-old man inflicted two deep lacerations to his wrist with a broken glass.

Last week Monday, a 33-year-old woman ingested a quantity of prescription medication and alcohol in Abaco.

“Mental health is very serious, and we have to pay attention to that,” Commissioner Fernander said yesterday.

“Here talking about mental health, I’m trying to get a training course for our officers to deal with that situation, not only for themselves, but I’m talking about dealing with members of the public out there.”

He urged relatives to support family members suffering from mental

health challenges.

“We encourage families to pay attention to their loved ones,” he said.

“You know, sometimes you could see signs of what is going on. Don’t

ignore it. Don’t ignore it.

“Pay attention and reach out to the professionals or somebody who you could trust, who will steer you in the right direction to avoid incidents like this.”

POLICE COMMISSIONER CLAYTON FERNANDER

POLICE show off recenly seized weapons and ammunition.

Photos: J Lorenzo McKenzie/ RBPF Photographer

The Tribune Limited

PLP is not doing enough for the people

A vote passed - but what is mission in Haiti?

THE UN Security Council vote yesterday to send a multinational armed force to Haiti brings with it the very real prospect that Bahamian officers could be deployed in a dangerous situation by early next year.

The force is to be led by Kenya, which has previously proposed sending 1,000 police officers to Haiti. Yesterday, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Alfred Mutua, said that a number of officers are being taught French in anticipation of a deployment.

The Bahamas has previous committed to sending 150 officers as part of that multi-national force – pending the approval of yesterday’s vote. That offer was welcomed by the US Embassy back in August.

The multinational force would support the current Haitian police force – but that is far from a robust unit.

The number of Haitian police is around 10,000 – that is active officers – to handle a country of more than 11 million people which has seen gangs seize control of large sections of the nation.

There have been numerous deaths among the police force too – Haitian human rights group RNDDH said at the start of the year that since Prime Minister Ariel Henry took power there had been around five police officers killed each month. The group estimated that from January to June this year alone, 29 police officers lost their lives.

It is a volatile situation to say the least.

Crucially, what remains unclear is the outcome that is being pursued by this intervention. The Russian Federation’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said yesterday that multiple requests for details, including the use of force and when officers would be withdrawn, “went unanswered”.

The Chinese ambassador to the UN,

Zhang Jun, said he hoped there would be in-depth consultations with Haitian officials on the deployment while opposing the resolution.

What is challenging with that is that Haiti has no elected officials – terms have expired and the country is in desperate need of an election.

Our own former Prime Minister, Perry Christie, has been part of a group exploring discussions with Haitian leaders – but which leaders have authority to speak for the nation is an open question.

There has been resistance within Haiti to foreign intervention too – after all, a previous UN mission to the country led to the introduction of cholera to the nation, which killed nearly 10,000 people.

Concerns have been raised too about Kenya leading the effort, with a number of claims of torture, deadly force and abuse by Kenyan police.

Against all this, one thing is clear –simply ignoring the situation in Haiti is not an option either. The instability can affect the whole region, but more than that, these are our neighbours, and if we can help, we should.

Whether that means boots on the ground is another matter. We do not imagine there is widespread public support for such a move – and what support there is will be tested mightily if there are any Bahamian casualties. If we are to commit to troops in Haiti, we need a clearly outlined mission. How long will troops be there? What is their role in Haiti? Will they be involved in potential armed confrontations with gangs? What is the exit strategy?

The Prime Minister should speak directly to those questions if we are to send Bahamians to action in Haiti – and he should do so at the first opportunity in the new session of the House.

A tribute to Clara & Obie

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I’D LIKE to respect the memory of two people who have gone on to glory, both of whom exemplify principles on which we, as a people stand, and must not lose.

Clara Bell, was a quiet deep thinker and an extraordinarily smart lady. Anyone who met Clara would come away strongly influenced by the encounter. Clara loved God. This was clear from the way that she lived and dealt with people, all of whom she regarded as equal in God’s sight.

Clara was clear also about her commitment to her husband, Keith, and her “3 boys”. She always found time to support Keith in his career and in his public life. As parents, you saw them with their children. She found time also to graciously serve in various charities, as the Red Cross can attest. By graciously giving back in thankfulness, she was giving her boys, and all of us, important life lessons. Often today money is front and centre in our minds. If Clara had chosen to practice law in a law firm, she would have become a partner. For her, it was important to be in a place where she could touch people’s lives in real time and in doing so exemplify

the meaning of servant leadership.

Clara was a smart, gentle, genteel, kind, generous and gracious lady. Through her life, she followed the edict of St Francis of Assisi, to “preach the gospel and, when necessary, use words”.

My first encounter with Obie Wilchcombe, not surprisingly, came through politics. Our fathers were deeply entrenched in the PLP. Sir Lynden invited us to become founding members of the Progressive Young Liberals. We also served together as founding officers. Obie was another example of Sir Lynden’s gift of discerning and mentoring leadership talent.

Obie was then an upcoming broadcaster. He took journalism very seriously, being mentored by some of the best in The Bahamas, who also saw his talent. He was committed to excellence and disciplined. His stories were well researched, facts accurately conveyed, and words correctly pronounced.

Obie brought this same discipline to front line politics. From his family, immediate and extended, he understood the roots of the PLP and its commitment as a progressive movement for empowering and transformative change. He was unwavering in his commitment to these principles.

While acknowledging the many accolades about his accomplishments, I would like to highlight his spirituality. Obie was a committed Christian. I believe that his Christian beliefs were the source of his love of and respect for people and his love for his family. I also believe that he was deeply committed to the movement to eliminate all forms of violence against women. While we recall his speech to the Women’s Branch of the PLP hours before he met his Saviour, let us also recall his speech at the meeting of Commonwealth Ministers of Women’s Affairs, at Atlantis, in August of this year. Obie reminded the world that in 1985 The Nassau Declaration, which emanated from the 1985 CHOGM meeting in Nassau, led to the release of President Mandela. Speaking from his heart, without a script (as he often did), he asked Bahamians, and the world, to seize the opportunity of a 2023 Nassau Declaration leading to the elimination of violence against women.

Clara and Obie knew that Bahamians could be a light to the world on the importance of servant leadership. Do we?

ALLYSON MAYNARD

GIBSON, KC Nassau, October 1, 2023

EDITOR,

THE governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has another chance to act in the best interest of the Bahamian people when Parliament returns on October 4. They have not done enough to improve Bahamian lives since being elected to office two years ago. The PLP came to office at a time when our economy was turning around after the worst of the pandemic. The end of the pandemic helped that recovery to continue.

The PLP’s focus has been on ensuring PLPs are taken care of. Massive consultancy budgets have been allocated to them. Contracts are going to PLPs. Consultancies and appointments are going to PLPs. Life is improving dramatically for select PLPs.

What has been even more insulting is the travel of Prime Minister Philip Davis. Rather than being here to ensure the people’s business is done, he’s setting records for the most travel by a Bahamian head of government in one term.

He is up and down and all over the place attending conference after conference. All this is paid for by taxpayers. The Prime Minister is often missing. And when he is here, he is unfocused and unresponsive to the needs of Bahamians, planning his next foreign trip.

There have been scandals in Cabinet as a result of the Prime Minister’s inattention and poor handling of his job. He just had to shuffle his ministers.

The New Day PLP has been disappointing to many. They are not even able to repair and pave roads and keep roundabouts and verges maintained on a regular basis.

Problems we face Parliament is the place where our laws are made. It is where money is allocated to run the government and its agencies.

Governing parties lead Parliament’s agenda. The people entrust them with this mighty responsibility.

They expect that party to take on the problems of

the time to help make their lives better.

We in the Opposition are responsible for holding the governing party to account on behalf of the people. There are significant challenges facing us despite the global economy improving since the end of the pandemic.

The cost of living crisis lingers. The war in Ukraine, pandemic-related supply chain issues and excessive stimulus in the rich countries all contributed to inflationary pressure.

However, the governing party made it worse in The Bahamas. The PLP added taxes on breadbasket foods and medicines, unnecessarily increasing costs. The PLP also increased various fees the state imposes.

The worst PLP contributor to inflation was the debacle at Bahamas Power and Light (BPL). My administration left in place a hedge to protect Bahamians from out-of-control prices. The PLP messed up the hedge agreement we left in place. This has resulted in skyhigh electricity bills for Bahamians and businesses. Many are struggling to keep their lights on. Insurance, health care and other costs continue to increase.

Crime remains a major problem. There are too many murders; too many shootings; too many robberies; and too many thefts and break-ins. Bahamians are scared. Our people are angry. Too many have suffered loss of money and goods. Too many have had to spend large sums to increase their personal security because the government has no effective strategy to substantially reduce crime.

The collapse of the Haitian state has also worsened our immigration problem.

Waves of desperate Haitian migrants keep coming to our shores.

We are a small developing country. We cannot receive all these people.

Sprawling shantytowns exist across many of our

islands. These illegal communities are public health hazards, and are areas for unhealthy behaviours and practices.

We need action

The PLP has performed poorly as the governing party. In Parliament, they are disorganised and have no coherent agenda. Bills are presented to members at the last minute before debates. Legislation is often pulled from the agenda at the last minute.

The PLP is poor at consultation with stakeholders. An example of this is the recent fiasco with the Protection Against Violence Bill.

Women’s rights advocates remain upset. At the last minute the PLP changed the bill these activists worked on for years, bringing forward a new bill they did not properly consult on.

The Bahamas faces significant challenges. It needs the governing party to get organised and focused. We need well-reasoned legislation brought to Parliament to better address the cost of living and crime crises. We need to bring to Parliament legislation to address immigration and other problems.

The people want better performance in our legislative chambers from their governing party.

The PLP must start focusing on the people and the people’s concerns and not just those of the PLP elite.

As an elected member of the Opposition, I have fought hard to bring the concerns of the people to the floor of the House of Assembly. The Opposition has challenged the Prime Minister when he has lost his way. We must continue to hold the PLP to account.

There are unanswered questions of PLP scandal from the last session to which we in the Opposition intend to get answers.

The Bahamas is a beautiful country. It has industrious and resilient people. Our people deserve better than what the PLP has offered these past two years.

DR HUBERT MINNIS

Nassau, October 2, 2023.

Arawak Cay & Ingraham

EDITOR, The Tribune.

KINDLY allow me space in your column to express an opinion in reference to Arawak Cay. I believe whenever the Rt Hon Hubert A Ingraham, former Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, passes Arawak Cay, he let’s loose some 500 pound words. When the former PM developed and envisioned the cay I believe he envisioned a Bahamian cultural village for locals and tourists alike. To use a phrase a friend always tells me:

“Mr Ingraham put them on the waterfront”. But now, depending on who you speak with, for whatever reason, Arawak cay is a far cry from a Bahamian Cultural Village. What was once a unique entrepreneurial opportunity for Bahamians is now, what seems to me, a foreign village. When you enter Arawak Cay through the middle entrance, shouldn’t you turn left at the four-way crossing you would be entering what feels like Little Haiti. Creole language is ever present. Creole music is

blasting from speakers. Should you turn right, you would enter what feels like Little Jamaica. The aggressive, loud vulgar songs and the language from the audience. One is forced to ask, is this environment of thugs, hoodlums and criminals?

I will put my neck on a chopping block that the former PM is disappointed in what’s happening at Arawak Cay. And I am sure I will live to see another day.

PAT STRACHAN Nassau, September 29, 2023.

WORSHIPPERS pray during service at a Protestant church in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Sunday, September 24.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP

Landlord who suspiciously died after police chase had ‘high concentration of marijuana’ in his system, said COP

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

TOXICOLOGY test

results show that a man who died suspiciously with his 22-month-old son last month had “a high concentration of marijuana” in his system, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said yesterday.

Jermaine Miller, 42, and baby Anwar Miller died on September 12.

Police were alerted to

an apartment on Family Street, off Solider Road, after a tenant complained that Miller, his landlord, was attacking him.

Police arrested Miller because of his erratic behaviour. The man had jumped through a window when confronted about attacking his tenant. He died after suffering a cardiac arrhythmia.

The toddler’s body was unresponsive inside the apartment complex’s bedroom. The body had no visible wounds, but there

was skin discolouration.

Commissioner Fernander offered no meaningful insight into the cause of the child’s death yesterday, reiterating that the autopsy results remain inconclusive.

“The adult male, we found that it was a high concentration of marijuana in his system, and that matter is still ongoing,” he said. Last month, Commissioner Fernander said police questioned Anwar’s mother. He provided no update on this yesterday.

MAN ACCUSED OF ATTE MPTING TO KILL TWO POLICE OFFICERS IN 2020 AND GUN POSSESSION

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN is accused of trying to kill two police officers on Quakoo Street in 2020.

Yesterday Justice Cheryl

Grant-Thompson charged Jeremy Dames, 31, with two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Dames allegedly tried to kill Corporal 3333 Precious Lewis and Superintendent Dwight Smith with a black

and blue .40 calibre pistol near Quakoo Street on January 19, 2020. After pleading not guilty, the accused was told his matter would be transferred on October 11 to Justice Jeanine Weech Gomez for a trial date fixture.

MAN GETS 18 MONTHS IN PRISON AFTER ADMITTING TO GUN POSSESSION, ASKS JUDGE FOR LENIENCY

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to 18 months in prison yesterday after admitting to having a loaded gun he claims he got from a murder victim shortly after the man was shot in 2021.

Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Andrew Stuart, 28, with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

Stuart was arrested on February 28, 2021, after he was found with a black

and tan 9mm Glock pistol and 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

In his latest court appearance, Stuart reversed his earlier position and pleaded guilty.

He claimed he got the gun from Anton Percentie shortly after the man was shot on February 21, 2021.

Stuart claimed he tried to assist Percentie. He said he was unable to turn the gun over to police before his arrest.

Police reports indicate that Percentie was shot by two male assailants on Finlayson

Street and that he died in hospital.

Stuart asked the court to be lenient in its sentencing and spare him the customary two-year prison term for firearm offences. He said that he has two young daughters and works as a mechanic.

After saying Stuart appeared contrite and noting he had changed his plea before evidence was heard, Magistrate Serville sentenced him to 18 months in prison.

Before being taken to prison, he was allowed to interact with relatives in court.

MAN FINED $2,500 AFTER AD M ITTING TO WEARING UNAUTHORISED BODY AR M OUR

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was fined $2,500 yesterday after admitting to wearing unauthorised body armour when police caught him following a brief car chase last week.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby charged Dwight Edwards, 51, with possession of body armour. Edwards tried to flee police in his Honda Civic

around Adastra Gardens on September 28. After police caught him, they found a loaded licensed shotgun in his car. A search of his person revealed that he was wearing a black bulletproof vest without proper authorisation from the licensing authority.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge.

Keevon Maynard represented the defendant. He argued that his client had been shot before and wore

the vest for his protection. He said his client was remorseful and took responsibility for his actions. He implored the court not to impose a custodial sentence.

Magistrate Coleby ordered that the defendant pay a fine of $2,500, with $1,000 to be paid before his release. Should Edwards fail to pay his fine, he would face a 12-month prison term. Edwards must return to court on October 27 to pay the balance of his debt.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were ordered to pay $5,000 bail yesterday after they were accused of stealing a car last month.

Acting Chief Magistrate

Roberto Reckley charged Lenin Poitier, 28, and Kevon Coleby, 33, with stealing and receiving. The two allegedly stole a $2,500 gold coloured 2006 Nissan Bluebird from Emelson Edouard on September 16 in New Providence. The

two were accused of being found with the stolen vehicle on September 27. After pleading not guilty, the accused were informed that they must sign in at a police station twice monthly. The defendants’ trial begins on November 6.

NEW Governor General Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt attends a CC Sweeting High School Awards and Prefect Installation Cermony on Monday accompanied by Commisioner of Police Clayton Fernander.

Photos: J Lorenzo McKenzie/RBPF Photographer

What is the measure of a man?

Remembering Obie Wilchcombe

“THE ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,” said Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

This quote comes to mind when I think of Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe, MP, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, who shocked many of us when he passed away last week.

People from all walks of life - from both sides of the political divide and from various sectors of society - were in dismay as the news came of his sudden passing. So many had such good things to say about Mr Wilchcombe; I am no exception.

Obie, as we affectionately called him, was a mentor to me in broadcasting and journalism. The first time that I had the opportunity to work as a summer student at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (BCB) on ZNS News, he was there. His leadership, integrity and journalistic skills were unquestionable. I watched him as he worked with great broadcasters such as Dr Debbie Bartlett, Deidre Thompson, Katie Longley, Michelle Malcolm, Kirk Smith, and Ed Bethel. All of these people - professionals par excellence - seemed to respect his wise words, his opinions about operations at ZNS, and the way forward.

As a teenager, I was theredreamy eyed - envisioning a future in a profession with greats like these. They gave me the opportunity to shine. They saw my eagerness and ability and they allowed me to do something they told me had never been done before. They sent me out on assignment with ZNS cameraman Lynden Smith, and allowed me to cover an event, do a stand-up, and file a legitimate report that was aired on ZNS news - in my St Augustine’s College school uniform! The success of that event led to several more opportunities before summer was over. There, my career path was cast in stone.

Throughout the years, I worked with several media outlets, broadening my skills in journalism and broadcasting. From time to time, I would receive encouragement from Obie. He never hesitated to tell me how proud he was, and he provided sound advice. Moreover, he was an excellent historian and he would

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

enrich my writing with his knowledge of past events that were relevant to current issues of the day.

A natural leader, Obie served in various positions at BCB, including Deputy Director of News, News Director, and Assistant General Manager. He was passionate about the development of his country and as such, he developed a television programme called “Base Streets”, which brought to light the vexing cocaine problem that ravaged New Providence in the 1980s. He won a national award for this eye-opening programme series.

He was assigned to former Prime Minister Sir Lynden O Pindling at national and international events and as such, a great bond was formed between the two. With Sir Lynden’s impression, Obie blossomed from the adept journalist to an extraordinary politician. But before that transition happened, a key event occurred that will go down as one of the defining moments in journalism in The Bahamas.

In 1999 when Obie was host of the radio show “Bahamas Today” on More 94.9fm, he read on air, a suicide note from a convicted murderer set to be executed. He was pressured to reveal his source, but his high ethics as a journalist kicked in, and he refused to do so. As a result, he was imprisoned for four days. John Higgs Jr, who was sentenced to death for the 1993 murder of his wife Joan in Fox Hill, committed suicide two days before his scheduled execution. Maybe there was too much attention paid to the talk show host and too little the convict who should have been placed under high security after the revelation of his suicide letter.

Nonetheless, we as journalists learned an important lesson about the principles on which we must stand as a part of our job.

As Dr Martin Luther King said: “Nothing worthwhile is easy. Your ability to overcome unfavorable situations will provide you with time to demonstrate your true strength and determination for success. Always set your standards high,

your greatest achievements lie within the infinite feats you achieve in your life.”

Obie went on to become an extraordinary politician with constituents who had an obvious love for their Member of Parliament for West End, Grand Bahama, and Bimini. Scores of his constituents were in tearsin shock and disbelief that he passed away suddenly, likely in his sleep, on September 25, 2023.

He was a charismatic leader and he shone for his strong principles, which he did not hesitate to share from the floor of Parliament. As leader of Government business in the House of Assembly, he was fearless in his stance and provided good backing for his statements, leading to the passage of many resolutions to the Upper House. A well-experienced politician, he also served as a Senator during his long career in politics.

He was an excellent Minister of Tourism and under his leadership, the country’s tourism product expanded to reach markets such as sports through the Sports in Paradise plan, religious and African American markets. His beloved BCB was also a part of his ministerial portfolio.

Most recently, BCB came under his portfolio once again when the Ministry of Social Services & Urban Development, for which he was given Ministerial charge by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, was changed to the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting. He may have had to warm up to this post at first, but once he got a grasp of what this Ministry entailed, he went all in.

He found an underrated Ministry that was doing so much more for the Bahamian people than is generally perceived. The Department of Social Services, under the purview of the Director of the Department of Social Services provides food and financial services, counseling, advocacy, education, empowerment, health and wellness, shelter and housing, protection and safety services. It is a large

Ministry with a wide purview, which also includes institutions such as: Department of Gender and Family Affairs; Department of Rehabilitative/ Welfare Services; Children and Family Services Division; Disability Affairs Division; Disaster Management Unit; Health and Social Services at Princess Margaret Hospital and Sandiland’s Rehabilitation Centre; Senior Citizens Division and much more.

The Ministry led the ratification of important agreements for the country, including the Convention of the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) (October, 1993), led by the Department of Gender and Family Affairs. The work to promote women’s affairs came to the fore in August of this year, when the Ministry hosted the 13th Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting (13WAMM), with more than 30 countries of the Commonwealth in attendance. There, a roadmap was created for all Commonwealth countries to follow, that would lead to greater protection and support for women in key areas, including the economic empowerment of women, gender and climate change, women in leadership, the elimination of violence against women, and disability inclusion. I had the opportunity to work with him as a media specialist for 13WAMM. I am happy to have had the opportunity to work with him, and I cherish these moments that brought our relationship as mentor and mentee full circle. Seeing him in action was inspiring. He was a stickler for order, and he abhorred confusion. He believed in doing everything by the book, and encouraged all around him to follow procedure, even though he wanted to see some of the procedures changed for the sake of

efficiency.

He was passionate about women’s affairs, and he was hands on with the entire 13WAMM process. He encouraged everyone who worked on the project to study about the matters at hand, no matter how small their part may be. He showed the connection between the people and the matters that would be discussed by the Commonwealth. He worked tirelessly to ensure the delegates that attended received all the accommodations they needed for a productive event. He would refer to the Nassau Accord, signed in The Bahamas in 1985 by Commonwealth countries during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) under Sir Lynden’s patronage. That accord was considered instrumental to the release of the man who would become president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Obie would say that 13WAMM was an opportunity to move the needle for women’s affairs on a global scale.

Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, agreed. There was a consensus that this WAMM was one of the best ever, and delegates left inspired to streamline efforts to implement policies for the advancement of women in their respective countries. She joined The Bahamas in shock and mourning as she had gained a friend and had high hopes for his chairmanship of WAMM for the next three years. It is said that Obie did not push to be moved from this ministry during the recent Cabinet shuffle because he was committed to seeing through the commitments made for the advancement of women in The Bahamas.

On our last project together, I saw the same man that first encouraged me as a teenager at ZNS.

Charismatic, genuinely caring about people, and quietly making big moves.

I am aware that Obie also became personally invested in this job. He never wanted it to be reported, but he utilised his personal funds to assist some of the people that came to the Ministry. He would visit the homes of those in need, and he would speak with children, inspiring them even in their dire state - and they took to him.

He left an indelible impact on those who worked directly with him, including his former Minister of State Lisa Rahming, Permanent Secretary Joel Lewis; Deputy Director of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs Melvelyn Symonette; assistants Ms Lisa McpheeBrown, Mrs Edwards and Ms Johnson; Pharez Rolle; Communications Consultant Dr Deborah Bartlett; Nalini Bethel, Jewel Edwards and Miranda Innis.

The measure of this man is a high one. Obie lived a life worth modeling after. His days in Parliament were a far cry from his youthful days as a quarterback for the Nassau Sunburners, and his days as a sports reporter. But he never lost the common touch, as his grieving constituents in West End, Grand Bahama and the island of Bimini will attest to.

His children - Sherard Wilchcombe Bartlett; Obiecheryl Bowleg; Adia Isaacs; and Alisa Watson have much to be proud of. Prayers go out to his family, especially his siblings, to the members of the Progressive Liberal Party, and to all who knew and loved him. A memorial service will be held for him this evening at the Sir Lynden Pindling Centre at 8pm, which kicks off a series of memorials, as well as a state funeral, to honor him.

With Sir Lynden’s impression, Obie blossomed from the adept journalist to an extraordinary politician.

In the short term, the country’s energy security comes first

HAVING written as recently as August in some detail in this column about climate change, I only refer to the subject again today because it has hit the news in Britain following approval last week of a new offshore oil and gas development in the North Sea called Rosebank. This was given the green light by the official regulator following assurances about environmental concerns. It has quickly become a controversial issue and has already been heavily criticized due to its potential impact on climate change and its connection to the UK’s net zero target. This requires the emission of no more greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide than the amount taken out by the atmosphere - or, in other words, no longer adding to the total amount of greenhouse gases. It also involves, of course, the energy security of the nation. The decision has been strongly condemned by environmentalists as ‘total contempt for our environment and future generations’, with the UK Green Party calling it ‘morally obscene’ and an act of vandalism; not least after the Intergovernmental

The Peter Young column

Panel on Climate Change, the leading global climate science authority, and the International Energy Agency, the world’s foremost energy authority, have said that no new oil and gas projects should take place if the world is to limit global warming to internationally agreed safe limits of 1.5C above preindustrial temperatures.

The IEA had warned about this at the COP26 climate summit hosted by Britain in Scotland in 2021, and the UN Secretary General subsequently called on governments to halt

new licences for oil and gas development. Situated some 80 miles west of the Shetland Islands, Rosebank is said to be the UK’s largest untapped oil field in the sea off Scotland and the last major site to be developed. It is estimated to contain up to 300 million barrels of oil.

A little research shows that extraction of oil and gas from the North Sea dates back for many years. For more than half a century, ‘black gold’ was the key to Scotland’s burgeoning economy and encouraged the country’s independence movement. Offshore exploration, drilling and production started in earnest after the 1973 world oil crisis caused the oil price to quadruple.

The Rosebank project will bring large direct investment to the UK economy. It will be run by the Norwegian state energy firm, Equinor, and the oil and gas produced – some 70,000 barrels (about 8 per cent of UK production) and 45 million cubic feet of gas a day - will be sold on the international market. Production should start in late 2026. Its owners say it will create some 1,600 jobs and “significant tax revenue” for the UK government.

Amid accusations that the timing of this announcement could hardly have been more provocative, coming as it did after the IEA had reiterated that there was no need for new oil or gas projects if the world was to get to net zero, Britain has now approved the biggest new oilfield in more than a decade. According to reports, the decision comes after the UK government said in July that it would issue new licences for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea and after a group of MPs raised concerns that the Rosebank project could produce excessive carbon dioxide and other gases and sought to block it.

Nonetheless, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is quoted as saying that “it makes sense for the UK to use its own oil and gas supplies as the country makes the change to renewables”, and that the Rosebank project is the “right long-term decision for the UK’s energy security”, while contributing strongly to its greater energy independence. He went on to say that “we will continue to back the UK’s oil and gas industry to underpin our energy security, grow our economy and help us deliver

transition to cheaper and cleaner energy” – and that further oil and gas licences are compatible with climate targets.

From studying the UK press on the subject, it strikes me that the prime minister and his colleagues who have been part of this important decision are justified in their approach to such a vital part of the life of the nation. One has only to look now – admittedly with the benefit of hindsight – at the then German Chancellor’s misguided policy some years ago to depend disproportionately on Russia for the nation’s energy needs to realise the importance of being energy independent to the extent that that is possible. Of course, at the present stage of climate change, that does not mean that countries should hold back in committing substantial resources to developing renewables. The UK government claims to be a world leader at reducing carbon emissions; but, while being ambitious always to improve its performance, it has to be pragmatic.

The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero in Mr Sunak’s government, Claire

NAGORNO-KARABAKH: A FAMILIAR NAME SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD

OF THE many conflicts around the world, perhaps one of the longest running has been that involving the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh in Azerbaijan in which the neighbouring country of Armenia is also closely involved. A deep-seated dispute has been simmering for many years – and from time to time boils over into fighting with heavy casualties on both sides. Recently, this dispute has flared up again and US TV screens have been filled with images of thousands of people fleeing their homes by car or on foot. So the name has become familiar.

But, although the drama of human suffering is filmed in detail, there is seldom any explanation of what is really happening and why. So, in case of any local interest in this far-off conflict, it might be useful today to offer some brief explanation and analysis.

The small nations of Armenia and Azerbaijan, with respective populations of 2.8 million and 10 million, lie in the mountainous region of the South Caucasus between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, with

Turkey to the south west and Russia to the north. In the 1920s, both countries became republics in the Soviet Union. The area designated as NagornoKarabakh had a majority ethnic Armenian population that was controlled by Azerbaijan. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Nagorno-Karabakh’s regional parliament voted to become part of Armenia.

This breakaway territory, which consists mostly of mountains and forests, has for long been internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. But large areas of it have been run for decades by ethnic Armenians. There is a history of deep-seated hatred between Armenia and Azerbaijan and, between 1988 and 1994, the two fought a war over the issue which Armenia won with the help of Russia -- though, reportedly, Russia later abandoned them after becoming preoccupied with the war in Ukraine.

Under the terms of a ceasefire brokered by the Russians, Armenian forces gained control of NagornoKarabakh and the areas adjacent to it though the

territory remained part of Azerbaijan. Since then, it has mostly been governed as a separatist, self-declared republic run by ethnic Armenians and backed by the Armenian government. The most recent violence seems to have arisen after Azerbaijan blockaded at the end of last year a vital route in to the enclave from Armenia on the grounds that weaponry and military equipment was being supplied. It is said that Azerbaijan still seeks to suppress what it regards as a separatist movement. This triggered an Azerbaijani military offensive and intense fighting, resulting in local forces agreeing to be disarmed and disbanded. The separatist leader then announced that the breakaway republic will cease to exist from January next year thus ending the territory’s struggle for independence. Meanwhile, it is now claimed that almost the entire population of ethnic-origin Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh – up to some 120,000 - has left the territory and crossed the border to Armenia, fearing ethnic

cleansing even though Azerbaijan has not ordered them to leave and is offering citizenship to them as long as they lay down their arms.

From what I have read, the international community would probably be reluctant to oppose the reintegration of Nagorno-Karabakh in to Azerbaijan. But commentators remind everyone that Azerbaijan is not a democracy and fears about ethnic cleansing are real.

Ethnic-origin Armenians

Coutinho, states that, although the UK is investing in renewable power “we will need oil and gas as part of that mix on the path to net zero, and it makes sense to use our own supplies”. She has repeated the prime minister’s assurances about backing the UK’s oil and gas industry, both to underpin energy security and “to help us to deliver the transition to cheaper, cleaner energy”. Whatever the environmental hazards in continuing with oil and gas, they are both needed in the short-term. So it is surely not unreasonable to hope that people will be able to accept a future that puts as much investment into renewables as possible leading to a point when the country no longer has to depend on oil and gas. But, before that point is reached, oil and gas should be used in the most cost effective and safe manner. In the words of the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, “we are accelerating renewables and nuclear power but will still need oil and gas for decades to come – so let’s get more of what we need from within British waters”.

A golfing event to remember

who refused to budge over their demands for independence have now ended up displaced and removed from their homeland. This has rapidly developed into a major humanitarian issue with many thousands in urgent need of assistance.

To try to deal with the current situation and the long-running conflict, some Western analysts argue that, notwithstanding the war in Ukraine, perhaps the time has come for the European Union and the US to intervene.

SINCE the power has suddenly gone out at home as I finish off my weekly column this morning, the short piece I had intended to produce about Europe’s Ryder Cup victory on Sunday will have to be dropped. Instead, suffice it to say at short notice that, despite some wobbles during the singles matches on Sunday, it was ultimately a comfortable victory against a star-studded US team that included golf’s world No 1, the US PGA champion, the Open champion and the US Open champion.

The biennial Ryder Cup has become one of the world’s greatest sporting events. I managed to watch on TV much of last weekend’s contest at the splendid – and, clearly, superbly well maintained – Marco Simon Golf and Country Club on the outskirts of Rome. The event appeared to be impeccably organised and it took place in warm weather under cloudless skies. The whole spectacle was simply magnificent.

A LEBANESE Armenian woman reacts to tear gas outside the Azerbaijani embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. Hundreds of Lebanese Armenians on Thursday protested outside the Azerbajani Embassy in Beirut.

Photo: Hussein Malla/AP

Sydney, page 12

NAIA GULF ITA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN NEW ORLEANS

Bain and Suarez win doubles title

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Despite nursing a slight injury, Bahamian Jacobi Bain and his Xavier University of Louisiana partner Nereo Suarez still managed to win the men’s doubles title at the NAIA Gulf Regional Championships at the XULA Tennis Center in New Orleans.

As the top seeds, Bain and Suarez avenged their defeat in last year’s final by winning the title with a hard fought 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 victory on Sunday, automatically qualifying for the ITA Cup from October 12-16 in Rome, Georgia.

It was the second straight win for Bain and Suarez, who are coming off their victory at the HBCU Nationals at South Fulton Tennis Center in College Park, Georgia where they defeated Morgan State’s top-seeded Mikeal Carpenter and Niles Rachel in a A-bracket final on September 16.

For Bain, who along with Saurez were named to the 2022-23 All-Louisiana collegiate team, it’s a great start to what he anticipates will be a banner year for the 20-year-old sophomore, who is now studying mass communication.

“This one was a little tougher because I’m dealing with a slight injury, so it’s kind of tough to manage,” said Bain, who is playing through a torn ACL in his left leg. “My partner played well. He helped me out when I really needed him.

“We were just able to gel very well together and we played very well when it mattered.”

Although he came home and played in the sixth

WOMEN’S FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL TOURNEY THURSDAY

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Bahamas Games, helping the Andros Chickcharnies to capture the gold medal in tennis, Bain said he used it to help with his rehab from the injury he sustained back in late April.

Bain, however, said he’s only playing doubles, so he was able to deal with any slight pain that he experienced on the court. It helps when he has a partner like Saurez.

As they now look ahead to the nationals next week, Bain said he will continue to work through the pain because there’s a lot at stake and he wants to be able to make his contribution to their doubles team and eventually to the success of XULA men’s tennis.

“This is going to be a tough tournament, but I know we can hang with those guys,” Bain said.

“So I’m just going to work through our practice sessions this week and next week as we get closer to the tournament.

“I’m going to train my best, working on my vollies, working on my returns and working on my serves. This one is going to be tough because there are a lot of good teams out there, so we have to try and do our best and hopefully take home the title.”

Even though he gets a little sore at times, Bain said for the most part, he’s okay.

As for the 2022-23 AllLouisiana collegiate team, Bain made the first team, and Suarez was second team. The state’s college tennis publicists picked the team for the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. Bain was 20-9 in singles and 24-6 in doubles. He was No. 14 in singles and, with Suarez, No. 2 in doubles in the final ITA/NAIA national rankings.

Bain replaced two-time Louisiana Player of the Year Santiago Perez at the top of the lineup — Bain played No. 4 singles in 2022 — and helped the Gold Rush achieve more success, including nine team victories against ranked opponents. Bain was second-team All-Louisiana and Freshman of the Year his previous season. Suarez, from Santa Fe, Argentina, was 17-11 in singles — he played No. 2 in the spring — and 22-9 in doubles. He became the third freshman in Gold Rush history to reach No. 2 in the final ITA doubles rankings. His four Red River Athletic Conference

player-of-the-week awards led XULA during the spring and matched the most ever by a Gold Rush freshman.

Suarez clinched doubles and singles points in a 4-0 home victory against NAIA No. 8 William Carey — XULA’s first shutout of the Crusaders in 13 years — and began his college career with four victories in three days to win the singles C-flight at the HBCU National Championships.

Suarez and Bain were doubles runner-up at the NAIA Gulf ITA Regional Championships. In June, Bain and Suarez earned ITA NAIA AllAmerica. The XULA men were 18-7 in dual matches,

Roadmasters get set to stage 11th Annual Bahamas Half Marathon Race Series

BAHAMAS Roadmasters Running Club (BRRC) is busily making final preparations to stage its 11th Annual Bahamas Half Marathon Race Series, scheduled for Sunday, November 19.

The event features a 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), Half Marathon (13.1 miles) and a Half Marathon (Teams of 4) Relay.

The 5K race is highly favoured by walkers and novice runners.

Leading the list of notable sponsors once again is renowned United Statesbased health care provider, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA).

Founded in 1998, CTCA through its network of treatment centres in the United States of America has provided top level cancer care to thousands of Bahamian patients.

They also give back to Bahamian communities by generously supporting

many local NGO’s. Demonstrating their commitment as a benefactor to Bahamas Roadmasters, CTCA is the repeat title

sponsor of the 2023 Bahamas Half Race Series.

“We are always grateful to all our corporate sponsors for their

continued support, in particular CTCA who has consistently partnered with

a repeat champion in an NAIA unaffiliated group qualifying tournament, an NAIA national’s quarterfinalist and No. 7 in the final NAIA coaches’ poll.

Bain, who attended Windsor Academy and was a part of the Albany Tennis Academy, is the son of Bradley and Marion Bain, both local coaches in tennis.

“School has been pretty good. I’m just trying to get through all of my classes. I’m doing pretty good in all my classes right now,” he stated.

“I’m just looking forward to the end of the year and going home to reset and get ready for next semester.”

THE inaugural Softball 242 One Caribbean Invitational Women’s Fast-Pitch Tournament is all set to get underway on Thursday at the Bankers’ Field with three international and three local teams participating.

According to Thomas Sears, the founder of Softball 242, the event is shaping up to be an exciting one for all.

He noted that there has been a lot of keen interest in the event, considering that there will be fast-pitch competition in the New Providence Softball Association this year.

“All systems are go,” Sears said. “We already have some of the umpires here because there will be a pre-tournament umpires’ clinic that got started on Monday and continues on Wednesday.

“We will have a team from the US Virgin Islands and two teams from Jamaica, the Jamaica Warrior Queens and the Jamaica Club Fusion coming in. The teams from New Providence are the Bommer Operators, the University of the Bahamas Mingoes and the Sunshine Auto Wildcats.” Sears said he’s excited with the line-up and the local organising committee is looking forward to some competitive games this weekend, wrapping up with the championship and awards presentation on Sunday.

Prior to the start of the tournament, there will be an Umpires Clinic that got started on Monday at the Archdeacon William Thompson Softball Park at the Southern Recreation Grounds. The internationally certified clinic will run until Wednesday. “We have one international umpire coming in from the British Virgin Islands and there are a

SEE PAGE 12

CHARLES W SAUNDERS HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTED WITH SOFTBALL EQUIPMENT

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN showing their appreciation for the support they received for the sixth Bahamas Games, ‘Softball 242’ chief Thomas Sears made a presentation of softball equipment to the athletic department at the Charles W Saunders High School last week.

Thomas, whose Softball Bahamas is preparing to host their first Softball 242 One Caribbean Invitational Women’s Fast-Pitch Tournament this week, said as the manager of the Exuma women’s softball team for the Bahamas Games, they were appreciative of Charles W Saunders allowing them to use their facilities for practice.

“I committed to helping them with their field by donating some equipment,” Sears said.

“They will be able to assist them in their softball programme. Foster Dorsett is their athletic director and

physical education teacher, so I know he could make good use of the in-kind gesture.”

Charles W Saunders received the four bases for softball, as well as two cases of softballs, which Dorsett said will definitely benefit the Cougars’ sporting programme, particularly as they prepare for participation in the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ softball season.

“It’s well-needed, so I appreciate what Thomas Sears was able to give us,” Dorsett said. “It’s a programme that is growing and we needed some bases and he even provided us with about two cases of softballs, which is something that we won’t have to buy.

“It shows that there are people out there who have an interest in helping in the development of our young kids. I think the students really appreciate what we got. He pledged more

THE top three male winners in the 2022 Bahamas Half Marathon with their medals.

DOUBLES CHAMPIONS: Jacobi Bain, right, of The Bahamas, and his partner Nereo Suarez display their awards after winning the men’s doubles title at NAIA Gulf Regional Championships at the XULA Tennis Centre.

‘YES I HAVE THE POWER TO BE DRUG FREE’

Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association takes advantage of Bahamas National Drug Council Hobbies Fair

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) participated in the Hobbies Fair hosted by the Bahamas National Drug Council (BNDC).

The BNDC fosters strategic partnerships, as sporting activities such as tennis impact many children and the community positively.

The BLTA showcased tennis and the children engaged in this fun and healthy sport, according to a press release.

The theme of the event was “Yes I Have The Power To Be Drug Free”. Coaches Paula Whitfield, Mateo Smith and BLTA pesident Perry Newton greeted the students at the fair.

The event was held at the Town Centre Mall on Friday, September 29.

The after-school tennis programme at the National Tennis Centre offers tennis classes for children.

In addition, the BLTA’s Play Tennis programme

provides an opportunity to be introduced to the sport. The BNDC believes that these post-school activities can boost academic performance, reduce risky behaviours, promote physical health and provide a safe and structured environment for children.

“The BLTA was pleased to represent at the Hobbies Fair which was very well-attended.

“There were over 500 children from various schools. The children were enthusiastic to participate and showed great interest. We look forward

to continuing our tennis programmes and introducing many children which provides a great alternative for the kids, leading to many positive returns in our communities and throughout the Bahamas.

“We applaud the commitment of the National Drug

Council to promote afterschool activities like tennis and the charge they have to the development of drug free student leaders.

“Together we are giving our young people great opportunities that will bode well for our country,” the BLTA said.

CHESS: ELECTION OF OFFICERS

THE Bahamas Chess Federation is scheduled to hold elections for its Executive Committee officers at the Annual General Meeting at 3pm on Sunday, November 26. The following officers will serve from December 2023 to November 2025 : * President * First Vice President * Second Vice President * Treasurer * Secretary Should you be interested in serving, kindly visit the link below and complete the form provided. Note that only full members at the time of the nomination deadline will be eligible for office. The nomination period will end at 3pm on Sunday, November 12. https://forms. gle/12D2PaqQ9JGHML4h7

@ 502-2394

PARTICIPANTS enjoy the tennis showcase at the Bahamas National Drug Council Hobbies Fair.

Sydney Clarke looking ahead

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SENIOR Sydney Clarke and the University of Alabama at Birmingham kicked off their Blazers’ collegiate women’s tennis season in grand style last week, winning the Austin Peay Fall Tournament in Clarkesville, Tennessee.

The three-day event included teams from Clarkesville, Southeast Missouri, Murray State, Cumberland and Chattanooga.

In singles, the Blazers went 5-1 against Southeast Missouri, 4-2 against Austin Peay and 3-3 against Murray State. The Blazers were 12-6 overall in singles.

Clarke then teamed up with Mackenzie White to post a perfect 3-0 record and was joined by the rest of their team-mates as they won all nine of their matches against Southeast Missouri, Austin Peay and Murray State. Nine different combinations were used for the

nine doubles matches. Individually, Clarke, Mellynchuk, Wasserbauerova, Ratkic, White, and Smith each recorded three wins.

“I’m very proud of myself. I feel like the work that I put in over the summer is showing up in my results,” Clarke said.

“So I’m really glad and I think our practices so far for the fall have really been intense.

“Everyone has really been pushing each other so I think that has really helped. That’s why we had a great start to the fall season.”

Over the summer, Clarke got a chance to once again represent the Bahamas at the Fed Cup. While the team didn’t get promoted to Zone II, Clarke said the experience has helped her to get ready for her final collegiate season.

Clarke and the Blazers will be back in action this weekend as they head to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for the ITA Southern Regionals. The four-day event begins October 5 and runs through October 9.

“I just hope to continue to make slight improvements to my game and work towards the spring season, which will start in January,” she said. “But I believe the work that we are putting in on and off the court has been really well and we’ve changed a lot of things that we did in the past.

“That has helped us to get a lot of wins, so I feel very confident in us having a great season next year.”

Clarke, who turns 22 on November 18, is the daughter of Shayvon and Bernard Clarke. She has a younger sister Sarai Clarke, who is following her footsteps in high school in the United States.

MEDVEDEV ADVANCE TO SEMIFINALS AT CHINA OPEN

BEIJING (AP) — Second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz eased to his 12th semifinal appearance of the season with a 6-4, 6-2 win over seventh-seeded Casper Ruud at the China Open yesterday.

The top-seeded Spaniard recovered from falling a break behind in the first set before he overpowered Ruud with 30 winners and four breaks of serve to advance.

“To be able to beat a player like Casper in straight sets is really good,” Alcaraz said. “It means you are playing well. It is really tough, big rallies at the beginning of the match, but I am really happy with the level.

“Being able to find solutions after the start of the first set. These kind of matches give you extra confidence.”

Alcaraz will meet sixthseeded Jannik Sinner in today’s semifinals after the Italian downed Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.

The two teamed up to play doubles for the first time at the sixth Bahamas Games where they helped the Andros Chickcharnies to win the gold in tennis.

Clarke, a former junior national champion student of CR Walker who graduated from Windsor Academy, is studying entrepreneurship at UAB.

11th Annual Bahamas Half Marathon Race Series all set for November 19

FROM PAGE 10

BRRC in a major way for the past several years. The support of the corporate community is integral, as it enables us to successfully stage our signature events, Bahamas Half Marathon Race Series and The Midnight Madness Fun Run’’, said Anastasia Turnquest, BRRC president.

Presenting on behalf of CTCA was its Bahamas representative, Ms. Tina Lightbourne who said: “In the communities we serve, we genuinely care about their health and welfare, and it’s this duty of care that inspires us to respond by supporting the local NGOs, who are on the ground servicing those needs. It’s ingrained in CTCA’s core values.

“Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club promotes good health and wellness, which is a great fit for us and we’re happy to play a part.”

The annual road race, which draws hundreds of local and international running and walking enthusiasts, will start at 6am from Junkanoo Beach, The Western Esplanade.

The route goes west along Bay Street toward Cable Beach.

The half marathon will turn around near Sun Fun Resort, the 10K turns near Baha Mar Boulevard and 5K turns near Go-Slow Bend.

The 5 and 10K are walker-friendly events. For the half marathon, runners

have registered from the USA and Canada. Tony Longley, BRRC’s public relations officer, told Tribune Sports: “Thanks to the collective generosity of our sponsors, we’re able to stage a world-class, professionally timed race and possibly some personal records will be set in all categories.”

The top three finishers in each age category will receive trophies and all finishers in every event will

get a beautiful commemorative finisher’s medal.

Additional sponsors and contributors include Caribbean Bottling Company; America City of Hope; Bahamas Welding & Fire; Cabinet & Carpet World; FYP Building Supplies; Fidelity Bank; Lightbourne Trading, Bahamas Wholesale Agency, Nassau Agencies and Bahamian Brewery.

Part proceeds from this year’s race will assist the

CHARLES W SAUNDERS HIGH SCHOOL GETS DONATION OF SOFTBALL EQUIPMENT

FROM PAGE 10

support in the future for the programme, so we really appreciate what he has done for us.”

Dorsett said if there are any other individuals or companies out there who are willing to assist, they can contact him or the school to provide their

support of their athletic programme, which includes basketball, where they are the defending BAISS senior boys champions, volleyball, soccer and track and field.

Joining Dorsett in receiving the gift from Thomas were Charles W Saunders’ principal Anadel Thompson and senior master Rev. Stephen Duncombe.

Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group, and MD Patient Navigation Services.

Founded in 1990, Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club is the premier athletic club in The Bahamas dedicated to promoting a healthy and wholesome lifestyle through the sport of long-distance running.

Members train weekly to prepare for local and international races, including marathons and half

marathons. A group recently completed the Berlin Marathon and more than two dozen of its members will race in the Toronto Marathon on October 15.

Registration is open online via website: www. bahamashalf242.com. For more information, contact BRRC C/0 email address: bahamasroadmasters@ gmail.com and via Facebook: Bahamas Road Masters.

Third-ranked Daniil Medvedev overcame a second-set stumble to beat Frenchman Ugo Humbert 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.

The Russian struggled to find his usual fluid game in the first two sets but sprung to life in the third set to shake off the 36th-ranked Humbert and progress to his 10th semifinal of the year.

His semifinal opponent will be eighth-seeded Alexander Zverev, who needed three sets to prevail over Nicolas Jarry 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-3.

WOMEN’S FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL TOURNEY

FROM PAGE 10

number of local umpires who will be participating in the clinic,” Sears said. “At the same time, we will be conducting a TC course for technical commissioners. It’s similar to persons who do the attaché. They have changed the name to technical commissioners, who assist the teams with all of the logistics.”

schedule of games for this weekend:

Thursday

7pm - Bahamas Bommer Operators vs Bahamas UB Mingoes.

8:45pm - Sunshine Auto Wildcats vs Jamaica Club Fusion.

Friday

4pm - UD Virgin Islands vs Jamaica Warrior Queens.

5:45pm - Sunshine Auto Wildcats vs Bommer Operators.

7:30pm - Jamaica Warrior Queens vs Jamaica Club Fusion.

9:15pm - University of Bahamas Mingoes vs US Virgin Islands.

Saturday 10:15am - Jamaica Warrior Queens vs Bommer Operators.

Noon - US Virgin Islands vs Jamaica Club Fusion.

1:45pm - University of the Bahamas Mingoes vs Sunshine Auto Wildcats.

5:15pm - US Virgin Islands vs Sunshine Auto Wildcats.

7pm - Opening ceremony.

8pm - Jamaica Warrior Queens vs University of the Bahamas Mingoes.

Sunday 10:15am - Bommer Operators vs US Virgin Islands.

Noon - Jamaica Club Fusion vs University of the Bahamas Mingoes.

1:45pm - Sunshine Auto Wildcats vs Jamaica Warrior Queens.

5:30pm - Bronze medal game (seed 4 vs seed 3).

7:30pm - Gold medal game (seed 2 vs seed 1). 9pm - Awards presentation.

SENIOR Sydney Clarke and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers won the Austin Peay Fall Tournament in Clarkesville, Tennessee.

RUNNERS at the start of the 2022 Bahamas Half Marathon. Photos courtesy of Tony Longley

SOFTBALL Bahamas made a donation to Charles W Saunders School. Shown, from left to right, are athletic director Foster Dorsett, Thomas Sears of Softball Bahamas, principal Anadel Thompson and senior master Stephen Duncombe.

PHILLIES LOOK TO MAKE QUICK WORK OF JAZZ AND MARLINS

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— Rob Thomson gripped a bottle of bubbly in the exhilarating moments after the Philadelphia Phillies clinched a second straight postseason berth and called Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott & crew “the most resilient team I’ve ever been around.”

PATRICK

TOMLINSON

WINS FIDELITY BAHAMAS OPTIMIST NATIONAL OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

Named Optimist national champion for second time

PATRICK Tomlinson, 13, of New Providence, Bahamas, has won the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist National Open Championship and takes the title of national optimist champion for the second consecutive year.

Tomlinson, who sails with Lyford Cay Sailing, took an early lead in the racing Saturday with two firsts and a fifth place in the first three races. He was the top Bahamian sailor as well as the overall winner of the championship, beating 53 sailors in the championship fleet.

“I’m really proud to earn the title of Optimist National Champion for the second time, especially this year as sailing was named the national sport,” Tomlinson said. “It was a great two-day championship. The second day the conditions were a little tougher as the wind dropped, but overall, it was excellent sailing and good competition with sailors from all over The Bahamas, the United States and the Cayman Islands.”

Second place winner overall was Jack Meade of Team USA and third was Mason Rochelle of Team USA.

Four races took place on Saturday, September 30 and an additional two were held on Sunday, October 1. Bahamian sailors from Nassau, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Abaco, Exuma, and Long Island competed in the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist Championship. Sailors from the United States as well as the Cayman Islands also sailed in this international event held in Montagu Bay.

Ranging in age from as young as seven years old to 15 years old, sailors competed in a number of fleets within the championship and the final results are: Green fleet for sailors entering their first championship - First Place: Ebba Collins, Cayman Islands;

Second Place:

Katerina Butterworth, Cayman Islands and Third Place: Treysean Mckenzie, Exuma, Bahamas.

Winners of the White fleet for sailors 10 or younger - First Place: Audrey Roachell, USA

Second Place; Allison Meade, USA and

Third Place: Sean Preston Thompson, Hopetown, Bahamas. Winners Blue fleet for sailors aged 11 and 12 - First Place: Jack Meade, USA,

Second Place: Karl Panthanki, USA, Third Place: Olivia Weber, USA and the Red fleet for sailors aged 13-15 year’s

old - First Place: Patrick Tomlinson, Nassau, Bahamas, Second Place: Mason Roachell, USA and Third Place: Finley McKinney-Lambert, Eleuthera, Bahamas.

The top Bahamian placed sailors from each

island include: Patrick Tomlinson from Nassau, First Place Overall; Finley McKinney-Lambert from Eleuthera, 4th Place Overall; Emit Knowles from Exuma, 37th Place Overall; Drake Knowles, Long Island, 32nd Overall; Sean Preston Thompson, Hopetown, Abaco, 40th Overall.

Harbour Island had a good showing in the Green Fleet with Casey Dean coming in 10th place. Patrick Tomlinson was also named The Bahamas Optimist Dinghy Association’s Sailor of the Year, which is an award chosen by peers for the sailor that personifies the best qualities in sailing such as team commitment, represents his country well abroad, sportsmanship, leadership

and gains the respect of their fellow sailors.

“At Fidelity one of our core values is youth development. Sports we know provides kids with discipline, camaraderie and more importantly with opportunity for them to advance in the world,” said Gowon Bowe, C.E.O. of Fidelity Bank and Trust International.

“Whether that is through the networks they build, the discipline they learn in terms of training and sport, or whether that is through the opportunities they get to travel abroad and meet other cultures. For us as an institution when we say we are built for you we try to make sure that is a living mantra and not just words. We congratulate all

athletes, we are truly proud of you.”

“We are happy with the championship racing this year and are proud of all the sailors, they showed excellent sportsmanship and did a great job competing,” said Erin Tomlinson, Optimist fleet captain and organiser of the championship.

“We are also grateful to our title sponsor Fidelity for contributing to this national sailing championship for the second year.”

Hosted by the Nassau Yacht Club, the weekend events began with an opening ceremony Friday night and racing on Saturday and Sunday. A total of six races were held with the awards following on Sunday evening.

Other important sponsors include J.S. Johnson and Campbell Shipping. Panama Jack, Shoreline Distributors, Aquapure, Thompson Trading, Home Fabrics and Abaco Big Bird are also on board to help ensure a successful event by donation of their products.

The Optimist is a small, single-handed sailing dinghy that is one of the two most popular sailing dinghies in the world with over 150,000 boats officially registered in the class.

Young sailors up to the age of 15 sail the class in competitions around the world. The Bahamas also starts sailors in the Optimist for competitive sailing.

The second-year manager then pointed his bottle toward catcher J.T. Realmuto and asked, “How many more playoff wins ... “ Realmuto cut him off and shouted “we’ve got 13 more wins left!” before he showered Thomson in alcohol.

The countdowns after each clinch started last season — from the Wild Card Series through the National League Championship Series — but stalled in the World Series. The Phillies won 11 postseason games, two shy of the ultimate goal and their first World Series title since 2008.

A year later, the Phillies are back and determined to finish the job, their confidence boosted by the so-close effort in a loss to Houston in the World Series and a lineup and pitching staff they believe are deeper than the ones from last fall.

Led by Kyle Schwarber’s 47 homers, six players hit at least 20. Their top three starters combined to win 40 games.

Everyone in Philly is on board. Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid wore a “Red October” stocking cap at the team’s media day yesterday and the Phillies drew more than 3 million fans for the first time in a decade.

The Marlins are in Philly for a best-of-three Wild Card Series hoping to spoil the mood.

The Phillies will send Zack Wheeler (13-6, 3.61 ERA) to the mound tonight in Game 1 and Aaron Nola (12-9, 4.46) in Game 2. The Marlins have Jesús Luzardo (10-9, 3.63 ERA) on the bump for the opener and Braxton Garrett (9-7, 3.66) in Game 2.

Miami’s payroll is puny compared to lavish spenders from New York to San Diego that are sitting out this postseason. But the Marlins’ drive is as strong as their ability to eek out the close ones. Miami finished a remarkable 33-13 in one-run games, the best winning percentage (.718) in the National League since 1980.

Because of that, the Marlins are in the playoffs for only the fourth time in their 31-year history.

Miami went 7-6 against the Phillies this season and 4-2 at Citizens Bank Park, numbers that prove the Marlins could steal a series in October. The Phillies know it can be done — they won two games in St. Louis in last year’s Wild Card round.

“I think this group is used to playing with expectations,” Realmuto said.

“That comes with the territory when you play here in Philly. That run we went on last year is absolutely going to bring a little more expectation, so that’s a little more pressure we’re going to have to play with. With the confidence we have, it won’t be a problem playing with a little extra pressure.”

FEELING FINE

Luis Arraez became the first Marlins player to hit for the cycle when he went 4 for 5 with a homer, two runs scored and two RBIs in April at Philadelphia.

The hits kept on coming.

Arraez took the NL batting title at .354, a year after winning the AL crown at .316 for Minnesota. He did not start any of Miami’s last seven regular-season games because of a sprained left ankle. But he was expected to play in Game 1.

WIN COLUMN: All winners from each fleet with their trophies at the award ceremony of the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist National Open Championship.

PATRICK TOMLINSON, 13, of New Providence, has won the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist National Championship and was named National Optimist Champion for the second consecutive year.

YOUNG sailors race on the high seas over the weekend during the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist National Open Championship.

ABUSE SURVIVORS AND VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE SHARE THEIR STORIES DURING ‘A NIGHT OF HOPE AND HEALING’

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

WITH the goal of supporting safe relationships within Bahamian families and communities at large, the Bahamas Crisis Centre last Friday hosted “A Night of Hope and Healing”.

The event, organisers said, allowed survivors to share their experiences in a safe space as they addressed what should be done to eradicate all forms of violence in the nation.

“A Night of Hope and Healing” was born out of the Caribbean Conference of Crisis Centres held in 2015. During that conference, Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson, psychotherapist, human rights activist and founder and director of the Bahamas Crisis Centre, in 1982, remembered the commitment to identify a day to focus on sexual violence.

Over the years, the Bahamas Crisis Centre has kept its commitment and set aside this time of year to allow individuals to share their experiences, thoughts and feelings, and to provide recommendations to reduce the incidents of sexual violence in the country.

Last Friday’s event was held at the J W Whitney building on First Terrace, Centreville and Collins Avenue. Among those present were Ann Marie Davis, wife of Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis; Rev Angela Palacious, Dr Dean-Patterson; guest speaker Lynelle Clark, and volunteers.

Dr Dean-Patterson told Tribune Health said it was a “very powerful event” with survivors sharing their stories of trauma and pain.

“We had stories of incest, child sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence. I think the audience validated that the sharing of stories is so helpful in understanding what persons go through,” she said. “You read the headlines in the newspaper and hear the stories on TV, but you don’t understand what and how these persons feel. The policy that we have about the privacy for victims is meant to protect them from the cruelty and the blaming that can sometimes happen from the community. But really, it’s a double-edged sword because what it does is

By MIKE STOBBE

AP Medical Writer

perpetuate the silence and belief that there is something to be ashamed of. And that was the message for the evening: that the shame is not with the victim; it’s with the perpetrator, and we need to make sure that it stays with the perpetrator.”

Dr Dean-Patterson believes it is important for organisations like the Bahamas Crisis Centre to continually host events of this nature because the silence has to be broken.

“Silence has been happening for centuries. People are silent because they are ashamed and sometimes,

NEW YORK (AP) — US health officials plan to endorse a common antibiotic as a morningafter pill that gay and bisexual men can use to try to avoid some increasingly common sexually transmitted diseases.

The proposed CDC guideline was released Monday, and officials will move to finalize it after a 45-day public comment period. With STD rates rising to record levels, “more tools are desperately needed,” said Dr Jonathan Mermin of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The proposal comes after studies found some people who took the antibiotic doxycycline within three days of unprotected sex were far less likely to get chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea compared with people who did not take the pills after sex.

The guideline is specific to the group that has been most studied — gay and bisexual men and transgender women who had a STD in the previous 12 months and were at high risk to get infected again.

There’s less evidence that the approach works for other people, including heterosexual men and women. That could change as more research is done, said Mermin, who oversees the CDC’s STD efforts. Even so, the idea ranks as one

they are trying to protect the perpetrator because they see them as a family friend or member.

The victim’s silence feeds into society’s silence and really enables perpetrators to continue. Obviously, this is something that has been ongoing. It is called the world’s global shame and it truly is,” she said.

Dr Dean-Patterson said audience members were, in particular, very moved by the presentation by Lynelle Clark, a former detective with Central Detective Unit, author and sexual assault survivor.

“She has a powerful story and she held up her book with her picture on it, so people can see this is the face of a woman who has been raped,” said Dr Dean-Patterson.

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of. The shame is with the perpetrator. Why should be victims be made to feel ashamed or to blame themselves?”

Dr Dean-Patterson said when rape victims leave their homes, they often think everybody is looking at them, and that people know, but this has a lot to do with the devastating

emotions they are left with after the traumatic experience.

“We have to keep the battle going and we have to keep talking about it and letting people know that it is not your shame,” she said.

The Bahamas Crisis Centre has a number of upcoming activities planned.

“October 11 is the International Day of the Girl Child. Last year, we did the International Day of the Boy Child where we identified the messages that men get as boys as to what contributes to sexual violence and the domestic violence,”

said Dr Dean-Patterson.

“We are going to be looking at the emotional life of the girl child and the messages that girls have about what it means to be a woman, what makes them vulnerable or makes them have feelings of low self-esteem.”

For more information, contact the Bahamas Crisis Centre at bahamascrisiscentre@yahoo.com, bahamascrisiscentre@gmail. com, or call 242-328-0922 and visit www.bahamascrisiscentre.org.

likely to get gonorrhea compared with people who didn’t take the pills after sex.

A year ago, San Francisco’s health department began promoting doxycycline as a morning-after prevention measure.

With infection rates rising, “we didn’t feel like we could wait,” said Dr Stephanie Cohen, who oversees the department’s STD prevention work.

Some other city, county and state health departments — mostly on the West Coast — followed suit.

At Fenway Health, a Bostonbased health center that serves many gay, lesbian and transexual clients, about 1,000 patients are using doxycycline that way now, said Dr Taimur Khan, the organisation’s associate medical research director.

The guideline should have a big impact, because many doctors have been reluctant to talk to patients about it until they heard from the CDC, Khan said.

of only a few major prevention measures in recent decades in “a field that’s lacked innovation for so long,” said Mermin. The others include a vaccine against the HPV virus and pills to ward off HIV, he said.

Doxycycline, a cheap antibiotic that has been available for more

than 40 years, is a treatment for health problems including acne, chlamydia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

The CDC guidelines were based on four studies of using doxycycline against bacterial STDs. One of the most influential

was a New England Journal of Medicine study earlier this year.

It found that gay men, bisexual men and transgender women with previous STD infections who took the pills were about 90 percent less likely to get chlamydia, about 80 percent less likely to get syphilis and more than 50 percent less

The drug’s side effects include stomach problems and rashes after sun exposure. Some research has found it ineffective in heterosexual women. And widespread use of doxycycline as a preventive measure could — theoretically — contribute to mutations that make bacteria impervious to the drug.

That kind of antibiotic resistance hasn’t materialised in San Francisco, but it will be important to watch for, Cohen said.

US HEALTH OFFICIALS PROPOSE USING CHEAP ANTIBIOTIC AS ‘MORNING-AFTER PILL’ AGAINST STDS

A BOTTLE of the antibiotic doxycycline hyclate (AP Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, File)

DR SANDRA DEAN-PATTERSON, director of the Bahamas Crisis Centre, speaks during ‘A Night of Hope and Healing’.

Understanding blood in your urine

HAEMATURIA, a term not widely recognised, is a medical condition that carries significant implications for our overall health.

This medical condition, characterised by the presence of blood in the urine, can affect people worldwide across different geographic boundaries. It can be terrifying for anybody to see blood in their urine.

Defining Haematuria

Haematuria, simply put, is the presence of blood in the urine. When this occurs, the colour of urine may range from pink to red or even brown, depending on the extent of blood present. It’s essential to note that haematuria itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. It can affect individuals of all ages, from children to the elderly, and should never be ignored.

Prevalence across regions

The prevalence of haematuria is not confined to any specific region or population. It is a global health issue that can affect people from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations. The occurrence of haematuria varies from place to place and can be influenced by a multitude of factors, including environmental, lifestyle, and genetic considerations.

Common Causes of haematuria

Understanding the potential causes of haematuria is critical for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Several factors can contribute to the development of haematuria, regardless of where you live:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs can lead to inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract, resulting

in blood in the urine. Good hygiene practices and staying adequately hydrated are essential for reducing the risk of UTIs.

Kidney stones: The formation of kidney stones is not limited to specific regions. Diets rich in certain foods can increase the likelihood of kidney stone development, which can cause haematuria.

Hypertension and diabetes: Chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes can affect the kidneys and increase the risk of haematuria. Managing these conditions through regular check-ups and lifestyle changes is essential.

Infections: Infections such as urinary schistosomiasis can impact the urinary tract and lead to haematuria. This condition is more prevalent in some regions but can occur anywhere.

Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants, especially in industrial areas, can contribute to kidney and urinary problems, including haematuria.

Medications: Certain medications, such as specific antibiotics and anticoagulants, can cause haematuria as a side effect. It’s crucial to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider when prescribed medication.

Trauma: Injuries to the urinary tract or kidneys,

whether from accidents or sports, can result in haematuria.

Cancer: Bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer are potential causes of haematuria. While not the most common cause, they are significant concerns that require early detection and treatment.

Urothelial cancer

Urothelial cancer, also known as transitional cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of some important organs in our body, like the bladder, tubes called ureters, and the area around the kidneys called the renal pelvis. This cancer typically presents with symptoms such as blood in the urine, frequent urination, and pain during urination.

Urothelial cancer has multiple risk factors, which include tobacco consumption, advancing age, gender, ethnicity, previous exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, contact with industrial chemicals like those in leather, paint, textile and rubber industries, schistosomiasis, arsenic exposure, chronic bladder inflammation/infection, and genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome. Smoking cigarettes is a recognised risk factor for bladder cancer. The lining is exposed to carcinogens because of the hazardous substances in cigarette smoke being taken into the bloodstream and ultimately excreted through the urine. According to studies, smokers have a four to seven times higher risk of developing urothelial cancer than non-smokers. The length and frequency of smoking also raises the chance of getting bladder cancer. Furthermore, quitting smoking can lower the chance of urothelial cancer,

but the risk stays high for several years after quitting. Therefore, giving up smoking is crucial for lowering the chance of bladder cancer and enhancing general health.

Workup

If you experience blood in your urine (haematuria), seeking prompt evaluation by a Urologist is critical. Timely diagnosis plays a pivotal role in determining the outcomes of conditions, particularly diseases like cancer, where early intervention can significantly influence the prognosis.

The workup for urothelial cancer patients typically involves a series of diagnostic tests. These may include imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs to visualise the affected organs, urine tests to detect abnormal cells or blood, and cystoscopy, a procedure using a scope to examine the bladder.

Cystoscopy is currently the widely accepted standard for diagnosing urothelial cancer in the bladder. However, it has its limitations, including a reduced ability to detect early-stage bladder cancer and its invasiveness and cost, which can be uncomfortable for patients. As a supplementary diagnostic tool, urine cytology is often used to noninvasively assist in detecting bladder cancer. Nevertheless, urine cytology’s effectiveness is also limited, particularly in identifying low-grade bladder cancer cases, with a sensitivity range of only 20 to 50 percent.

Urine-based tests to detect cancer

In a recent study published in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, Tae Jeong Oh and a team

of researchers conducted a prospective validation clinical study involving 366 patients with haematuria, a condition characterised by blood in the urine. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a urine test designed to detect DNAbased PENK methylation as a means of diagnosing bladder cancer. Aberrant DNA methylation, which can deactivate genes associated with cancer prevention or cancer itself, is a common occurrence during cancer development. This urine test demonstrated high sensitivity and reliability in identifying bladder cancer patients, offering a potential non-invasive alternative to cystoscopy for diagnosis in the future.

Upon discovering a tumour or abnormal growth, the treatment strategy is tailored to factors like the tumour’s location, size, grade and how far it has spread. In the case of noninvasive urothelial cancer, preventing cancer from returning is a key focus. Alongside lifestyle adjustments like quitting smoking, patients may undergo surveillance procedures. Some individuals, depending on their risk of recurrence, might be recommended local treatments involving substances like BCG or chemotherapy drugs such as mitomycin. These measures play a vital role in minimizing the chances of cancer coming back and ensuring better long-term health outcomes.

Mitomycin gel

For urothelial cancer in the tubes called ureters, and the area around the kidneys called the renal pelvis, after initial clearance of the tumour, the challenge has been on an effective delivery system that would maximise the contact time

between the chemotherapy agent (mitomycin) and the lining on these organs to prevent recurrence. A mitomycin gel overcomes the challenge and improves the contact time required between the chemotherapy and the urothelial lining.

In a 2023 study published in European Urology Focus, Rose and their fellow researchers determined that this approach holds great potential as a kidneypreserving treatment. It may also extend the period before the need for kidney removal, thereby preventing the adverse consequences associated with kidney surgery, such as the necessity for dialysis.

In conclusion, taking haematuria (blood in the urine) seriously is of paramount importance. While it may not always indicate a serious condition, it can be an early warning sign of underlying health issues, including bladder or kidney cancer. Timely medical evaluation and follow-up can make a significant difference in detecting and treating these conditions at an early stage, improving the chances of successful outcomes and a healthier future. Ignoring haematuria can have potentially serious consequences, underlining the importance of seeking prompt medical attention when this symptom arises. Your health and well-being deserve nothing less than your utmost attention and care.

board-certified Bahamian urologist and laparoscopic surgeon. He can be contacted at OakTree Medical Center #2 Fifth Terrace and Mount Royal Avenue, Nassau, Bahamas; Telephone – (242) 322-1145-7; email: welcome@urologycarebahamas.com or visit the website:www.urologycarebahamas.com.

What can you do to speed up your metabolism?

By N ICK FULLER Charles Perkins Centre Research Programme Leader, University of Sydney

(THE CONVERSATION)

Our metabolism is the force inside our bodies that mysteriously decides whether to convert the food we eat into a burst of energy, or extra kilos on the scales.

A “slow” or “sluggish” metabolism is often the first thing we blame when we struggle to lose weight.

As a result, a US$33 billion industry offers thousands of products promising to speed up our metabolic rate for weightloss success.

But rather than reaching for a supplement, there are things you can do to speed your metabolism up.

What is metabolism and how does it work?

Metabolism is the term describing all the chemical reactions in our bodies that keep us alive. It provides the energy needed for essential functions like breathing and digestion.

When we refer to metabolism in the context of our weight, we’re actually describing our basal metabolic rate – the number of calories the body burns at rest, determined by how much muscle and fat we have.

Many factors can affect your metabolism, including gender, age, weight and lifestyle. It naturally slows down as we age and becomes dysfunctional after dieting.

Why does our metabolism slow with age?

As our bodies age, they stop working as efficiently as before. Around the age of 40, our muscle mass starts naturally declining, and the ratio of body fat to muscle increases.

Because muscle mass helps determine the body’s metabolic rate, this decrease in muscle means our bodies start to burn fewer calories at rest, decreasing our metabolic rate.

Why does our metabolism become dysfunctional after dieting?

When you lose large amounts of weight, you’re likely to have lowered your metabolic rate, and it doesn’t recover to the level it was pre-dieting – even if you regain weight.

This is because, typically, when we diet to lose weight, we lose both fat and muscle, and the decrease in our calorieburning muscle mass slows our metabolism. We can account for the expected decrease in metabolic rate from the decrease in body mass, but even after we regain lost weight our metabolism doesn’t recover.

Research shows that for every diet you attempt, the rate at which you burn food slows by a further 15% that can’t be accounted for.

Three ways to speed up our metabolism (and one thing to avoid)

1. Pay attention to what you eat

Consider the types of food you eat because your diet will influence the amount of energy your body expends to digest, absorb and metabolise food. This process is called dietinduced thermogenesis, or the thermic effect of food, and it equates to about 10 percent of our daily energy expenditure.

Research shows the thermic effect of food is highest for protein-rich foods because our bodies need to use more energy to break down and digest proteins. Eating protein-rich foods will increase your metabolic rate by about 15 percent (compared to the average of 10 percent from all foods). In contrast, carbs will increase it 10 percent and fats by less than 5 percent. But this doesn’t mean you

should switch to a protein-only diet to boost your metabolism.

Rather, meals should include vegetables and a source of protein, balanced with wholegrain carbs and good fats to support optimum health, disease prevention and weight loss.

2. Get moving Regular physical activity will boost muscle mass and speed up your metabolism.

Increasing your muscle mass raises your basal metabolic rate, meaning you’ll burn more calories at rest. You can achieve this by incorporating 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine, supplemented with two days of gym or strength work each week. It’s also important to mix things up, as following the same routine

every day can quickly lead to boredom and exercise avoidance. Neglecting exercise will just as quickly result in a decline in muscle mass, and your lost muscle will slow your metabolism and hamper your efforts to lose weight.

3. Get enough sleep

A growing body of research confirms sleep deprivation can significantly impact your metabolism.

A lack of sleep disturbs the body’s energy balance.

This causes our appetite hormones to increase feelings of hunger and trigger food cravings, while altering our sugar metabolism and decreasing our energy expenditure.

If you want to boost your metabolism, set yourself a goal of getting seven hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.

A simple way to achieve this is to avoid screens for at least one hour before bed.

Screens are a big sleep disruptor because they suppress melatonin production in the brain, telling us it’s daytime instead of nighttime.

4. Don’t waste your money on diet pills and supplements

Thousands of products promise to activate your metabolism and speed up your weight loss. While some may have ingredients that will boost your metabolism immediately after you take them, such as caffeine and capsaicin (the component which gives chillies their heat), research confirms the effect is temporary – they don’t support long-term weight loss.

Most products promising to help you speed up your metabolism to help you lose weight don’t offer any scientific evidence to back their efficacy.

Two extensive reviews published recently examined around 120 studies of weight-loss supplements and found they just don’t work, despite the bold marketing claims.

So leave the pills, potions and powders on the shelf and focus on the things that work. Your metabolism – and your hip pocket – will thank you.

MUSCLE mass helps determine the body’s metabolic rate. (Photo/Pexels/Tima Miroshnichenko)

Bahamian ghostwriter seeks to give voice to storytellers and assist aspiring authors

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

AS A storyteller, Terrenique Leadon has witnessed first-hand the incredible impact stories can have on people.

She believes stories possess the power to change lives, ignite passions and lead people on transformative journeys.

Through her ghostwriting services and with her experience as a writing coach over the years, Terrenique has developed an unwavering commitment to turning aspiring authors’ dreams into captivating realities.

“I’ve embarked on a thrilling journey, mentoring and guiding aspiring writers not only in vibrant cities like New York and Los Angeles, but also in cultural epicentres such as Washington, DC, and London,” she told Tribune Woman.

“My mission is to ignite the spark of creativity and empower writers to craft stories that resonate with the world.”

Introducing what she is calling The Promise Pages, Terrenique is now exclusively offering her expertise to assist people in creating impactful and unforgettable stories.

“The Promised Pages (offers) professional ghostwriting services that save time and ensure highquality manuscripts,” she explained.

“Our initial consultation explores the author’s vision and objectives, followed by collaborative planning and meticulous writing. Authors can actively participate in the process, and we provide revisions until they’re satisfied. We also assist with final editing, proofreading, and offer guidance on publication options, making the journey of turning ideas into publishable works seamless and fulfilling.”

The Promised Pages, Terrenique said, serves as an exciting extension of her initial venture, I Promise Media Productions – a collaborative effort with her husband dedicated to the art of visual and narrative storytelling. Their services include various mediums such as photography, videography and ghostwriting.

“Together, we embark

on journeys to capture and convey stories, crafting compelling narratives through both images and words,” she said.

“The idea for launching The Promise Pages emerged from my shared passion for storytelling and the realisation that there was an unmet need within the world of publishing. I recognised that many aspiring authors had incredible stories to tell but often struggled to translate their ideas into written narratives. I saw an opportunity to leverage my skills in ghostwriting to help these authors bring their stories to life.”

Since launching The Promising Pages, Terrenique said she has been approached by authors who expressed appreciation for her professionalism and guidance.

“Bringing the idea to life and witnessing the positive response from authors has been incredibly fulfilling and rewarding,” she said.

“It’s a profound sense of accomplishment to help individuals share

their stories, passions and insights with the world. Seeing authors’ dreams become tangible realities and witnessing the impact their books have on readers is both humbling and inspiring.”

When asked if there is a celebrity she would like to one day ghostwrite for, she answered Loretta ButlerTurner, a prominent former Bahamian politician, would be a fascinating and impactful opportunity.

“Mrs Butler-Turner has had a significant impact on the political landscape in the Bahamas, and her insights and experiences in politics would make for a compelling narrative. Ghostwriting for her would provide a platform to share her unique perspective on governance, leadership and advocacy. As it relates to empowering women, she has been a trailblazer for women in politics. Her story could inspire and empower not only women in the Bahamas, but also women around the world who aspire to enter the political arena. Her experiences,

challenges and successes could serve as a source of motivation and guidance,” she said.

Writing Mrs ButlerTurner’s memoirs, said Terrenique, would contribute to preserving the history and political evolution of the Bahamas.

“It would be an invaluable resource for future generations interested in understanding the country’s political landscape,” she said.

While this project is not yet a reality, Terrenique said there are other exciting plans on the horizon for The Promise Pages.

“We’ll be focusing on expanding our services to better support authors and storytellers during this season of creativity and inspiration. We’re actively seeking partnerships with authors who have compelling holiday-themed book ideas,” she said.

Those interested, can visit the website www.ipromisemediaproductions.com and follow @ThePromisedPages on Instagram and Facebook for updates.

LISA RAHMING RECEIVES ‘WOMAN OF MERIT’ AWARD DURING VISIT TO LONDON

By FELICITY DARVILLE

MINISTER of State of Housing and Urban Development Lisa Rahming led a delegation to London this past weekend, where she received the prestigious ‘Woman of Merit’ award at the Caribbean Global Awards ceremony. The event was held on September 30 at the iconic five-star Leonardo Royal Hotel, St Paul’s, in London, England.

The Caribbean Global Awards committee hailed Minister Rahming as a “trailblazer for change”, and an “inspirational and positive role model who is community-minded with a passion for the elderly, the fatherless, fathers, teens and single mothers”.

“It’s a bittersweet moment for me,” she said.

“I dedicate this award to my senior colleague, the late Honourable Obediah

Wilchcombe, who died just a few days before I came here. We worked in the

Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development for two years. If he were

alive, he would tell you, I am not the easiest person to work with. But he still

worked with me, mentored me, taught me and strengthened me - not just in politics, but he showed how to provide hope for the hopeless even when the odds are against you.”

Ms Rahming called the Bahamas delegation on stage as she not only memorialised Minister Wilchcombe, but called for prayers for the new minister she was assigned to, Minister of Housing Keith Bell, who lost his wife several days ago.

In addition to receiving the Woman of Merit award, Minister Rahming paid courtesy calls on the Bahamas High Commissioner to the UK, Paul Andy Gomez, and the Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland.

Minister Rahming and High Commissioner Gomez discussed strategies to refine, expand and accelerate the implementation of plans intended

to transform the inner-city communities in the Bahamas. He committed to facilitate meetings between leaders of effective and successful social services programmes.

The courtesy call with Baroness Scotland was tempered by reflections on the legacy of Minister Wilchcombe.

Minister Wilchcombe served as chairman of the 13th Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministerial Meeting (13WAMM). More than 30 Commonwealth countries participated in 13 WAMM, guided by the Baroness. It was unanimously expressed that the 13WAMM meeting was one of the best that the Commonwealth ever had. The Commonwealth Secretary General is expected to announce how the Commonwealth nations intend to preserve Minister Wilchcombe’s legacy.

TERRENIQUE Leadon of The Promising Pages.

COURTESY call in London – (l-r) Lillimae Longley, Acting Deputy Director, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development; Dr Deborah Bartlett, communications consultant with the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting; Baroness Patricia Scotland, KC; Minister of State for Housing & Urban Development Lisa Rahming, and Pharez Rolle, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting.

World Of Women

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: GOOD NEWS ISN’T HARD TO FIND

By VICTORIA SARNE

SOMETIMES, inspiration is right under our noses; sometimes we pass it by because we are busy. But there are people and groups in our own communities making a measurable difference in the lives of our underprivileged youth.

Whilst we frequently decry the seeming lack of change in that environment, it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening and there is more than one non-profit or church organisation making a difference.

Very often we only see a successful end result and are unaware of the hard, steady and sometimes thankless work it took to achieve it.

One such event took place this weekend and that was the Dragon Boat Races at Goodman’s Bay, and in particular, I am referring to some participants I think are worth noting.

Quoting Tribune Sports reporter Brent Stubbs commentary: “Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said it’s amazing to see the growth and progress made by the association in just one year’s

Dragon Boat Festival which is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of unity, teamwork and true testament to this government’s commitment to the revitalisation of the world of sports. The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture remain hopeful that the dragon boat racing in the Bahamas will be a great addition to our sports tourism brand. Sporting events like this helps to boost the economy and have great cultural and social benefits, all of which are extremely significant to our country.”

I would add a comment to that and say beyond the general potential for tourism and prosperity, there is an equally significant impact on the “have nots” in our communities when they are given the chance to participate in sports.

Participating in these races were the teens from Lend a Hand Bahamas, which runs the Neville and Nora Dorsett Community Centre on Lewis Street, operating in the Bain and Grants Town communities. And those words, “a celebration of unity and teamwork,” were especially significant for those

children. who have many anger management and trust issues, as well as a lack of motivation and poverty (and, yes, we don’t like talking about or using the word poverty), but there are many in this “affluent” Bahamas who are impoverished in more than one way.

Each small step forward is a building block to changing hearts and minds and giving people a leg up so that they can actually envisage a future they might be able to enjoy.

The dragon boat races gave this group that opportunity Saturday and Sunday to compete in the youth category and the good news story that sparked my commentary, is that the Lend a Hand Eagles team in the under 17s placed second. It is notable that none of them had ever sailed or raced previously and I love this picture of them practising on dry land; now that’s enthusiasm and understanding that it takes work to reach a goal - but that it can still be fun - a very valuable lesson!

For those of you who are not familiar with the Lend a Hand organisation, they have a formal

agreement with the University of Florida using their 4-H programme; a holistic approach to healthy living through education, with a hands-on approach. This is now in its 13th year and although currently operating in a small physical space now has, following an eightweek summer project, over 200 young people enrolled in after-school classes.

Excitingly, there is a second community centre under construction to complement the existing one and another building being renovated, will become the home of the Lend a Hand Culinary Arts and Food Science operations. Many budding chefs in the

making! And you know we all love to eat! If you can help in any way to make this happen and grow, reach out to them please. The number is 803-3005.

So many lessons tangible and intangible being taught; projects, clubs, hands on technical as well as the necessary traditional lessons - and measurable results being seen in all the endeavours: enthusiasm being generated from the satisfaction of using a skill. And this weekend it was particularly noticeable, with the children who have most difficulty with normal socially acceptable behaviour, showing not only good rowing skills,

but also good leadership, as well as gaining a deeper appreciation of the opportunities being offered. Just one look at the photo of the Lend a Hand team practising on dry land is, to me, iconic! We have a far better chance of becoming a socially healthy country when we encourage marginalised persons to be a part of society, instead of pushing them away to the outside. Hats off to all the competitors, organisers and supporters. A good weekend all round!

• Victoria Sarne is a writer, editor and publicist.

BAHAMIAN MOTHERS HAVE THEIR SAY ON UB’S PLANNED LGBTQ-RELATED EVENTS

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN moth-

ers are weighing in on the recent controversy surrounding the decision by the University of the Bahamas to host a series of events to celebrate LGBTQ ‘Pride’ later this month.

The Bahamas Christian Council held a press conference objecting to the events, while the University stressed that as an academic institution, they cannot discriminate against anyone.

In fact, the University of the Bahamas Act states that the board of trustees “shall be free from undue influence from political, religious or other external bodies and shall protect the institution from such influence.”

The Christian Council’s president, Delton Fernander, said that the university should not be used as a propaganda tool for special interests.

“We are the people sending our children to these classrooms,” he noted.

Tribune Woman spoke with several Bahamian mothers to get their take on how they feel about

topics of this nature being discussed in front of their children.

“As parents, we can only take our children so far,” said Tennille, a mother with a grade 12 daughter.

“We send them to college, whether it is UB or abroad, because college is where they begin to fend for themselves; it is where they actually begin to think about who they are without the pressures of mom and dad. And as much as you

want to protect them and shield them, you really just can’t. They will be exposed to things that you may not necessarily agree with, but you have to allow them to find themselves, and college is one way they can do that.”

She added: “If my daughter wanted to sit in on those sessions for whatever reason, I don’t have a problem with that. I want her to be able to make informed choices. I can only trust

that after 18 years I have instilled enough of my values in her to have an impact.”

Tamara, a mother of two teens, added that that while the Christian Council certainly has a right to voice its concerns, UB has no obligation to give in to them.

“This is a university that is educating future leaders. These students are going to be doctors, lawyers, educators and therapists, and in the course of their

careers they will have to work with members of the LGBT community. We can’t just decide, ‘Hey, we ain’ gonna talk about the issues affecting this community’, when in the next few years, they will be working with them. Also, the students who identify with that lifestyle have the right to a safe space while on campus. They need to deal with some of the other wicked things happening in this country

instead of this.”

Carlise, mother of a college-aged son, said that for her, the issue is simple.

“I don’t have a problem with any event that is optional. So this event, no one is forcing the students to attend. My issue would be if UB decided that a Pride course was mandatory for students to graduate, then yes, you would hear my mouth. But my son goes to a large university in the States and they have every kind of club you can imagine: gay, transgender, atheist, etcetera, and I just told him the Bible says shun the very appearance of evil and stay away. You ain’ gone there for that.”

Mother-of-three Denise, while siding with the Christian Council’s views, said these events cannot be banned.

“I agree with the Christian Council that these things are just disappointing, and I wish they didn’t happen, but the university has a legal obligation to do certain things. What the Christian Council could do is have a counter event at the same time, because you can’t protest something that is law.”

THE PRESS conference staged at the weekend outside University of The Bahamas by members of the Bahamas Christian Council.

THE LEND a Hand dragon boat racing team practised on dry land for last weekend’s competition.

THANKS to the Lend a Hand programme, kids learn about the culinary arts and food science.

MOODY’S BACKS TRIMMED 3% BAHAMAS GROWTH PROJECTION

sovereign credit rating at ‘B1’ with a ‘stable’ outlook, the latter indicating “balanced risks” on whether the country’s creditworthiness is improved or further downgraded.

Elsewhere, Moody’s agreed that the Government’s plans to refinance almost $2.2bn in maturing debt at relatively low interest rates during the 2023-2024 fiscal year almost completely depend on loans and other financial assistance from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and other multilateral lenders. It added, though, that the sinking funds created to amass monies to repay future external foreign currency bond maturities are forecast to contain around $300m.

“The Ministry of Finance outlined its financing sources and needs for fiscal 2024 in its annual borrowing plan. Gross borrowing requirements will remain high in fiscal 2024, at 15.2

percent of GDP, according to the Ministry of Finance. Although this is higher than in fiscal 2023, the Government’s net fiscal financing needs are declining because of a narrowing fiscal deficit,” Moody’s said.

“The Government expects to limit its need to access international bond markets, instead relying on multilateral funding and external loans to meet its gross external financing needs. Most of the Government’s $876m in external repayments are due to commercial creditors, $300m to bondholders and an additional $373m due on commercial loans.

“The annual borrowing plan identifies $210m in funding from international financial institutions in the form of policy loans,” Moody’s added. “The Government also intends to use partial credit guarantees from multilateral institutions to attract financing from commercial banks on more favourable terms than without a partial guarantee. In 2022, the Government

raised funding through a bond issuance, which includes a guarantee from the Inter-American Development Bank.

“A narrowing fiscal deficit, which can be financed through domestic sources, provides the Government with financing flexibility to meet its upcoming external amortisations. The Government has established a sinking fund, with around $300m based on budgeted contributions in fiscal 2023, and around $260m as of June 2022, to retire maturing external debt.

“As the cost of borrowing in international bond markets remains expensive, the ability to refinance upcoming external amortisations without a deterioration in debt affordability rests on the Government’s ability to attract sufficient financing by leveraging multilateral funding.”

This is well understood by the Government. Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, previously told this newspaper that the

Government’s bid to raise almost one-third of its near$2.2bn gross financing needs for the 2023-2024 fiscal year from external banks is “looking very favourable”.

He added that talks to secure some $700m in external (foreign currency) debt financing from a number of unnamed banks were “very advanced” as the Government again seeks to avoid the high interest rates that will inevitably be demanded on any international bond issue.

The Davis administration’s 2023-2024 borrowing plan is aiming to raise $995.9m or 45.3 percent of its total gross financing needs for the next fiscal year from external or foreign sources. Of that $995.9m, some $700m - representing 31.8 percent of the $2.199bn total - will come from commercial banks, with the remaining $295.9m provided by multilateral lenders such as the IDB.

“External loan financing includes opportunities for new international financial

BAHAMIAN BANK IN ‘NEW TERRITORY’ VIA $42M RAISE

for investors and private capital.

With the Sol Ecolution Fund’s offering having closed on Friday, Mr Anderson argued there “is no reason why Bahamian institutions cannot build a regional presence” in the Caribbean’s capital markets. He acknowledged, though, that this nation’s exchange control regime and perception that The Bahamas is a “closed economy” for accessing and providing US dollar financing had always counted against such expansion in the past.

“We met the full amount,” Mr Anderson confirmed, adding that the private placement proceeds will finance solar and renewable projects across

the 23 Caribbean, central and Latin American territories where Sol operates. The group has already “generated a 152 Mega Watt (MW) pipeline of renewable energy projects in the solar segment in two years since [Ecolution’s] launch, of which Ecolution has won or has exclusivity on 102 MW”.

“They have indicated an interest in doing plants in The Bahamas, and have been speaking to potential partners here, but I don’t know if they’ve finalised any agreements as yet,” the RF Bank & Trust chief said. “They’re busy exploring what opportunities in the Caribbean look like, and will be exploring more opportunities as they go along.

“We’d be one of the islands potentially where

they’d be happy to put some plants up. The total expected investment today is close to $400m that they intend to put into the market over the next four years. It’s a big project for the Caribbean, all in renewable, all in solar, and I don’t think we’ve seen anything in the Caribbean of that kind of scale....

“I’d like to think there’s an opportunity for development of [solar] plants here, and for The Bahamas to benefit more from solar. There’s a huge opportunity for solar here, and it’s just a matter of trying to get it organised. At the moment, I don’t think The Bahamas is a big component of what they’ve got in their plans, but it easily could be a bigger piece.”

Sol acquired The Bahamas-based Esso wholesale

business almost a decade ago in 2014. In recent months, it has been installing solar panels on the roof-tops of several Essobranded gas stations on New Providence and, region-wide, Sol is targeting some 300 of its property assets - service stations, fuel terminals and office buildings - for solarisation. The group has already secured deals to supply 22 MW of solar energy in Barbados, and 7 MW of roof-top solar in Bermuda. RF Bank & Trust acted as financial advisers and placement agent for the Sol Ecolution Fund offering, and will continue to play a role moving forward as its fund administrator and custodian. It will also appoint two members of its Board of Directors. “For us, it’s an exciting project,” Mr

institution-related policy loans estimated at $210m, which will help to mitigate the risk in the debt portfolio through their typically longer maturity structures and comparatively lower financing costs relative to commercial borrowings,” the plan said of credit provided by the likes of the IDB and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

“The Government also intends to pursue policy-linked partial-credit guarantees that will help to secure commercial loan facilities in larger quantum and at a reduced cost. The Government is in active discussions with international financial institutions and commercial banks regarding these transactions.”

Moody’s, meanwhile, noted that tourism’s “resurgence” continues to drive The Bahamas’ postCOVID recovery. “After seeing 1.45m stayover tourist arrivals in 2022, stayover arrivals through the first seven months of 2023 have increased by 30 percent year-over-year,” it said.

Anderson said. “We’ve not really raised capital regionally; we’ve been more specific to The Bahamas and Barbados.

“It’s interesting to see investors coming into a project from a number of different islands in the Caribbean. We’ve been trying to see ourselves more as a regional investment bank that can participate right across the Caribbean. We set up a Cayman office, and to be able to have the first transaction in Cayman with an entity like Sol is a nice position for us. You don’t often start with one of the huge players in the business.

“We see it as an exciting opportunity to get our name out more in the Cayman market where, hopefully, we will get recognition for what we do.” Noting that RF Bank & Trust had previously placed a so-called “green bond” for one of Barbados’ local renewable energy providers, Mr Anderson added: “We see RF positioning around the region in the green bond space, and looking to build or expand in the area of solar and renewables.

“As other entities want to come and build their plants and renewables around the Caribbean, we can help them do that. We’d like this to position ourselves to a broader audience as people become more familiar with what we can do. We’ve been in the Cayman market for five years, and been in Barbados for 15 years.

“It takes time to establish a brand outside the market, but the opportunity is now out there. There’s no reason why a Bahamian institution cannot build a presence regionally. It’s just spending the time to do it.” Mr Anderson, though, acknowledged that this nation’s exchange control regime, designed to protect the one:one currency peg with the US dollar, has hindered or deterred local institutions and firms with similar ambitions in the past.

“The biggest impediment has been access to US dollars,” he explained of the obstacles for local financial institutions. “If you can find a source of US dollars around the region then you can actually start to help companies raise capital around the region. We need sources of US dollars, and the perception of The Bahamas has always been that we’re a closed currency, a Bahamian dollar market.

“That’s why it’s been hard for Bahamians to find sources of US dollars. That’s always been one of the limitations to the banks thinking of moving outside. Having set up a base in Cayman positions us better to access the US dollar market and raise capital, and we see that as an opportunity for companies to raise capital and increase our offering outside The Bahamas.”

Asked whether the work for Sol has established RF Bank & Trust as an emerging player in the Caribbean capital markets, Mr Anderson said: “I’d like to think

“Revenue per visitor and a longer average length of stay have also contributed to stronger revenue generated from tourism.

“Beyond stayover arrivals, The Bahamas has also experienced a very strong recovery in cruise visitors. Cruise tourism lagged the recovery in stayover tourist arrivals, but has since exceeded 2019 levels. The expansion of the port in Nassau, which opened in May, has contributed to an increased capacity for visitors, while the country also benefits from its close geographic location to the US.

“Tourism is the main driver of the economy in The Bahamas. According to a report by Tourism Economics, tourism contributed directly to 18.4 percent of GDP and 33.1 percent of employment in 2019. Including the indirect and induced economic impact, tourism accounted for 38.2 percent of GDP and 51.5 percent of employment.”

it’s a start. It’s definitely been an ambition of ours to be more regional. Being able to find a transaction to help establish ourselves and multiple projects in the Caribbean are nice opportunities for RF. It’s really an introduction of RF to a market we really haven’t been in. This is definitely new territory for us.”

Mr Anderson said that, while the $42m was nowhere near the largest capital raise RF Bank & Trust has undertaken for corporate clients, having successfully solicited $140m-$150m in a single issuance previously in The Bahamas, it represents its largest-such transaction outside this nation. Some Bahamian investors in the Sol offering are now awaiting the Central Bank’s approval for currency conversion.

The RF chief, meanwhile, said the Bahamian investment bank was keen to expand its involvement in financing renewable energy projects as environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors grow in importance as investment considerations.

The move to ‘net zero’, and countries’ commitments to countering the impact of climate change through reduced fossil fuel use and lower greenhouse gas emissions, are making renewable projects such as those targeted by Sol increasingly more attractive to investors - especially as many of the components reduce in cost.

“Ecolution believes that the total addressable market in the Caribbean includes, but is not limited to, 7.3 GW (gigawatts) of generation capacity within the 23 markets in which Sol currently operates,” the group said in its private placement offering document. “This includes the residential, commercial, industrial and utility-scale segments across Sol’s current footprint.

“Solar, battery storage and wind technology are likely to be the primary renewable energy solutions used to facilitate the energy transition in the Caribbean. Secondary technologies under exploration in the region include geothermal, hydrogen and biofuels.

“Leveraging the relationships, history and experience of Sol, Ecolution is uniquely positioned to capture and quickly grow market share within this segment. There is also significant potential for growth into new and addressable markets as Sol’s geographic footprint expands.”

Sol is forecasting a “minimum pipeline project” internal rate of return (IRR) in excess of 10 percent, with operating income (EBITDA) projected to hit a “run rate level” of $32.4m by 2027. Key to those targets will be identifying opportunities with sufficiently attractive capital returns, and executing on them, plus the power purchase agreements (PPAs) that will have to be signed with legacy electrical utilities - many of which are state-owned.

Parliament blunder on BPL regulatory ‘void’

(quality), as well as variations in the consistency of supply (reliability).

“URCA also notes that these variations can have disruptive effects on equipment connected to the electricity grid, such as motors and timers or other frequency or voltage sensitive devices In order to mitigate this risk, URCA proposes to implement rules that outline the minimum technical standards for electricity supply.

“Section 78 of the Electricity Act 2015 repealed the Electricity Act (Chapter 194) and the Out Islands Electricity Act (Chapter 195). The legislation at that time included supply standards for voltage and frequency. These standards were not explicitly included in the legislation that replaced it – the Electricity Act 2015. Hence this consultation document is intended to re-establish and expand on those standards.”

Going further, URCA added: “Prior to the establishment of the Electricity Act 2015, the electricity

sector was governed by the now-repealed Electricity Act and Out Islands Electricity Act which, along with their subsidiary legislation, included - albeit limited - rules and technical standards for the supply of electricity......

“While the new act broadened the scope for the regulation of the sector, the complete subsidiary legislation regarding the technical standards required for the electricity sector was not contained in the relevant savings and transitional provisions of the Electricity Act. One instance of this was the technical standards to which electricity suppliers were to adhere when supplying their service territory with electricity.

“This became apparent to URCA in the course of its review of the electricity sector legislation and its investigations into several electricity sector complaints. Notwithstanding any codification or inclusion of these standards in internal licensees’ consumer protection plans, a void still exists for

the application of technical standards for public electricity supply licensees (PESLs) and authorised public electricity supplier licensees (APELs) in the electricity sector.”

URCA added that the standards it now proposes to set, both for power quality and reliability, represent “good operational practice” for the likes of BPL and its generation and transmission and distribution systems, as well as better protection for consumers from having their electrical appliances fried or suffering brown outs.

The regulator acknowledged the “rapid technological advancement in consumer electronics”, coupled with “the sensitivity of those devices to abnormal and/or unhealthy perturbations in the supply of electricity”. As a result, its power quality standards will focus on “the parameters” that the voltage, current and frequency supplied by BPL and others must remain between, and not go outside, plus ensuring “consistency” of service.

When it comes to frequency, URCA is proposing that this cannot be more or less than 2 percent higher/ lower than the “nominal supply level”, which it identified as 60 hertz - the same as in the previous nowrepealed regulatory regime.

“The Bahamas’ electricity system operates on a nominal frequency of 60 Hertz. Deviations from this value can cause issues with clocks and other time-dependent devices,” the regulator added.

“Electrical frequency is one of the electrical system parameters that was included in the Out Islands Electricity Act (Chapter 195) and omitted from successor legislation. In the preceding legislation, electrical frequency was mandated to be maintained within a range of plus or minus two percent of the nominal frequency.”

URCA added that even small changes in frequency “leads to large changes in power” for motor speeds, while “abnormal frequencies make it difficult for

generators to stay synchronised and can damage windings and other components”. Voltage standards, too, were also omitted from the new regulatory regime.

“Both high and low voltage levels can lead to issues with electrical and electronic equipment. For example, low voltages will cause higher currents in the circuit than the equipment is designed, leading to overheating, insulation breakdown and other issues. High voltages can lead to leakage currents, dielectric breakdown and insulation failure,” the regulator said.

“Electricity voltage is one of the electrical system parameters that was included in the Out Islands Electricity Act (Chapter 195) and omitted from successor legislation. In the preceding legislation, the declared voltages were mandated to be maintained within a range of plus or minus 6 percent of the nominal voltage.” URCA is now proposing that this 6 percent range be reinstated.

Inflation to stay ‘high’ as food costs up 11%

FROM PAGE A24

the comparative 2022 period, explained by the passthrough effects of higher global oil prices and other costlier imports,” the Central Bank added.

“Leading this outturn, average inflation for recreation and culture accelerated to 17.3 percent vis-à-vis

1.3 percent in the previous year. Further, average costs increases quickened for food and non-alcoholic beverages (11 percent), restaurant & hotels (10 percent), alcohol beverages, tobacco and narcotics (5.4% percent), health (5.3 percent), housing, water, gas, electricity and other fuels (4.7 percent) and furnishing, household equipment and routine household maintenance (2.9 percent).

“Average prices for miscellaneous goods and services firmed by 1 percent following a decline of 1.8 percent in 2022. Providing some offset, average inflation moderated for transport (6.6 percent), clothing & footwear

(3 percent), communication (1.7 percent) and education (1.3 percent).”

As for tourism, the Central Bank reported that stopover visitor numbers in August had recovered to 98 percent of pre-COVID levels.

“Tourism sector output sustained its robust growth in monthly trends, reflective of healthy gains in both the high-value air component and sea traffic as the demand for travel in key source markets persisted,” the August report added.

“Official data provided by the Ministry of Tourism revealed that total visitor arrivals expanded to 0.74m in August from 0.62m in the corresponding period of 2022. Specifically, the dominant sea segment rose to 620,000 from 500,000 passengers in the prior year. In addition, air traffic improved moderately to 130,000, representing 98 percent of the pre-pandemic high that was registered in 2019.

“Disaggregated by major port of entry, total arrivals to

New Providence amounted to 330,000 visitors, the same magnitude as the previous year,” the Central Bank continued “Underlying this outcome, both sea and air traffic firmed to 220,000 and 110,000, respectively.

“In addition, foreign arrivals to the Family Islands rose more than one-fourth to 370,000 as sea and air arrivals advanced to 350,000 and 20,000, respectively. Further, arrivals to Grand Bahama amounted to 50,000, surpassing the 40,000 recorded a year earlier, as respective sea and air passengers totalled 46,031 and 3,249.

“On a year-to-date basis, total arrivals strengthened to 6.6m visitors vis-à- vis 4.3m in the corresponding 2022 period. Contributing to this outcome, air arrivals increased to 1.3m passengers from one million in the previous year, reflecting gains in all major markets. Similarly, sea arrivals also accelerated to 5.4m from 3.3m visitors in the preceding year.”

As for arrivals traffic at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), the Central Bank report added: “The most recent data provided by the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) indicated that total departures in August, net of domestic passengers, rose by 18.8 percent to 160,000 relative to the same period in 2022. Specifically, US departures grew by 20.1 percent to 140,000, while non-US departures increased by 9.3 percent to 20,000, vis-àvis the comparative period last year.

“On a year-to-date basis, total outbound traffic advanced by 26.8 percent to approximately 1.2m passengers. In particular, US departures expanded by 26.9 percent to almost one million visitors,compared to the corresponding period last year. Likewise, non-US departures moved higher by 26.2 percent to 20,000 visitors relative to the same period a year earlier.”

URCA IN CRACKDOWN OVER COMMUNICATIONS OUTAGES

Andros, Mangrove Cay and Mayaguana.

Some of this was blamed on inconsistent and unreliable electricity supply by Bahamas Power & Light (BPL), which BTC blamed for damaging and frying vital electronic communications equipment. The legacy provider also attributed Abaco and Grand Bahama outages to thieves stealing its copper wire and fibre optic cables, adding that the police

had arrested some of the alleged culprits.

Nevertheless, URCA has decided to act. “URCA is concerned about the risks and harm to society, the economy and public safety and security due to frequent and prolonged outages of public electronic communications networks and public electronic communications services,” it added.

“In this regard, it is crucial for licensees to make necessary investments in their respective networks and services, and embrace

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, ANISKIA KASSANDRA RIGBY of Breadfruit Street, Pinewood Gardens, New Providence, Bahamas intend to change my name to ANISKA KASSANDRA RIGBY

If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Offcer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, The Bahamas no later than Thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

LEGAL NOTICE

TORRES SPECIALTY COFFEE LTD.

Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas registered in the Register of Companies under the Registration Number 207564 B.

(In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that the liquidation and the winding up of the Company is complete and the Company has been struck off the Register of Companies maintained by the Registrar General on the 31st day of August, 2023.

Dated this 3rd day of October A.D. 2023

best practices that promote the availability, performance or functionality of their networks and services where they are not already doing so.

“Accordingly, URCA proposes to impose a duty on both categories of licensees to take appropriate and proportionate steps to mitigate and remedy outages, and to adopt internal measures that promote the availability, performance or functionality of their respective networks and services.”

Based on responses by its communications licensees to its March 24, 2023, request for information on how they deal with network outages and disruptions, URCA said it had noticed several issues that must be rectified.

“Reports concerning both planned and unplanned outages are submitted to URCA inconsistently and, as a result URCA, only became aware of several recent major disruptions to

services via news broadcast, social media reports and complaints from affected consumers,” it blasted.

“The content of planned and unplanned outage reports submitted to URCA does not follow a standard format. URCA does not receive timely updates on the status of the restoration of services in connection with unplanned outages.

“URCA does not consistently receive sufficient detail on the cause of unplanned outages in reports submitted to URCA for URCA to understand the root cause and scope of the outage. Unplanned outage reports submitted to URCA do not contain root cause analyses and measures implemented by the affected licensee to mitigate recurrence.”

As a result, URCA concluded: “Licensees holding an individual operating licence (IOL) are required to, amongst other things, notify URCA of any unplanned interruption

LEGAL NOTICE

KYLIX FUND LTD.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No.45 of 2000)

In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, (No.45 of 2000), that KYLIX FUND LTD. (Registration no. 197450 B is in dissolution. The date of commencement of the dissolution is the 28th day of September, 2023. The Liquidator of the Fund is Crowe Bahamas and can be contacted at Harbour Bay Plaza, Shirley Street, Suite 587, P. O. Box AP-59223, Nassau, Bahamas. All persons having claims against the above-named company are required to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator before 27th day of October, 2023.

Crowe Bahamas Liquidator

When it came to vacation rental properties, the Central Bank said: “In the short-term vacation rental market, data provided by AirDNA also reflected positive trends during the month of August. Specifically, total room nights sold rose to 161,513 from 140,512 in the comparative 2022 period.

“Underlying this outturn, the occupancy rates for both entire place and hotel comparable listings firmed to 55.4 percent and 52.8 percent, respectively, compared to 55.1 percent and 51.9 percent in the previous year. Further, price indicators showed that year-over-year, the average daily room rate (ADR) for entire place listings grew by 8.4 percent to $549.65 and, for hotel comparable listings, by 10.5 percent to $197.71.”

Elsewhere, The Bahamas foreign currency reserves remained stable through August. “During August, external reserves reduced by $6.9m to $2.730bn, notably lower than the $63.3m

which prevents them from carrying out their obligations under their respective IOLs as soon as reasonably practicable.

“At the same time there is no obligation in the respective IOLs or otherwise mandating such licensees to notify URCA of any planned interruptions which prevent them from carrying out their obligations to customers. URCA considers that the current outage reporting regime in The Bahamas does not promote timely and standardised notifications of planned and unplanned outages by licensees to URCA.”

URCA, benchmarking its proposed reforms against regulatory regimes in other countries, said it plans to define ‘planned outages’ as those that are part of regular network maintenance and which an operator knows will occur at least 72 hours in advance. In such instances, the regulator must be informed of what is to happen at least 48 hours in advance.

As for so-called “critical” and “major” outages, URCA is proposing to

These omissions mean that, currently, BPL has to comply with no frequency or voltage standards other than those set out in its licence. Grid stability, and fluctuations in the frequency and voltage supplied by BPL, have been cited for years as a leading cause of electrical equipment failure by Bahamian households and businesses.

One source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “This will certainly ring true with anybody who has lost a fridge, a TV or Internet router. It’s quite serious. It affects everything from why a router periodically freezes because it uses 60 Hertz as a reference point. Everything is frequency sensitive. Cable boxes, medical equipment, everything depends on a stable global norm, which we are outside of 80 percent of the time.

“BPL cannot attain this. It’s not attainable by them. If they’re going to set a specification, they’re going to have a hey day with BPL trying to get them to comply with it.”

decline in 2022. Reflective of this development, the Central Bank’s net sales to commercial banks widened to $24.6m from $13.6m in 2022,” the banking regulator said.

“Likewise, commercial banks net foreign currency outflows to their customers increased to $74.6m from $31.6m a year earlier. In contrast, the Central Bank’s net foreign currency transactions with the public sector switched to a net purchase of $18.8m from a net outflow of $54.1m last year.

“Provisional data on foreign currency sales for current account transactions revealed that monthly outflows decreased by $208.4m to $531.9m during the review month vis-à-vis the comparative period of 2022. Specifically, reductions were noted for oil imports, by $68m; non-oil imports, by $59.5m; and factor income remittances by $39.9,” the Central Bank continued.

“Further, ‘other’ current items - primarily credit and debit card financed imports - fell by $39.6m, and travel-related payments by $4m. Conversely, transfer payments rose by $2.5m.”

define these according to population and island. Disruption will be “critical” if it impacts 5,000 or more customers for the affected service on New Providence; 1,000 or more of on Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera or Exuma; and 50 or more on all other Family Islands. It will be deemed “major” if it affects 1,000 or more subscribers for the impacted service on New Providence; 500 or more on Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera or Exuma; and 20 or more on any other Family Island. When it comes to reporting outages, URCA is proposing a four-stage approach.

It must receive an initial notice within two hours of an outage being detected, and then kept updated every hour and every two hours for “critical” and “major” service disruption, respectively. Outage resolution notice must be given within one hour of service restoration, and a full report handed to URCA no later than 28 days after the event.

LEGAL NOTICE

SP2 Investments USA Ltd.

Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas registered in the Register of Companies under the Registration Number 211313 B.

(In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that the liquidation and the winding up of the Company is complete and the Company has been struck off the Register of Companies maintained by the Registrar General on the 28th day of August, 2023.

Dated this 3rd day of October A.D. 2023

Cesar Augusto Pires Viana

UK TRADE MISSION TALKS $1.3BN BAHAMAS DEALS

THE OPERATING partner for Grand Bahama International Airport’s $200m transformation is among the companies on a UK trade mission to The Bahamas that was last night said to be discussing $1.3bn worth of business deals.

Representatives from Manchester Airports Group are among the British businesses that will attend a week of high-level business and government meetings, marking the first UK trade mission to The Bahamas for more than 20 years.

Tom Hartley, UK high commissioner to The Bahamas, in a social media posting said some “$1.3bn of deals [are] under discussion by the ten UK companies in the delegation. He added that talks were focused in areas such as airports, ports, solar energy and hurricane proof homes.

Manchester Airports Group will manage Grand Bahama International Airport and develop a fee structure, including passenger user and management fees, to finance its overhaul as part of a private-public partnership (PPP)

consortium featuring Aerodrome Ltd and Bahamas Hot Mix’s (BHM) UK arm. Aerodrome Ltd is the Bahamian investor group led by Anthony Myers, BHM’s chairman, and Anthony Ferguson, CFAL’s president, together with fellow Bahamians, Anthony Farrington, an engineer, and Greg Stuart, a businessman, who will lead the project’s financing and management under a contract with Airport Authority-owned Freeport Airport Development Company. BHM will serve as the design and construction partner.

Details on the precise plans and timelines for Grand Bahama International Airport’s redevelopment have been minimal since the winning bid was unveiled by Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, during the island’s Business Outlook conference in mid-March.

Mr Myers told Tribune Business in May that Pascall + Watson, a firm of architects with a track record in airport design, had been hired to develop several concepts for a transformed

airport. However, the delay in announcing further progress is thought to be at least partially linked to efforts to put the necessary financing in place.

The Government had been exploring the possibility of tapping into a $400m facility from UK Export Finance, the British government’s trade financing and credit guarantee arm, but wanted to structure it so that any debt was effectively kept off-balance sheet and did not add to the $11.6bn national debt.

The UK trade delegation, which features multiple construction industry firms, follows a series of Caribbean Council investment events in London earlier this summer during which Prime Minister Philip Davis was the keynote speaker.

Chris Bennett, the Caribbean Council’s managing director, said: “UK companies are world leaders at delivering complex, new infrastructure projects with private capital. Our delegation brings together experienced airport and port developers, global leading law firms, engineering consultants and suppliers of quality energy and construction equipment.

GB airport operator working on ‘timeline’

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY SECURITIES COMMISSION OF THE BAHAMAS

The Securities Commission of The Bahamas, a statutory agency responsible for the oversight, supervision and regulation of the securities and capital markets, investment funds, fnancial and corporate service provides and digital assets and exchanges, invites applications from qualifed individuals for the following position:

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

We seek to hire a full-time Human Resource (HR) Manager to provide executive level leadership and guidance to the organization’s HR operations. The HR manager is responsible for setting, enforcing and evaluating legally compliant human resource policies, procedures and best practices, and identifying and implementing long-range strategic talent management goals. Compensation packages are competitive with the fnancial services industry and other regulatory bodies.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Development of recruitment, retention and talent management strategies

• Development and evaluation of performance review criteria

• Recommendation on compensation packages for approval by the Board of the Commission

• Overseeing the daily workfow of the HR Department

• Administration of disciplinary process and termination of employees, when necessary

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with executive leadership to defne the organization’s long-term mission and goals, and identify ways to support this mission through talent management

• Review and draft policies, procedures, and practices, and amend/update where necessary

• Oversee all aspects of the organization’s recruitment and hiring process

• Lead in the development and implementation of the annual training plan

• Ensure payments and benefts to staff are processed in a correct and timely manner

• Create and review programs and initiatives aimed at improving employees’ quality of work-life and morale

• Oversee employee development initiatives and coaching to assist employees in growing in their current roles or advancing to new ones within the organization

• Oversee the performance management and bonus system

• Plan and conduct employee engagement surveys at least annually and ensure actions are taken to improve results

• Oversee employee relations and address issues such as harassment, discrimination, intimidation, exploitation, and workplace health and safety

• Oversee the development and implementation of staff wellness (i.e. CPR, health monitors etc.), including mentoring and counselling

• Lead in the development and implementation of the organization’s succession plan

• Develop programs to foster a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to organizational goals

Ensure grievance and disciplinary procedures are handled fairly and consistently

• Participate in professional development and networking conferences and events

• Keep current with trends, best practice, regulatory changes and technologies in HR with the aim of adoption where they would lend to improvements and effciencies in HR services

Knowledge/Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Well organized with the ability to work in a fast paced environment

• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and best practices in employment law, HR and talent management

• Experience with the development of HR policies, processes and procedures

• Mediation training

• Profciency in Microsoft Offce Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Qualifcations/Experience:

• Master’s degree in HR management, psychology or related area with a minimum of 10 years’ experience as an HR Manager

• Bachelor’s degree in HR management, psychology or related area with a minimum of 15 years’ experience as an HR Manager

• Senior level SHRM and/or HRCI certifcations

Contact Information: Senior Manager, Human Resource Department Securities Commission of The Bahamas Tel: (242) 397-4100 E-mail: hrm@scb.gov.bs

Deadline for applications: Friday 20 October 2023

“We are looking forward to understand better the plans and requirements for The Bahamas for their next step of growth and development to see where we can help play a positive role.”

Mr Hartley added in a statement: “I am extremely proud to be hosting the first British trade mission to The Bahamas, and I want to thank the Prime Minister for his engagement with British companies at the Caribbean Council’s events in London in May 2023. He provided the catalyst for so many companies to want to come.

“The Prime Minister, and the deputy prime minister and Trade Commission, have been great partners in bringing Britain and The Bahamas closer together through trade, and I’m proud we’re now seeing the fruits, whether it be Bahamian rum in London, Kanoo opening new offices in the UK, or British companies prepared to build and invest in Freeport airport.

“This is the beginning of a new season of bilateral trade, investment and job creation. I’m certain this week’s trade mission

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A SENIOR official with Grand Bahama International Airport’s prospective operating partner last night said it is “working very closely” with the Government to make its $200m transformation a reality.

Andy Tyler Smith, director at Manchester Airports Group (MAG), that airport manager is working with the Davis administration to develop a schedule and timeline for how the project will proceed. He explained: “We’re working very closely with the Government on leveraging the airline relationships that we have, and working with them to provide a form of service to The Bahamas. The timeline for the airport really is a piece of work that we’re undertaking now. So, we’re working very closely with the Government to move that along as quick as we can.”

will generate more of the same.”

Senator Barry Griffin, Senate vice-president and deputy chairman of The Bahamas Trade Commission, added: “It speaks to the strong relationship between the UK and The Bahamas that The Bahamas was chosen as the location for this year’s UK trade mission. “We are excited to deepen our trade and business ties with the United Kingdom. We hope that this mission is a productive one, and we look forward to doing our part to building the foundation upon which there will be symbiotic trade and business relations.”

The UK delegation consists of 19 delegates representing around a dozen UK companies and organisations. The “mission partners” are the Hogan Lovells law firm and Aggreko. Among the firms represented ate Charles Russell Speechly, another law firm; JCB; Kestrel; Manchester Airports Group; Mott Macdonald; Nectar Group; Reid Steel and the UK Department for Business and Trade.

Speaking after a UK trade mission, of which Manchester Airports Group is part, arrived in The Bahamas yesterday, Mr Smith said the company operates the largest cargo hub in the UK with its airports fielding 440,000 tons of goods and 60 million passengers annually.

He said: “We’re the largest airport group in the UK. So we’re transporting around about 60m passengers currently. We have a huge cargo operation. We undertake 440,000 tons of cargo through our East Midlands airport.

“We’re the largest dedicated cargo hub in the UK, and I think those relationships, certainly with the likes our customers that we have there, UPS, FedEx, etc, it will be great to be able to work with them in Thr Bahamas.”

The trade mission will visit Grand Bahama on Wednesday, and Mr Smith said that Manchester Airports Group can make a “huge difference” for the island. He hopes to start

Kanoo, the Bahamian digital payments firm, was described as “the local mission partner”, with the delegation’s visit also sponsored by the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB).

The trade mission is being organised with the support of the British High Commission in The Bahamas; the Government; Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC); the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce; the Caribbean Council.

The Caribbean Council is a London-based membership organisation aiming to build two-way trade and investment between UK and companies and their Caribbean and Central American partners since 2000. It has a full-time staff based in London, complemented by a regional network of on-the-ground consultants and associates. Its goal is to support responsible, private sectorled trade, investment and development in the Caribbean and Central America.

building relationships with local partners during the visit.

“[We want] to build the relationships with people locally. It’s going to be really, really important just to get a real understanding of how we can bring a benefit to the island,” he added. “I’m really excited to go back there because I think Manchester Airports Group can make a huge difference to the island.”

The airport operator is also interested in international connections and has an “eye” on other Family Island airports. Mr Smith said: “Manchester Airports Group certainly has aspiration to look at international development. And The Bahamas is one of the first. I’ve certainly got my eye on lots but not nothing as yet.”

The Government is seeking private-public partnerships (PPPs) for 14 Family Island airports in a bid to upgrade these destinations at a collective estimated cost of some $263m.

GRAND Bahama International Airport.

Photo:Internet

Stepping on up

KENYA Dixon considers the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) a “stepping stone.”

The BTVI Story

She is convinced that it served as a foundation for her to complete her bachelor’s degree and to be the recipient of several promotions.

A native of Grand Bahama, Kenya enrolled in BTVI in 2016 to study towards an Associate of Applied Science Degree in office administration. Back then, she was a clerk at the National Insurance Board (NIB) and after completing her degree in 2019, she was promoted to claims officer. Today, she is an inspector.

“Listen, God is something. The same year of my graduation a position became available in the Claims Department to become a Claims Officer. And guess what was the requirement? An associate degree. So, I graduated and got promoted in the same year - all because I took that leap of faith and started BTVI,” she exclaimed.

Although the journey was not easy, Kenya said it was worth it.

“I studied part-time. It was a bit challenging for me because I worked full-time at NIB and was a mother with two babies, but BTVI helped me to regain my focus on my goals. It helped me to be more consistent and it gave me a zeal to want more out of life. I took every opportunity presented to me as a driving force to shape my future. There were some long nights and early mornings, but the instructors were remarkable, the classes hands on and it was definitely worth it,” said the NIB employee of ten years.

“After completing my degree at BTVI, I was able to apply for positions at work and earned promotions because of it. Also, all

of the credits earned at BTVI were accepted at DeVry University. BTVI was indeed the stepping stone for where I am today. I could not have been where I am if I hadn’t started,” said the alumna.

BTVI awakened in Kenya a love for learning. After graduating, she realised there was more she wanted and needed to learn. Hence, she began the process to enroll online at DeVry University. She was proud to say that as of August 2022 she became the holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in management, Summa Cum Laude.

“After BTVI, it took a while for me to get back into the classroom setting. That was because shortly after graduating BTVI we had the horrific Hurricane Dorian which hit the island of Grand Bahama. It was a time of recovery for a lot of us,” said Kenya.

Today, Kenya is proud she has ascended to inspector.

“Being an inspector is an accomplishment for me and one of the driving forces as to why I started BTVI to further my education. As an inspector, I have to be hands-on, focused and thorough. The discipline I received at BTVI prepared me in so many ways for my career today. BTVI helped boost my confidence and my drive to continue to push. My kids had a live picture of what hard work and dedication can do,” she said.

• The BTVI Story is a bi-weekly column which highlights the who, what and why of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), a tertiary institution where individuals ‘Discover the Possibilities’ related to various trades. The column is produced by BTVI’s Office of Public Relations.

TOMLINSON TRIUMPHS ON THE WAVES

YOUNG sailors from around the Bahamas competed in the Fidelity Bahamas Optimist Championship last weekend with Patrick Tomlinson taking home the top prize Patrick, pictured, won the championship and was named optimist national champion for the second time. Participants from New Providence, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Abaco, Exuma, Long Island and Grand Bahama along with young sailors from the United States and the Cayman Islands competed in the event on Montagu Bay.

Sailors ranged from seven to 15 years old and competed in a number of fleets within the championship including: the Green fleet for sailors entering their first championship; the White fleet for sailors ten or younger; the Blue fleet for sailors aged 11 and 12 and the Red

fleet for sailors aged 13-15.

Sailing was named the official sport of the Bahamas this year and Erin Tomlinson, Optimist Fleet Captain and organiser of the Championship, said the national team is ready to compete at an international level.

She said: “This year’s championship is especially significant to our sailors as it is the first taking place since sailing was named the national sport of The Bahamas.

“Our national team is ready to compete with sailors from the US and Cayman Islands as well as for the title of National Champion in the Optimist class.”

“We are grateful to our title sponsor Fidelity for contributing to this national sailing Championship for the second year,” added Mrs Tomlinson. “The skippers are

young, but many have competed in international events representing The Bahamas sailing against different countries.

Our sailors are ready...” The Optimist is a small, single handed sail ing dinghy that is one of the two most popular sail ing dinghies in the world with over 150,000 boats officially registered in the class. Young sailors up to the age of 15 sail the class in competitions

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

the world. The Bahamas also starts sailors in the Optimist for competitive sailing.

THE BEST WAY TO START THE DAY

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

STUDENTS at the Cleveland Eneas Primary School enjoyed a free breakfast donated by Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM) last week.

FOAM adopted the school last year and implemented a monthly breakfast programme for all students themed “feeding is seeding”.

Khandi Gibson, director of FOAM, said she started the programme to ensure that children that may be facing food insecurity can get a hot meal. She added that proper nutrition can energise children and help

them to focus on their academics.

She said: “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you would be surprised how having a hot meal can give them a jumpstart and help them to function properly and concentrate on their school work.”

The breakfast is held on the last Friday of the month in collaboration with local businesses and donors. Last week’s event was sponsored by JP Morgan Trust Company, who assisted in providing meals for 600 students.

Anyone interested in donating to the programme can visit the FOAM community centre in Nassau Village.

KAI Harvey is in seventh grade and has enjoyed homeschooling since he began in his kindergarten year, while living in the Cayman Islands in 2015. His favourite aspect of home-schooling is that he can study and learn at his own pace, whether moving rapidly through subject matter that comes easily, or taking longer in areas of difficulty.

Kai enjoys many extracurricular programs such as hip-hop dance, swimming, chess club, golf and soccer, sailing and baseball. He is looking forward to engaging in more advanced courses in his favourite subjects while continuing to prepare himself to become a productive and well-rounded member of society.

• Do you know a student you’d like to nominate for Student Spotlight? Email details to jsimmons@ tribunemedia.net.

2019 BTVI graduate, Grand Bahama, Kenya Dixon.

Photo: BTVI

CLEVELAND Eneas students receiving a free breakfast.

Bahamian bank in ‘new territory’ via $42m raise

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN investment bank yesterday said it has entered “new territory” by spearheading a pan-Caribbean $42m capital raise to fund the renewable ambitions of a conglomerate that owns the local Esso operation.

Michael Anderson, RF Bank & Trust’s president, voiced hope to Tribune Business

that its success in fully sourcing the sum targeted by Sol Petroleum’s renewable division will provide a springboard for its “ambition” to become a growing player in the region’s capital markets.

The private placement, which Mr Anderson said attracted Bahamian investor participation, was designed to raise 50 percent of the equity capital for the Sol Ecolution Fund. The remaining $42m balance is being

injected by Sol Ecolution, the renewable energy arm of the Barbados-based Sol Group, with the proceeds set to help finance a series of investments in solar and other sustainable energy plants throughout the region. The RF Bank & Trust chief, disclosing that total Caribbean-wide investment in such renewable projects will likely be $400m when debt financing is included, told this newspaper that Sol Ecolution has already

Parliament blunder on BPL regulatory ‘void’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

REGULATORS are scrambling to fill a “void” created by Parliament in electricity sector supervision which has potentially left Bahamians at the mercy of appliancedestroying voltage and frequency fluctuations without recourse.

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), in outlining for electricity quality and reliability benchmarks it plans to impose on Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) and other public suppliers outside Grand Bahama, revealed that the last

Christie administration and the then-Parliament blundered by failing to ensure voltage and electricity standards survived the switch to a new regulatory regime. Such standards were included in the previous Electricity Act and the Out Islands Electricity Act, but these were repealed when the Electricity Act 2015 was passed by Parliament to usher in the energy sector’s new supervisory regime. The URCA paper revealed that they “were not explicitly included” in the latter Act, and any regulations or rules that accompanied it - something that was not

picked up any sitting minister or MP at the time.

URCA, saying it had become aware of the regulatory hole this has created during “investigations” into multiple energy sector-related complaints, has now issued a consultation document on the “standard for power quality and reliability in electric power systems” in a bid to “reestablish and expand” on those frequency and voltage benchmarks.

Tribune Business records show the minister responsible for leading the Electricity Act’s introduction to Parliament, and passage into law, was thendeputy prime minister and minister of works with

been “speaking to potential partners” in The Bahamas on developing solar plants here although no deals have been finalised.

And he suggested that The Bahamas “could easily become a bigger piece of their plans” if this nation was to further enhance its laws and regulatory regime for solar and other renewable projects so that they become even more attractive

SEE PAGE A20

Moody’s backs trimmed 3% Bahamas growth projection

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

responsibility for BPL, and now prime minister, Philip Davis KC.

Spelling out the problem that it is now seeking to correct, URCA said: “In fulfilling the Electricity Act mandate, URCA is cognisant of the fact that the production of electricity inherently carries the risk of variations in the ideal (nominal) value that is intended to be produced by the electricity supplier

SEE PAGE A21

Inflation to stay ‘high’ as food costs up 11%

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Central Bank yesterday warned Bahamian consumers that inflation will remain “high” in the near-term, and decline more slowly than in other countries, with food and drink prices rising 11 percent over the year to end-June 2023.

The banking regulator, unveiling its monthly

economic update report for August, said any inflation reduction for The Bahamas will “lag” and take place over the “medium to long-term” due in part to summer’s soaring Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) bills as the utility sought to recoup previously underrecovered fuel costs.

“As it relates to prices, inflation is projected to remain high in the nearterm, although trending downward over the

medium to long-term, with a lag, owing to moderating price trajectories in the major trading markets and delayed fuel cost pass-through in domestic energy prices,” the Central Bank said.

“Upside risk to inflation revolves around uncertainty in international energy costs and supply chain shortages, associated with the geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.” This means that Bahamian

families already struggling with the post-COVID cost of living crisis are unlikely to see much, if any, shortterm relief from sustained price increases across multiple basic commodities.

“Average domestic consumer price inflation, as measured by the AllBahamas Retail Price Index, rose to 5.2 percent during the 12 months to June from 4.4 percent in

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URCA in crackdown over communications outages

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

REGULATORS last night voiced their displeasure with inconsistent and delayed reporting of network outages by Bahamian communications providers as they moved to better protect consumers from such disruption.

The Utilities Regulation and Competition

Authority (URCA), unveiling its proposed outage reporting and mitigation regulations

for the industry, revealed it had been motivated to act by widespread and frequent customer complaints over the loss of communications services due to outages and other disruption on their provider’s network.

“URCA is cognisant that consumers in The Bahamas and globally are becoming increasingly dependent upon electronic communications services for both personal and commercial use, and accordingly consumers

expect to receive high quality electronic communications services from licensees in The Bahamas,” the regulator said in its consultation document.

“In recent times, URCA has observed that there has been increased public concern over the reliability and quality of electronic communications services in The Bahamas due to, amongst other things, frequent outages and/or disruptions to electronic communications networks and services.”

URCA said such concerns and complaints were voiced by “many participants” in the focus group meetings called to assess potential demand for fifth generation (5G) technology in The Bahamas. The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), in particular, suffered with service disruption and network outages across multiple islands this summer including Grand Bahama, Abaco, South

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MOODY’S yesterday backed forecasts of lower 3 percent economic growth for The Bahamas in 2023 as it noted the Government’s multi-billion refinancing plan almost totally depends on loans and guarantees from multilateral lenders.

The credit rating agency, in its latest update on The Bahamas’ sovereign, unveiled gross domestic product (GDP) growth expectations for the fullyear that are in line with those given by John Rolle, the Central Bank of The Bahamas governor, at his last quarterly economic briefing in early August.

Mr Rolle at that time trimmed his prediction to “the 3 percent range” as he warned The Bahamas is poised to next year “resettle” back into traditionally-lower expansion rates. “The Central Bank still projects some

recovery-laced, above average real GDP growth in the 3 percent range for 2023. However, potential annual growth beyond 2023 is resettling closer to the two percent range,” he warned. Moody’s concurred in yesterday’s note, saying: “Because of the rebound in tourism, The Bahamas recorded very strong growth when its borders reopened in 2021. Real GDP expanded 17 percent in 2021, followed by 7 percent in 2022. We expect growth to moderate to 3 percent in 2023, which is still above the country’s growth potential.”

The credit rating agency also appears to be projecting that Bahamian economic growth will endure at slightly aboveaverage levels in 2024, forecasting that GDP will expand by 2.5 percent, which provides a slightly more optimistic outlook for the near-term. It also maintained The Bahamas’

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MICHAEL ANDERSON