10312023 BUSINESS AND FEATURES

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2023

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PM told that BPL fuel hedge ‘in the money’

By NEIL HARTNELL

FAY SIMMONS t &WFO BTùGVFM and Tribune Business Reporters XPFT THE Prime Minister was Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) ATVCTUBOUJBMMZ told fuel hedge, which his administration BUF CFOFmUT has sought to discredit, was “in the money” even though fuel woes “substantially ate into the benefits”. t 3FQPSU Shevonn Cambridge, BPL’s current chief executive, in a July 30, 2023, SFJHOJUFT report to Philip Davis KC and Alfred QPMJUJDBM SPX Sears KC, then-minister of works and signalled the former Minnis PWFS IFEHJOH utilities, administration’s fuel hedging strategy had generated savings for consumt .JOJTUFS ers that were sufficient to offset the utility’s greater-than-predicted use of A%PO U USZ higher cost fuel.

The report, which reviewed issues UP CFOE PO impacting operational performance at Clifton Pier’s ‘Station A’, said UIJT IFEHF

BPL’s hedged fuel price depended on the seven Wartsila engines that it housed “providing substantially more energy than they did” as well as using a fuel mix that was 60 percent weighted in favour of heavy fuel oil (HFO).

That is cheaper than automated diesel oil (ADO) which, according to Mr Cambridge was supposed to only meet 40 percent of the Wartsila engines’ needs under BPL’s fuel hedging strategy. However, that 60/40 mix intended to support the utility’s 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour (KWh) hedged price, which was locked in from summer 2020 to October 2022, was never achieved in any of those years.

“The units operated on 25 percent HFO and 75 percent ADO in calendar year 2020; 32 percent HFO

and 68 percent ADO in calendar year 2021; and approximately 50 percent HFO and 50 percent ADO in calendar year 2022,” Mr Cambridge wrote to Mr Davis and Mr Sears.

However, according to BPL’s chief executive, who was not in the post when the fuel hedging strategy was executed, while the more expensive costs associated with this undesired fuel mix squeezed and slashed the anticipated savings for consumers it did not eliminate them entirely.

“Luckily, the fuel hedge placed at that time was in the money,” Mr Cambridge wrote. “However, the adverse generation fuel mix substantially ate into the benefits realised from the hedge.”

The phrase “in the money” triggered a heated back and forth

Hitting near 3% growth to make ‘incredible difference’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ECONOMIC growth in the “upper 2 percent” range and above will make “an incredible difference” to The Bahamas’ economic prospects if achieved consistently, the Central Bank governor asserted yesterday.

John Rolle, addressing the regulator’s 2023 third quarter economic briefing, said it was “very important” for this nation to break-out of its historical 1-2 percent low annual GDP growth pattern with a level above 3 percent something Bahamians should “feel comfortable” with.

Responding to Tribune Business questions

t (PWFSOPS A7FSZ JNQPSUBOU UP CSFBL IJTUPSJDBM USFOE t 4FB BSSJWBMT AMFWFM PGG BCPWF QSF $07*% IJHIT t &YUFSOBM SFTFSWFT EPXO PO FOE BU CO on just how critical it is for the Bahamian economy to grow faster than its historical average, after earlier warning that there was now “a more discernible abatement” following the post-COVID recovery, he added: “That is very important because

it underpins a lot of the aspirations in terms of how rapidly for us we can see the kind of reduction in the debt burden relative to the size of the economy.

“As well, it affects the pace at which there is employment creation.

The estimates prior to the pandemic, which haven’t changed drastically, were that in ordinary times the Bahamian economy has the capacity to grow between 1-2 percent; somewhere in that range.

“So if interventions can be made to add to the economy’s competitiveness and ability to attract investment, that would be what helps to allow the economy to grow at a faster rate on a sustained basis.” An annual GDP (gross domestic product)

JOHN ROLLE growth rate of between 1-2 percent is just where the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is presently predicting The Bahamas will end up in the medium term between 2027-2028.

Asked what GDP growth rates The Bahamas should aim for, Mr Rolle replied: “The expectation is that we should feel comfortable if the potential growth rate for The Bahamas can rise above 3 percent. In the upper 2 percent, above 3 percent, that will still make an incredible difference on an annual basis as well as the

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Mortgage loan approvals decline to under one-third

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net LESS than one out of every three mortgage loan applications was approved in the 2023 first half despite total credit applications to the commercial banking sector increasing by 9.4 percent year-over-year.

The Central Bank, unveiling the results of its 2023 first half lending conditions survey, revealed that total mortgage

applications fell by 8.8 percent “relative to June 2022” while approvals “narrowed by 1.4 percentage points to 32.2 percent”.

John Rolle, the Central Bank’s governor, told the 2023 third quarter economic briefing yesterday that the mortgage loan segment was taking longer than its consumer and commercial counterparts to “turn around” and recover from COVID-19 and other ills with lenders “held back” because of the

extra time and size of nonperforming loans.

“During the first half of 2023 bank lending conditions improved when compared to the same period in 2022. Total applications received continued to increase, underpinned by a rise in consumer loans,” the Central Bank said of its survey results.

“Some 15,899 applications were received, 9.4 percent higher than the comparable period in 2022. The majority of

applications were processed in New Providence (81.6 percent).”

The overall approval rate for applications was 75.2 percent, although that for mortgages was less than half this figure.

“Consumer applications increased by 11.6 percent year-on- year, representing 89.8 percent of total loans processed. During the same period, the approval rate firmed to 78.1 percent,” the Central

SEE PAGE B2

Digital payments ‘a train that is not going to stop’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Central Bank’s governor yesterday said he is aiming to “leapfrog The Bahamas to an even better digital payments state” as he warned: “This is a train that is not going to stop.”

John Rolle, addressing the regulator’s 2023 third quarter economic briefing, said it was “incumbent” on the financial services sector to develop an electronic

payments system that Bahamians trust “if we’re going to be plugged into the rest of the world” at the same product and service standards.

Asked by Tribune Business how the Central Bank and private sector plan to move forward, after the year-end 2024 deadline to eliminate manual cheque use was abandoned to give consumers more time to adjust, he added that there is no stopping the digital evolution despite

the “hang ups” caused by telecommunications and electricity outages.

Mr Rolle added that the steering committee appointed to oversee the shift away from cheques, featuring Central Bank, banking industry and business executives, remained focused on educating Bahamians to ensure they are “comfortable” transitioning to digital payments given that such momentum cannot be halted.

“The focus is on giving the public more time to transition to alternative methods of payment, as well as to hunker down and get even more targeted improvement in the state of the alternatives,” the Central Bank governor said of the decision to delay cheque elimination by at least two years until 2026.

“At the steering committee level focusing on

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SHEVONN CAMBRIDGE

JOBETH COLEBY-DAVIS

Minister: $21m ‘overrun’ on key BPL investment

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A CABINET minister yesterday asserted that Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) key generation investment has suffered a $21m-plus “cost overrun” while failing to deliver the promised efficiencies and savings.

JoBeth Coleby-Davis, minister of transport and energy, in tabling a review on BPL’s Clifton Pier ‘Station A’ in the House of Assembly said the $117.9m cost incurred to-date in purchasing and installing seven Wartsila-manufactured engines, and making the building fit-for-purpose, continues to accumulate.

The present price tag, detailed in the July 30, 2023, report by BPL’s chief executive, Shevonn Cambridge, to Prime Minister Philip Davis KC and thenminister of works and utilities, Alfred Sears KC,

seemingly represents a 24.2 percent “overrun” on the initial $95m budget.

The report, quoting a March 8, 2019, update to the Minnis administration’s BPL Board, said the thendirectors were told “the total investment required for bringing Station ‘A’ online with 132 MW (mega watts) of generation assets is $95m, inclusive of the costs of the generation assets, auxiliaries, building upgrades and sub-station improvements.

“The costs for this new power plant will be funded by the expected insurance proceeds and allocations from BPL’s capital budget,” the former Board was informed. The “insurance proceeds” refers to the anticipated payout that BPL was to get from its insurers as a result of losing “two of the company’s most efficient units” - and 60

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PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 31, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMIAN FIRM PARTNERS ON LOCAL LNG BUNKERING A BAHAMIAN company has teamed with an international provider to offer liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering services to ships from this nation.

Eagle LNG Partners in a statement announced it is expanding its bunkering services in partnership with Elnet Lightering which holds licences to bunker in The Bahamas. Elnet is a subsidiary of a local shipping agency of the same

name, and is said to have prior offshore lightering and bunkering transfer experience.

The initiative was said to have been supported

by Jobeth Coleby-Davis, minister of energy and transport, the US Embassy in Nassau and approvals from relevant marine regulatory bodies.

Mrs Coleby-Davis said: “Such collaborative

endeavours are a testament to The Bahamas’ proactive approach in strengthening its maritime infrastructure.

We anticipate this partnership to be a cornerstone in driving environmentally responsible maritime solutions.”

“Eagle LNG has chartered an LNG bunkering vessel from Anthony Veder to supply product ship-to-ship beginning

January 2024,” said Megan McCurdy, Eagle LNG’s director of marine sales.

“A newly delivered LNG fuelling tanker will provide shippers a marine fuel highly sought after by LNG-powered ships operating in The Bahamas and in other Caribbean-adjacent trade lanes.”

Ellie S. Hepburn, chief executive of Elnet Maritime, said: “Elnet is one of

only four local Bahamian companies that has licences to bunker in The Bahamas.

We thank the minister of energy and transport for her support as we enter into this exciting new partnership with Eagle LNG. “Eagle LNG has been at the forefront of LNG bunkering on the US east coast for five years now. Elnet recently oversaw the only ship-to-ship LNG operation

Minister: $21m ‘overrun’ on key BPL investment FROM PAGE B1 MW of generation - in the September 2018 fire.

However, Mr Cambridge’s report to the Prime Minister said some $117.9m in costs have been incurred “to-date” relating to ‘Station A’. These were broken down into $108.3m for the seven Wartsila engines and their “auxiliary” support infrastructure “through 2022”; $7.5m in expenses related to the “dismounting of Station A”; and $2.1m of repairs that remain ongoing to fix the building’s structure and prevent concrete spalling.

Mrs Coleby-Davis said of these figures: “To be clear, I am advised that the budgeted cost for the project was $96.9m. However, the cost-to-date is $117.9m, a cost overrun of some $21m.

It is important to note that this figure continues to grow with no clear end in sight as many serious issues continue to come to light.”

Based on the $95m figure in the Board paper, such an “overrun” could be nearer $23m.

However, sources familiar with the Wartsila deal and engines’ installation, speaking on condition of anonymity, challenged the “overrun” assertion. One explained that the $95m covered only the initial acquisition and installation costs, and that the $117.9m figures includes expenses incurred subsequent to the Wartsila engines going live in early 2020, as indicated by the term “to-date” and dates provided.

They added it was always recognised that Station A’s roof and facade needed further repairs and upgrading, so it was always anticipated that the investment outlay would ultimately extend beyond the initial $95m.

Mrs Coleby-Davis, though, said the ‘Station A’ report highlighted the “poor decisions” that have placed BPL in dire straits and revealed the “‘real reason” behind its woes.

She signalled that these, and not the Davis administration’s decision against executing further trades to support BPL’s fuel hedging initiative, are to blame.

The minister said: “We hear all this talk about hedge. Let me advise you that the real reason why BPL is in this situation

is because of poor decisions made, as you will see detailed in the report that I am tabling today.

“There has been much concern about the manner of BPL’s decision to engage Wartsila in 2018. I believe wholeheartedly that the Bahamian public deserve and are entitled to the full facts.” Speaking rhetorically, she posed a number of questions that were left unanswered.

“What prevented BPL from conducting a competitive process to contract rental generation to replace ‘Station C’ after the fire in 2018?” Mrs Coleby-Davis asked. “Do we consider the terms to be favourable to The Bahamas and in line with industry standards? Why was the contract amended to add more generators in a building acknowledged at the time of the decision as structurally incapable of bearing such weight?”

She added that new and existing BPL-related contracts will be “scrutinised and negotiated to the most advantageous position” for Bahamians. “To our vendors, please note that moving forward all new contracts and possible consideration of renewal of existing contracts will be scrutinised and negotiated to the most advantageous position for the Bahamian people,” Mrs Coleby-Davis said.

“This will include the review of existing contracts to ensure that all contractual obligations are being met. Deficiencies will be noted and brought in line with contract terms and conditions.” The report tabled yesterday, though, appeared to stop short of the Prime Minister’s description of the Wartsila contract earlier this year when he declared to the House of Assembly that “the smell is rotten”.

Mr Cambridge, who was not BPL’s chief executive when the seven engines were acquired, did not directly criticise or challenge the selection.

His report, though, did question the decisions surrounding the installation’s execution and choice of supporting infrastructure, pointing that this resulted in less than optimal generation output and the promised

Mortgage loan approvals decline to under one-third FROM PAGE B1 Bank said. “Total mortgage applications declined by 8.8 percent relative to June 2022. Compared with the first half of 2022, the approval rate narrowed by 1.4 percentage points to 32.2 percent for this component.

“Commercial applications fell by 1.5 percent year-on-year owing to a fall-off in demand in New Providence. Over the same period, the approval rate fell by 2.1 percentage points to 86.6 percent. Lenders cited high debt service ratio (DSR), no collateral insufficient time of the job and underemployment,as top reasons for rejection of loan applications.”

Mr Rolle added: “In the banking sector, there are

steadily improving indicators of credit quality with the outlook for lending shifting more positively.

As at September, just 6.8 percent of the estimated private sector loan balances had fallen behind in repayments by 90 days or more, and this compared to 8.1 percent of all credit balances at the same point in 2022, and an average setback during the height of the pandemic to almost 10 percent of private sector loan balances.

“In addition, a gradual, though still very mild pattern of growth was established in total lending to the private sector over the first nine months of 2023. It included a bottoming out of multiple years of reduction in consumer lending and additional

a powerhouse built in 1981 which was already showing signs of structural deterioration.” The final price tag was $95m, with BPL’s Board told the investment would reduce fuel costs “by as much as 40-50 percent” given greater use of heavy fuel oil (HFO).

The BPL chief executive was critical of his predecessors’ failure to secure sufficient rental generation capacity to avoid the blackout and load shedding nightmare of 2019, when New Providence was subjected daily to a rolling series of four to eight-hour outages while ‘Station A’ was being readied.

“It is noted that at this point, some 11 months after the fire, there was ample time for temporary supplemental power arrangements to have been made to relieve the hardship that was put on the public with the four to eight hour rolling blackouts that occurred in New Providence during the summer peak load season of 2019,” Mr Cambridge wrote.

Tribune Business sources, though, said BPL’s thenmanagement and Board believed they had sufficient capacity to meet summer 2019’s peak load until they were hit by the unexpected loss of two engines at the Blue Hills plant. And, by that time, it was too late to secure rental generation capacity as all units were “spoken for”.

“The outsourcing of BPL’s plant (Station A) was also a mild form of ‘union busting’ as Wartsila hired its own personnel to operate ‘Station A’ and BPL’s staff were prohibited from going on site,” Mr Cambridge wrote.

“It should be noted that the testing, commissioning and overall acceptance procedure was inconsistent with BEC/BPL’s standard procedures for the acceptance of new plants. That is, the standard procedure is that the new plant must operate at full load for 30 consecutive days before

BPL accepts it. We’re advised that the units were run individually for three hours and accepted thereafter.”

The ‘union busting’ assertion was yesterday rejected by sources familiar with events at the time, who said that no BPL employee or union member lost their jobs as a result of ‘Station A’. They added that none wished to transfer to the new plant, so Wartsila had to train and recruit its own people.

As for the testing concerns detailed by Mr Cambridge, they argued that a 30-day full load runout was not necessary in this case as Station A was being operated by the same company that supplied the engines -Wartsila. BPL was not taking any risk or liability, and given that Wartsila had multiple performance guarantees to fulfill it could not afford for the engines to run below standard.

Mr Cambridge, though, was critical of the operations deal entered into with Wartsila on October 18, 2019. “The O&M (operations and maintenance) agreement specifically called for the segregation of ‘Station A’ from BPL’s Clifton Pier operations,” he added.

“This later created operational and financial inefficiencies for BPL that negatively impacted the engines’ availability, reliability and overall performance at ‘Station A’.

Where it was most impactful was the overall quality of supply and cost to the end user, the consumer...

“The agreement, which was to cover the first two years of operations for the plant, was projected to cost $13.9m over the course of the two years or $6.9m per year. BPL ended up spending $8.2m per year or $24.6m over the course of the two-year contract and third-year extension,” Mr Cambridge continued.

“On December 30, 2021, BPL and Wartsila signed an extension to the agreement.

This is the third-year extension discussed prior that saw the costs jump from $6.9m to $8.2m per year over the three-year term. There was an increase in the monthly fixed charges retroactive to the commencement of the original agreement, and an increase to the variable charge in year three if BPL opted out of a fourth year, which they did. This took the three-year calculated amount to $24.6m.”

Wartsila ultimately issued a termination certificate that “listed several breaches

by BPL, which basically prohibits BPL from enforcing certain performance guarantees”. Mr Cambridge added: “The handover of Station A to BPL means that the company must address certain deficiencies to ensure optimal performance from the Wartsila engines that make up BPL’s baseload plant.

“The priorities are to replace the cooling water system; correct the ambient temperature with adequate ventilation; install a waste heat boiler for proper and efficient fuel treatment; remediate the structural defects in the building; and integrate the employees contracted by Wartsila into the BPL employee pool.

“It is important to note that BPL’s present management, once it took over the plant, moved swiftly to address some of the defects in the fuel pre-treatment and delivery process, which resulted in an increase in HFO consumption to more than 50 percent at proper temperatures and conditions suitable for optimum combustion in the engines,” he continued.

“This will help drive down fuel costs by using higher volumes of the cheaper HFO. It also decreases the units’ vulnerability to damage caused when HFO isn’t treated properly. Five of the seven units have already completed their annual overhauls with the final two overhauls expected to be completed within a few weeks.

“While it is ideal to have all seven units available to facilitate rotations for routine maintenance, the reality is that only five can run safely simultaneously.

We look forward to the day very soon when we can truly realise all the efficiencies touted by the previous administration about ‘Station A’. A true tri-fuel baseload plant capable of consistently producing 132 MW of electricity.”

Tourism underpins the recovery, with aggressive marketing efforts taking advantage of the relaxed global travel conditions.

“In addition, indications are that support from foreign direct investments is also being maintained at healthy levels. As a result, the outlook for employment remains positive.

Meanwhile, the inflation expectations for The Bahamas have moderated, even though transitional firming remained evident due to the delayed pass-through from higher electricity costs.

“In the financial sector, trends are characterised by steadily reducing credit delinquency rates, while the outlook for lending to the private sector is gradually improving.

Nevertheless, there is a more discernible abatement in the speed of economic growth. With private sector demand more caught up to the rest of economy and the Government more reliant on local currency borrowing, some consequent net reduction

in the Central Bank’s foreign reserves continue to be expected over the remainder of this year,” he added.

“The near-term risks to the economy remain concentrated around imported inflation, escalating geopolitical tensions and the multiple adverse impacts that rising international interest rates could have on the financing costs for the public and private sectors.”

Expanding on this further, Mr Rolle said: “The economy is projected to experience continued growth in 2023, although more moderated. By 2024, activity could settle closer in line with the economy’s medium-term growth potential. This evolution is expected to sustain continued high levels of banking liquidity and comfortably adequate external reserves.

“From a policy perspective, it continues to leave the Central Bank open to accommodating more growth in lending to the private sector and it leaves the domestic markets in a

more sustainable state to finance an expanded share of the fiscal deficit in local currency. In any event, the outlook is also expected to encompass continued fiscal consolidation that should reduce the government’s total borrowing requirements.

“Nevertheless, there are downside risks that justify caution. Imported inflation could impede the economy’s ability to retain foreign exchange, while escalated energy costs could make the tourism product more expensive and less attractive.

“In addition, the rising interest rates in countries overseas, which push back against inflation, could impose higher costs on the Government’s foreign currency debt, and could slow the pace of foreign investments that rely on debt financing. Weaved throughout these trends are geopolitical tensions from the war in Ukraine, and now the Middle East.”

BAHAMAS POWER & LIGHT HEADQUARTERS efficiencies and savings were never fully realised.

Wartsila initially proposed supplying BPL with 45-68 MW of permanent generation assets to replace those lost in the September 2018 fire, Mr Cambridge said, noting that this was supported by Shell North America.

“On October 16, 2018, just a few weeks after the fire, Wartsila presented a proposal to BPL for four engines utilising one of two model engines. The models offered were either a 12 MW or 18 MW unit, which would result in combined plant outputs of 44.8 MW or 67.8 MW respectively,” he wrote.

The report, though, made no mention of the fact that ‘Station A’ and its Wartsila engines were ultimately intended to be incorporated in the new Clifton Pier power plant that was to be owned and operated by Shell North America under a long-term power purchase agreement with BPL. Mr Cambridge, meanwhile, noted that the total price of the engines was $41.1m, with their conversion to burn liquefied natural gas (LNG) at a later date was $506,000 per unit. An all-in price of $42.6m was agreed for 75 MW, but he added that the terms of the deal struck on December 21, 2018, were “inconsistent with redundant systems normally utilised in baseload power plants.

BPL also assumed responsibility for making ready Station A, which Mr Cambridge said was already experiencing “spalling” issues with concrete falling from the roof and walls.

Then, on February 28, 2019, the Wartsila deal expanded from four to seven engines with a total output of 132 MW, the total cost increasing to $78.7m.

“This represented a 75.6 percent increase in capacity and an 84.7 percent increase in cost,” Mr Cambridge wrote. “The engines were also to be installed in

gains in lending to the business sector. However, the residential mortgage segment was further contracted overall.

“In line with these trends, based on the latest lending conditions survey for the first half of 2023, commercial banks have reported a further uptick in applications for credit concentrated in consumer and business loans mostly.

Banks also approved an increased volume of the applications for credit in this period.”

As to the economy’s prospects, Mr Rolle said: “The available data through the third quarter of 2023 continue to show healthy recovery and transition of the Bahamian economy away from setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

in The Bahamas and knows that the demand for LNG bunkering internationally will only create new ship traffic benefiting the local economy.”

Ms McCurdy added: “Eagle LNG’s new dedicated bunkering vessel marks a significant stride in redefining maritime benchmarks in the region.”

THE TRIBUNE

VISITOR ARRIVALS MATCH 2019 RECORD IN FIRST NINE MONTHS

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net TOTAL visitor arrivals for the first nine months of 2023 have equalled pre-COVID’s 2019 fullyear record of 7.2m, it was revealed yesterday, with hotel room rates almost 60 percent higher.

Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, said The Bahamas’ post-pandemic tourism rebound was “no fluke” and that it was “now certain” this nation will hit its record eight million total visitor target for the 2023 full-year.

His ministry, in a statement, said The Bahamas is “squarely on target” to achieve this goal after total air and sea arrivals for the nine months to end-September 2023 hit 7.209m. Of that number, 1.333m came by air and 5.876m by sea,

with total arrivals outpacing 2019 figures by 33 percent.

Cruise arrivals from the first nine months of 2023 are up 61 percent year-overyear, and 45 percent ahead of 2019, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Foreign air arrivals, which include stopovers and day visitors, are up 21 percent over the same period in 2022 through September 2023, but remain just below comparatives for the pre-COVID record year of 2019.

Hotel occupancy was also said to be ahead of 2019, with average daily room rates and room revenue significantly ahead of that year. The Ministry of Tourism added that The Bahamas continues to see gains in the overall visitor spending.

“We see that room rates are nearly 60 percent higher than they were in 2019, yet occupancy rates are higher and room nights sold continues to increase,” Mr Cooper said in a statement yesterday. “This not only

translates to higher revenue for all tourism stakeholders, but also speaks to the extraordinary demand that exists for our product.

“Importantly, we are seeing a healthy hold in repeat visitors from our main source markets, while witnessing major increases in new arrivals who are spreading the message about The Bahamas.... We are now certain to have a record year for tourism arrivals, and it’s no fluke.”

“We have some of the most attractive cruise destinations in the region, with the new port of Nassau making waves on social media and throughout the travel sector. Nassau, Bimini, the Berry Islands, Half Moon Cay and other destinations have seen remarkable growth in cruise arrivals in the past two years, with more visitors coming off the ships and spending more time onshore. This activity is being felt throughout the economy,” he added.

“Our tourism performance in 2023 has been spectacular on two fronts.

We have surpassed the tourism benchmark year of 2019 across all metrics, and our visitor arrival numbers are a resounding indication of a complete post- pandemic rebound.”

Earlier in Parliament, Mr Cooper said: “September, year-to-date 2023, foreign air and sea arrivals increased by 50.4 percent compared to the same period of 2022. Cruise arrivals from the beginning of the year through September are up 60 percent over the corresponding period in 2022, and 45 percent ahead of 2019.

“Foreign air arrivals, which represent stopover visitors, are up 20 percent over the same period in 2022 and through September are right at the total number of stopover visitors for 2019.”

Turning to the British Colonial’s imminent re-opening, Mr Cooper added: “I am pleased to

Tuesday, October 31, 2023, PAGE 3

tell you that the iconic British Colonial will open on December 12 with 288 renovated rooms, 300 Bahamian employees and 18,000 square feet of meeting space.

We will continue to access opportunities in key source markets, and will also strategically leverage Bahamasair to bolster underserved markets and drive traffic, particularly to Grand Bahama.

“With major investors expressing increased interest in the booming demand for The Bahamas, this government will stand up Bahamas Invest, with increased resources as well as a new promotional arm and compliance unit, positions for directors of these units are now being advertised.”

Mr Cooper added that The Bahamas’ Latin American visitor market continues to expand steadily post-pandemic, along with traffic from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Australia.

CHESTER COOPER Family Island tourism is also increasing along side New Providence and Paradise Island. Mr Cooper said: “When we came to office we promised you that we would not be Nassau-centric and we have provided a full push of our 16 island destinations. All are seeing steady growth, including Cat Island and Exuma in the 11 percent range.

The Berry Islands are up 36.4 percent, while Eleuthera and Abaco are ahead 44 percent and 38 percent, respectively. Mr Cooper added: “Notwithstanding the prophets of gloom and doom, Grand Bahama is up 64 percent, leading growth in air arrivals with an increase of 43.6 percent. And Bimini, we are fighting for you. Bimini, you are up by 138 percent.”

Hitting near 3% growth to make ‘incredible difference’ FROM PAGE B1 trends and projections for the economy.”

Mr Rolle, outlining economic and financial developments during the 2023 third quarter, said sea visitor arrivals have “levelled off” at around 42 percent above pre-COVID highs while the higheryielding stopover visitors are some 2 percent below those record levels.

“Based on trends in tourism, and the observed level of foreign currency inflows through the private sector, the economy is still expected to grow at an above average pace in 2023 in the 3-4 percent range. This compares to the majority of the COVID19 rebound that grew the

economy by about 14 percent in 2022,” the Governor said.

“In the first half of 2023, there continued to be some residual recovery in stopover tourism compared to the pre-pandemic highs. Alongside increased average prices for hotel rooms and vacation rentals, this helped to expand the sector’s total economic contribution.

“However, over the first eight months of the year, neither air nor sea arrivals numbers experienced significant, additional seasonal headcount growth compared to the pre-pandemic estimates,” he added.

“Compared to seasonal performance in the same months of the preCOVID-19 period, sea

arrivals levelled off favourably about 42 percent above the pre-pandemic highs. However, air visitors fluctuated on average about 2 percent below the high.

The varied, anticipated boost in hotel and cruise capacity in 2024, however, could create the headroom for further improvement in these indicators.”

Elsewhere, Mr Rolle said The Bahamas’ external reserves that support the one:one currency peg with the US dollar stood at $2.5bn at end-October, which was 5 percent below the 2022 year-end close.

“These balances continue to be healthy and more than adequate to support the value of the Bahamian dollar fixed exchange rate,” he added.

“The outlook for the reserves also continue to be supportive of increased expansion in private sector credit and an increased share of financing of the fiscal deficit in local currency.” He also indicated that some of the external reserves decline could be reversed by foreign currency borrowing from the Government before year-end.

“During the first nine months of 2023, total foreign currency inflows through the banking sector rose just 2.5 percent compared to 2022,” Mr Rolle said. “The recovery-driven improvement in receipts in the same period in 2022 was 40 percent.

“In the meantime, the demand for foreign exchange increased by about 7.1 percent in 2023 compared to approximately

a 30.1 percent boost in 2022. While these trends still underscore healthy overall conditions in the foreign exchange markets, the relatively stronger growth in foreign exchange sales has led to a smaller net retention, and therefore decreased net sale of foreign exchange, from commercial banks to the Central Bank.

“Given net foreign exchange trends, the external reserves of the Central Bank remained on course to contract this year. In particular, the Central Bank’s net foreign exchange purchase from the commercial banks decreased by almost one-third during January through September 2023,” the Governor continued.

“Moreover, there was an approximate $700m reversal in transactions with the Government sector from

a net purchase or boost to reserves over the same months in 2022 to a net sale of foreign exchange in the first three quarters of the current year. As a result, the external reserves have fallen incrementally over the first nine months compared to a net accumulation of nearly $750m in the same period last year.

“As regards the leading influence of the Government’s debt management operations, some of the drawdown in reserves already experienced could be reversed over the remainder of the year given that there is some planned foreign currency borrowing, but the cumulative impact of the Government’s debt operations in 2023 is still expected be a reduction.”

PAGE 4, Tuesday, October 31, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

PM told that BPL fuel hedge ‘in the money’ over an eight to ten-month period to hit 27.6 cents per KWh during this summer’s peak consumption.

“There is a report.. that clearly lays out the benefit of the hedging programme.

What it showed is $25m was saved during the hedge programme and, at its conclusion [January 2022], $55m would be saved,” the FNM leader argued.

“As a result of the bad decision made, we now have an increase of 163 percent in the surcharge. As a result, electricity bills are doubling for many businesses, middle class Bahamians and vulnerable Bahamians.”

Jobeth Coleby-Davis, minister of transport and energy, highlighted the inefficiencies and extra costs imposed on BPL consumers by the sub-optimal fuel mix. She maintained that BPL’s current woes stem from previous “poor decisions”, and that the hedge would no longer be beneficial due to volatile oil prices and the more expensive fuel mix.

She said: “What I am trying to advise is that it’s a domino effect from the poor decisions that have been laid out in this report that we are now experiencing and suffering today. So no matter

how much you try to bend on this hedge… let me tell you, you were not going to be in the money because of the volatile price of oil and your fuel mix. This is what the report from BPL is saying.”

The Davis administration has previously described the BPL fuel hedge initiated by its predecessor as not being worth the paper it was written on. It has also argued that it had to prioritise repayment of a $246m BPL loan that was falling due in early 2022, with no funds allocated for this purpose, and thus there was nothing available to finance further hedged fuel purchases.

With fuel hedging, utilities such as BPL typically do not lock-in a price that secures 100 percent of their needs.

This is done to minimise risk, cost and exposure in case they find themselves on the wrong side of an unexpected oil price move. As an example, they may hedge 80 percent of their fuel needs for the first year, 50 percent in the second and 30 percent in the third.

The Davis administration elected not to execute the trades that would have secured the extra cut-price oil volumes necessary to cover 100 percent of BPL’s

fuel needs. However, they also held BPL’s fuel charge at the original 10.5 cents per kWh for a further 12 months until October 2022 even though - without the extra hedged volumes - the actual fuel costs were considerably more.

This compounded the fall-out from the earlier decision not to support the original hedge. The Government effectively subsidised BPL to ensure the 10.5 cents price could be maintained, which is something that the regulations accompanying the Electricity Act prevent it from doing, as fuel costs are supposed to be 100 percent passed through to the consumer.

The Government’s need to recoup its $110m loan, and reclaim the underrecovered fuel costs, is what has caused the electricity monopoly’s fuel charges and overall bills to spike well in excess of market costs.

This ultimately represents a major wealth transfer from Bahamian businesses and households to the oil companies.

Mr Cambridge’s report, meanwhile, said the Wartsila engines in ‘Station A’ had to use more ADO fuel than planned because the HFO’s quality was not up

to standard. This, in turn, inflicted further problems and costs via “premature wear of the engines’ components” that doubled the amount of maintenance overhauls required, while cooling system woes caused “a notable drop in output” during the summer.

“Beyond the fuel use inefficiencies, in 2020, the records indicate that eight HFO booster pumps and two ADO pumps were replaced,” Mr Cambridge wrote. “This is an indication that the HFO being pumped was too thick or not properly heated, which adversely impacts the ability to pretreat, pump/transfer and properly burn it in the engines.

“This problem eventually manifested itself further with premature wear of the engines’ components, which resulted in the scheduled 24,000-hour overhauls having to be performed at the 12,000 hour interval. The overhaul for each unit was $957,000 or $6.7m compared to the estimated $334,000 per unit or $2.3m, triple the cost.

“Thirdly, in Wartsila’s annual performance report 2022, it revealed a notable drop in the output of the engines during the critical

summer peak load season due to fouling of the bore hole cooling water system that resulted in lower MW (mega watt) outputs,” Mr Cambridge wrote.

“This could have been prevented by having a closed-loop radiator cooling system as suggested in the original design proposal. The closed system would have allowed for more effective cooling to prevent engine overheating and facilitate higher engine outputs.”

Based on an 80 percent “load factor”, and 80 percent availability, Mr Cambridge said the Wartsila’ engines total electricity generation output fell below expectations during the three-year period to end-2022. “Essentially, it can be surmised that these deficiencies resulted in less-than-optimal engine outputs from the entire Station A plant,” the BPL chief executive added.

“In its first year, the seven engines produced 560,500 MW hours. In 2021, 648,200 MW hours of electricity were produced and in 2022, 561,900 MW hours were produced. By industry standards, the seven engines should have been producing 740,000 MW hours annually.”

DIGITAL PAYMENTS ‘A TRAIN THAT IS NOT GOING TO STOP’

around online users still not fully comfortable going digital, [we will be] providing more information around how to be safe in the world of digital finance. This is a train that is not going to stop based on our personal level of confidence.”

The Central Bank and its commercial banking licensees have been pushing consumers towards increased use of online and other digital platforms as a means to conduct all payment transactions, arguing that these mechanisms are less costly, more secure and offer Bahamians more convenience as opposed

to queuing in long lines at physical branches.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the transition to electronic banking in both The Bahamas and rest of the world, and the Central Bank has launched initiatives such as the Sand Dollar, the Bahamian digital currency, to further speed up adoption. However, a substantial number of Bahamians continue to rely on both branch visits and cash as their main means for conducting financial transactions.

“It’s incumbent on us to prepare the Bahamian banking public for more of the change, and the changes that are happening are also international,” Mr Rolle said. “If we’re going to be plugged into the rest of the world, at the level the rest of the world is moving with digital payments, we’re also going to have to make certain advances in our digital payments space.”

He added that the Central Bank and steering committee will have this as “a motivation and focus” in the near-term, after the latter’s members formed a “consensus” that more time is needed to ready and educate Bahamians for the elimination of cheques and consequent shift to electronic payments.

After extensive stakeholder consultation, the Central Bank of The Bahamas has agreed with commercial banks and other stakeholders on a reassessment of priorities regarding use of cheques

in The Bahamas, while accelerating modernisation of the digital payments infrastructure,” the Central Bank’s statement earlier this month said.

“Based on wide stakeholder feedback obtained by the Steering Committee, consensus has emerged to adjust the medium-term strategic mandate for use of cheques. Specifically, the timeline to effect the policy for use of cheques will be deferred from the original target date of December 2024.

“A reassessment of progress in the payments system, and the policy for use of cheques, will be made in 2026. In the interim, milestones are being identified to strengthen universal access to enhanced efficiency in payments across all deposit taking institutions and payment services providers, including use of the Sand Dollar [Central Bankbacked digital Bahamian dollar].”

Meanwhile, Mr Rolle yesterday pledged that the retail savings bond, a product designed to foster a greater “savings culture” among Bahamians, will be launched before year-end 2023 as the initiative moves into its public education stage.

“On the savings bond we do anticipate that the launch is going to happen in 2023,” he said. “All of the technical work around that process has been completed, and our focus can now turn to public education and outreach.”

Targeted at small individual or retail investors, the savings bond aims to boost their capital markets participation by allowing them to purchase government bonds - known as Bahamas Registered Stock (BRS) - in regular, smaller and potentially more affordable increments than larger institutional buyers.

As for the launch of competitive bidding for the Government’s Bahamas Registered Stock (BRS) offerings come January 1, 2024, Mr Rolle added that this will provide greater pricing transparency and make the process more responsive to market demand.

“The Treasury Bills in The Bahamas have always been sold through an auction process, and that adds to transparency around the pricing and helps to gauge very directly the market demand for those instruments relative to costs,” the Central Bank governor explained.

“So allowing the auction mechanism to be used for registered stocks extends the transparency of the process and it gives the Government more direct feedback in terms of market sentiments even though the Central Bank presently does provide some guidance as to what the pricing should be.

This will allow that process to be more transparent and directly attached to what market participants are expressing.”

FROM PAGE B1 during yesterday’s House of Assembly debate on the Speech from the Throne as it threatened to reignite the political controversy over BPL’s fuel hedging initiative.

The Opposition seized on it to repeat arguments that the strategy had initially produced significant savings for Bahamian businesses and households, but the Davis administration’s decision upon taking office not to acquire the extra cutprice fuel volumes needed to support the 10.5 cents per KWh price ultimately led to this summer’s sky-high light bills.

Michael Pintard, the Free National Movement’s (FNM) leader, argued that the initiative had already produced fuel cost savings of $25m for Bahamian consumers when the Minnis administration was voted out of office in September 2021.

He added that these savings could have increased to $55m by January 2022 if the strategy had been continued and supported. It was the Davis administration’s “bad decision” not to do so, Mr Pintard argued, that resulted in BPL’s fuel charges rising by 163 percent

FROM PAGE B1 cheques, we are looking at how we can leapfrog The Bahamas to an even better state of affairs in terms of the digital payments space.

I know one of the refrains is around the telecommunications infrastructure etc. In spite of these hang ups, it’s still incumbent that we build the payments system out to the standards that align The Bahamas with what’s

happening in the rest of the world.

“Our focus is to get improvements in the space so the public can see the alternative to cheques,” Mr Rolle continued. “There has been quite an amount of improvements that have have happened, even in the online transfer system that banks use.

“Separate and apart from improving the system, using the information we have

Halsbury Chambers is seeking a

Legal Secretary with the following experience: • Five (5) years litigation/commercial/probate experience.

• Applicant must be able to work on their own initiative.

Please send resumes to carolyn.adderley@halsburylawchambers.com

ANDREW MOSS AND SHERRY M. PRATT PLEASE CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF MITRE COURT AT THE ADDRESS AND CONTACTS PROVIDED BELOW MITRE COURT Chambers Suite 227, 2nd Floor, Island Lane Building Olde Towne, Sandyport West Bay Street Nassau, The Bahamas

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 31, 2023, PAGE 5

US CONSUMERS KEEP SPENDING DESPITE HIGH PRICES AND THEIR OWN GLOOMY OUTLOOK. CAN IT LAST?

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AND ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP Business Writers A FLOW of recent data from the U.S. government has made one thing strikingly clear: A surge in consumer spending is fueling strong growth, demonstrating a resilience that has confounded economists, Federal Reserve officials and even the sour sentiments that Americans themselves have expressed in opinion polls.

Yet economists caution that such vigorous spending isn’t likely to continue in the coming months. Many households have been pulling money from a shrinking pool of savings. Others have been turning increasingly to credit cards. And the additional savings that tens of millions of households amassed during the pandemic — from stimulus aid and reduced opportunities to travel, dine out and visit entertainment venues — are nearly depleted, economists say.

Still, the truth is no one knows where things go from here, given the unusual nature of the post-pandemic economy. The “death of the

consumer” and an ensuing recession have been forecast by most economists for at least a year. So far, not only is no recession in sight but consumers as a whole appear to be in robust health. Spending might cool in the coming months, yet it’s far from clear it will collapse.

The durability of consumers’ willingness to shop has caught the attention of Fed officials, who have signaled that they will keep their key interest rate unchanged when they meet this week.

But they’ve also made clear that they are monitoring the economic data for any sign that inflation could reignite and require further rate hikes.

In the meantime, businesses, especially those in the sprawling service sector, are benefiting from what still appears to be pent-up demand, likely driven by higher-income earners, after the restrictions of the pandemic. Last week, Royal Caribbean Group reported robust quarterly earnings.

Travelers crowded their cruise ships and spent more even as the company raised prices.

SHOPPERS push carts into a Costco warehouse Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, in Thornton, Colo. A surge in U.S. consumer spending is fueling economic growth, reflecting a resilience among households that has confounded economists, Federal Reserve officials and even the sentiments that Americans themselves have expressed in surveys.

Photo:David Zalubowski/AP

“The acceleration of consumer spending on experiences (has) propelled us towards another outstanding quarter,” said CEO Jason Liberty. “Looking ahead, we see accelerating demand.”

What’s behind the outsize gains, so far? Economists point to several drivers: Sturdy hiring and low unemployment, along with healthy finances for most households emerging from the pandemic. Wealthier households, in particular, have enjoyed substantial growth in home values and stock portfolios, which are likely juicing their spending.

“We continue to believe that you shouldn’t bet

against the consumer until actual job losses are on the horizon,” said Tim Duy, chief U.S. economist at SGH Macro Advisers.

With inflation slowing — it’s at a still-high 3.7%, down from a peak of 9.1% in June 2022 — average wages are starting to outpace price gains.

In many lower-paying industries, like hotels, restaurants and warehouses, companies have struggled to find and keep workers and have raised pay accordingly.

Julia Pollak, chief economist at ZipRecruiter, calculates that for the lowest-paid 10% of workers, wages have jumped 25% since the first

quarter of 2020, when the pandemic began. That’s well ahead of the 18% increase in prices over that time.

And most households started 2023 in better shape than they were in before the pandemic erupted, according to a report from the Fed. The net worth of the median household — the midpoint between the richest and poorest — jumped 37% from 2019 through 2022 as home prices shot higher and the stock market rose. That was the biggest surge on records dating back more than 30 years.

At the same time, the net worth of the richest onetenth of households leaped by $28 trillion — or about one-third — from the first quarter of 2020 to the second quarter of 2023, according to the Fed. The poorer onehalf of Americans gained a bigger percentage increase but in total dollars much less, from about $2 trillion to $3.6 trillion. (Those figures aren’t adjusted for inflation.)

“When wealth is growing by the amount that it has been the past three years ...

I do think that it’s playing a larger role in this spending strength than maybe we thought it would,” said Sarah Wolfe, U.S. economist at Morgan Stanley.

Aditya Bhave, senior economist at Bank of America, noted that the spending isn’t all driven by the affluent. Spending on the bank’s credit and debit cards by households with incomes below $50,000 has risen faster than spending by higher-earning clients.

Some Americans, while keeping a close watch on their finances, still feel they have room to indulge themselves. Valerie Zaffina, a 74-year-old retired teacher who was picking up a piece of jewelry last week at a Kohl’s store in Ramsey, New Jersey. She said she and her husband live on fixed incomes and are cautious spenders.

McDonald's pumps brakes on prices as US traffic falls slightly, but Q3 sales beat expectations

By DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer MCDONALD'S said it's pumping the brakes on higher prices and focusing more on value meals after seeing a drop-off in visits by some customers.

The burger giant reported better-than-expected sales in the third quarter Monday.

Global same-store sales — or sales at locations open at least a year — rose 8.8% in the July-September period.

That was ahead of Wall Street's forecast of an 8% increase, according to analysts polled by FactSet. But price increases have weighed on customers.

McDonald's said its U.S. traffic fell slightly in the third quarter as it saw fewer visits from customers with annual incomes of $45,000 or less. Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden said the company did increase U.S. prices in the third quarter but at a lower rate. McDonald's expects its U.S. prices will increase just over 10% for the full year, he said.

"Inflation is starting to come down and we expect pricing to come down,"

Borden said during a conference call with investors.

But the company also plans to focus on deals. This month, it launched "Free Fries Friday," offering free medium fries to U.S. customers every Friday until the end of the year if they spend at least $1.

Those kinds of deals have resonated in Europe, where customer spending has been even more pressured this year. The McSmart menu, launched earlier this year in Germany, lets customers build their own small value meals. CEO Chris Kempczinski said the deal helped Germany notch its tenth straight quarter of doubledigit sales growth in the July-September period.

In the United Kingdom, the company offered discounts throughout August, including 60% off Big Macs and Chicken McNuggets. And in China, where consumer sentiment is at historic lows, McDonald's launched small burger bundles.

But Kempczinski said customer perceptions of value go beyond price. The company's newer stores and

faster service times should also continue to be a draw.

"We are focused on maintaining our value leadership and we're going to do what we need to do to maintain our value leadership. But I think we've also got lots of things that go into value," he said.

McDonald's revenue rose 14% to $6.69 billion, ahead of the $6.56 billion Wall Street forecast. McDonald's net income — which included a $26 million charge for a restructuring announced last spring — rose 17% to $2.3 billion.

The Chicago company earned $3.17 per share for the quarter, also beating Wall Street's forecast of $3.00.

Shares rose 1% Monday.

Kempczinski criticized a rule released last week by the National Labor Relations Board that may classify McDonald's and other fast food giants as "joint employers" of workers at franchised restaurants, since they set work rules and wages and benefits. Ninetyfive percent of McDonald's U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by franchisees.

AN EXIT sign is shown at a McDonald's restaurant in Pittsburgh, April 23, 2022. McDonald's reports earnings on Monday Oct. 30, 2023.

Photo:Gene J. Puskar/AP

PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 31, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

US regulators sue SolarWinds and its security chief for alleged cyber neglect ahead of Russian hack THE EXTERIOR of the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice building is pictured on May 4, 2021, in Washington. U.S. regulators on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, sued SolarWinds, a Texas-based technology company whose software was breached in a massive 2020 Russian cyberespionage campaign, for fraud for failing to disclose security deficiencies ahead of the stunning hack.

Detected in December 2020, the SolarWinds hack penetrated U.S. government agencies, including the Justice and Homeland Security departments, and more than 100 private companies and think tanks. It was a rude wake-up call on the perils of neglecting cybersecurity.

Photo:Patrick Semansky/AP

By FRANK BAJAK AP Technology Writer U.S. REGULATORS on Monday sued SolarWinds, a Texas-based technology company whose software was breached in a massive 2020 Russian cyberespionage campaign, for fraud for failing to disclose security deficiencies ahead of the stunning hack.

The company's top security executive was also named in the complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission seeking unspecified civil penalties, reimbursement of "ill-gotten gains" and the executive's removal.

Detected in December 2020, the SolarWinds hack penetrated U.S. government agencies including the Justice and Homeland Security departments, and more than 100 private companies and think tanks. It was a rude wake-up call on the perils of neglecting cybersecurity.

In the 68-page complaint filed in New York federal court, the SEC says SolarWinds and its then vice president of security, Tim Brown, defrauded investors and customers "through misstatements, omissions and schemes" that

concealed both the company's "poor cybersecurity practices and its heightened — and increasing — cybersecurity risks."

In a statement, SolarWinds called the SEC charges unfounded and said it is "deeply concerned this action will put our national security at risk."

Brown performed his responsibilities "with diligence, integrity, and distinction," his lawyer, Alec

Koch, said in a statement.

Koch added that "we look forward to defending his reputation and correcting the inaccuracies in the SEC's complaint." Brown's current title at SolarWinds is chief information security officer.

The SEC's enforcement division director, Gurbir S. Grewal, said in a statement that SolarWinds and Brown ignored "repeated red flags" for years, painting "a false

picture of the company's cyber controls environment, thereby depriving investors of accurate material information."

The very month that SolarWinds registered for an initial public offering, October 2018, Brown wrote in an internal presentation that the company's "current state of security leaves us in a very vulnerable state," the complaint says.

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that OCCEAN INNOCENT, #1 Hutcheson Street, Jerome Avenue, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 31st day of October 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that JOHN JEAN PIERRE, Nassau Village, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 24th day of October 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Among the SEC's damning allegations: An internal SolarWinds presentation shared that year said the company's network was "not very secure," meaning it was vulnerable to hacking that could lead to "major reputation and financial loss.

Throughout 2019 and 2020, the SEC alleged, multiple communications among SolarWinds employees, including Brown, "questioned the company's ability to protect its critical assets from cyberattacks."

SolarWinds, which is based in Austin, Texas, provides network-monitoring and other technical services to hundreds of thousands of organizations around the world, including most Fortune 500 companies and government agencies in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The nearly two-year espionage campaign involved the infection of thousands of customers by seeding malware in the update channel of the company's network management software. Capitalizing on the supply-chain hack, the Russian cyber operators then stealthily penetrated select targets including about a dozen U.S. government agencies and prominent software

and telecommunications providers.

In its statement, SolarWinds called the SEC action an "example of the agency's overreach (that) should alarm all public companies and committed cybersecurity professionals across the country."

It did not explain how the SEC's action could put national security at risk, though some in the cybersecurity community have argued that holding corporate information security officers personally responsible for identified vulnerabilities could make them less diligent about uncovering them — and discourage qualified people from aspiring to such positions.

Under the Biden administration, the SEC has been aggressive about holding publicly traded companies to account for cybersecurity lapses and failures to disclose vulnerabilities. In July, it adopted rules requiring them to disclose within four days all cybersecurity breaches that could affect their bottom lines. Delays would be permitted if immediate disclosure poses serious national-security or public-safety risks.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that MARITANE HENRY INNOCENT, #1 Hutcheson Street, Jerome Avenue, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 31st day of October 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the public that B.K.B Enterprises Machine Shop located on #96 Miami Street will be closing permenantly on Friday, November 24th, 2023 Signed BKB Enterprises Management

PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 31, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

BODY AND MIND

Does your child have problems with speaking? REACH can help

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

FREE speech therapy sessions are being offered by a local organisation specialising in autism resources and education at three local institutions.

Last March, the Bahamas Resource and Educational Source for Autism (REACH) partnered with the Ministry of Education to kick off the initiative offering the therapy sessions at Garvin Tynes Centre for Autism and Marjorie Davis Institute to help special needs kids and families.

Presently, REACH offers free speech therapy services to 50 children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or related challenges. The sessions are 45 minutes once a week.

Speech therapy is a therapeutic intervention performed by a speech language pathologist to improve communication skills in pediatric and adult population. In a speech therapy session, speech therapists will do the assessment and treatment of speech and language disorders.

Speech therapy intervention is used to treat speech disorders, language disorders, fluency disorders and voice disorders.

According to REACH chairman Dwayne Gibson, speech impediments are diagnosed with screening and assessments.

“Speech language pathologist plays a critical role in screening, assessment and diagnosing speech disorders. The diagnosing of speech impediments is done by a formal and informal assessment.

The formal assessment includes standardised test materials and informal assessments include behavioral observation during testing, parental input and teacher’s input.

“Locally, the speech and language impediments affect 5 to 10% of children in preschool.

Approximately one in 12 US children ages from three to 17 has had a disorder related to speech and language. The survey is ongoing by REACH organisation to find out the recent prevalence of

SPEECH therapist Nafessa Arafat pictured during some of her sessions.

language disorder in The Bahamas,” he said.

Speech and language therapy is recommended to all pediatric and adults population who has speech impairments, language impairments, swallowing disorders and fluency disorders, he said.

“Speech language therapists provide life-improving treatment, support and care for children and adults who have difficulties with

communication and swallowing.

Speech therapy will help children with social communication disorders and their families through improved communication and daily living skills.

Speech therapy ordinarily ranges between $60-$100 per session.

Mr Gibson encourages parents to have their children assessed if they feel they are experiencing

roadblocks or challenges in their speech.

“If a parent suspects that their child has communication disorders, the first step is to visit a GP to rule out any medical reasons such as abnormalities in oral structures or hearing difficulties.

The medical conditions have to be addressed before the therapy intervention begins. If the GP

suspects language disorders, they will refer the child to neuropediatrician for more thorough assessment and diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, the parent should seek out a speech therapist and occupational therapist to help the child their individual needs.”

Early intervention, he said, can be effective in helping a majority of children make progress towards achieving age appropriate developmental milestones, academic readiness and to better be able to interact with their peers.

“It is important to discuss support actions with the child’s health care team and create a comprehensive plan that meets the child’s needs. Always keep your child in mind and what support they need.

Question everything and ask for regular updates. Always make sure your child is safe and happy.”

United to Walk for the Cure CANCER survivors, corporate and individual supporters recently ran, jogged and walked for the cure for cancer.

Bringing together hundreds of participants for a time of fitness and fellowship, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s flagship fundraiser, Walk for the Cure (WFTC), was held in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera on October 7.

The event kicked off at sunrise with warm-up activities and concluded with a mini health fair, bringing together supporters of various ages.

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s managing director, Dr Jacqui Bend, thanked

PARTICIPANTS in this year’s Walk for the Cure

PARTICIPANTS in Grand Bahama gather after the event sponsors, participants and volunteers for their part in making the event a success.

“During Walk for the Cure, we celebrate the survivors among us, remember those who have fought a good battle and passed on, and recognize the reason for WFTC to raise funds for the awareness, education, care and support of those fighting the deadly disease called cancer.”

The funds raised are primarily used to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. They are also used to provide assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness, and stress the importance of early detection, through education campaigns across the region.

CIBC FirstCaribbean managing director Dr Jacqui Bend hands out roses to cancer survivors at this year’s Walk for the Cure

A RECORD number of children took part in the Abaco event

GANDIZE RECKLEY, a 16-year breast cancer survivor, met her goal of winning best dressed at this year’s Walk for the Cure

PARTICIPANTS at the recently relocated CIBC branch at Charlow’s Plaza in Governor’s Harbour for the Eleuthera event

16-year breast cancer survivor Gandize Reckley met her goal of claiming the “best dressed” title for the third year in a row, and was joined by 59-year-old Z Eve Maycock Dorssett, a member of Just Run Bahamas and Early Birds Run Club, who has participated since the event’s inception, and Ranay Roberts, an employee of WFTC bronze sponsor, Oriental Cleaners, who participated for the first time this year with her

seven-year-old daughter, Janay Roberts, and plans to come out again in 2024.

The Abaco event had a crowd spanning all age groups with a record number of young participants. Numerous Grand Bahama participants came dressed in creative outfits including wigs and feather boas, while Eleuthera launched its walk from the recently relocated branch at

Charlow’s Plaza in Governor’s Harbour.

Last year’s walk generated $51,000 for cancer care organisations across The Bahamas including the Cancer Society of Abaco, Cancer Society of Eleuthera and Cancer Society of Grand Bahama. Since the walk’s inception in 2011, CIBC FirstCaribbean has raised more than $3.5m across the region for the fight against cancer.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 31, 2023, PAGE 9

History shows path to modern treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia THE journey into the 19th-century understanding of treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) reveals the remarkable efforts of J William White. During a compelling discussion at the American Surgical Association in Buffalo, NY, on June 1, 1893, White brought forth his groundbreaking ideas on BPH, proposing castration as a potential solution.

His pioneering experiments on canines in 1893 highlighted the significant reduction of the prostate post-surgical removal of the testicles, leading him to advocate for this approach in managing prostatic hypertrophy in men.

This concept gained substantial support from his peers and medical practitioners of the time.

By 1895, Dr White’s in-depth examination of 111 patients showcased significant relief in urinary symptoms for three-quarters of the participants, solidifying the effectiveness of his approach.

The field of BPH treatment has since witnessed notable advancements since the era of Dr White.

While castration is no longer considered a practical option for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (a non-cancerous condition), contemporary surgeons have continually tailored their methods, striving to enhance outcomes and minimise potential side effects.

When is surgery indicated?

The indications for surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can be categorised into three main groups: Severe symptoms impacting quality of life: Benign prostatic hyperplasia can manifest in a variety of urinary symptoms, including frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, and the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.

In some cases, BPH can lead to severe symptoms that significantly impact the quality of life. This may include persistent urinary retention, where the individual finds it challenging to empty the bladder completely, leading to discomfort and inconvenience. Additionally, recurrent urinary tract infections can arise because of incomplete bladder emptying, presenting as a significant source of distress and discomfort. Moreover, severe, and disruptive urinary symptoms can impede daily activities, affecting work, social interactions, and overall well-being. When these symptoms become unmanageable despite conservative measures,

necessity of surgical intervention for individuals with BPH, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective treatment tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

Surgical options available Although this may not be an exhaustive list a good way to classify the options would be:

Minimally invasive procedures:

A

. Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT): Involves the delivery of microwave energy to the prostate to reduce its size and alleviate urinary symptoms.

J WILLIAM WHITE, who forged the way with groundbreaking ideas on how to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. surgical intervention may be necessary to alleviate the burden and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Failure of medication: While medications are commonly used to manage the symptoms of BPH, they may not always provide sufficient relief for some individuals.

In such cases, patients may experience persistent and bothersome symptoms, despite adhering to the prescribed medication regimen. Furthermore, prolonged use of these medications can sometimes lead to adverse effects or complications, which can further exacerbate the patient’s condition.

If the patient does not respond well to medication or experiences significant side effects, surgical intervention might be considered to achieve more effective and sustainable symptom management.

Complications and additional health risks: As BPH progresses, it can give rise to various complications that can pose additional health risks and impact the overall well-being of the individual.

One such complication is the formation of bladder stones, which can develop when the bladder does not empty fully due to the obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate. These stones can cause discomfort and pain and may require surgical removal for effective management. Additionally, the presence of blood in the urine, also known as haematuria, can be an alarming sign of potential complications associated with BPH. Haematuria can

occur due to various reasons, including irritation of the urinary tract or other underlying issues related to BPH. If left untreated, haematuria can lead to further complications, making surgical intervention necessary to address the root cause and prevent any further health risks. Moreover, BPH can potentially lead to kidney damage or other urinary system complications, especially if the condition remains unmanaged over an extended period. Surgical management is crucial in such cases to prevent the progression of complications and safeguard the individual’s overall health and well-being.

Understanding these categories can assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions about the appropriate timing and

THE UROLOGY DOCTOR IS IN...

Dr Greggory Pinto

B

. Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA): Utilizes radio waves to heat and destroy excess prostate tissue, improving urinary flow.

C

. Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL): Involves the placement of small implants to hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, relieving the obstruction and improving urine flow.

Surgical procedures:

A

.

TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION of the Prostate (TURP): Involves the removal of excess prostate tissue using a special instrument inserted through the urethra.

B

. Laser Surgery: Utilises high-energy laser beams to vaporise or remove the excess prostate tissue.

C

. Open Prostatectomy: A traditional surgical approach involving the removal of the inner part of the prostate gland through an abdominal incision.

The choice of intervention depends on the severity of symptoms, the size of the prostate, the patient’s overall health, and their preferences, with the goal of improving urinary function and enhancing overall quality of life. Surgeons work closely with patients to determine the most suitable intervention based on individual circumstances and treatment goals.

Hospital recognises its diamonds

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

FOR decades, the Princess Magaret Hospital has celebrated during the month of October with a series of activities to highlight “Hospital Month”.

It’s a time to show staff appreciation and recognition to the entire Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) staff.

Angelica Lockhart-Bastian, coordinator of outpatient appointment scheduling and oncology services at PMH, said there are five pillars that make up the guides of the Hospital Month committee.

From training and motivation, Team Camaraderie and Recognition to Health and Wellness and Community Outreach.

Under the theme “Shine Bright Like A Diamond”, Ms LockhartBastian, who is also a licensed dental hygienist said staff members were encouraged to wear a theme-branded shirt throughout the month. Special activities included a church service at Bahamas Harvest Church, ice cream parlour day, karaoke, game and movie night, Zumba fitness session, a boat cruise onboard Blackbeard’s Pirate Revenge, a sip and paint at Latitudes, and a motivational speaker session by Phillippa Dean.

Moreover, there was also a virtual speaker presentation with regard to theme for the month of October, in an effort to uplift and motivate the staff.

Ms Lockhart-Bastian said there were also special themed days like St Luke’s Day, EMC for a Day, Thanks: A Latte Starbucks Coffee Pop Up, and more.

Ms Lockhart-Bastian said: “St Luke is known as the patron physician saint. On this day, a virtual

service is included on the calendar annually to recognise St Luke and the physician contribution to the

STAFF pictured in their hospital month T-shirts, during a Starbucks pop-up coffee day and during a Zumba fitness session with MAC.

institution. It is led by the medical chief of staff’s office.

“On EMC for a Day, employees applied to be able to shadow a member of the executive management committee (EMC) for a day to see first-hand the inner workings of what it takes to manage the institution. The EMC members in turn will join the selected applicant in their respective departments to be able to see the day-to-day operations and how valuable that employee’s contribution is to the overall operations of the hospital.”

She said there were community outreach initiatives done to not only focus on how and what can be given to the staff members, but also how the hospital can help the community outside of the staff’s day-to-day roles in the organisation.

“There was a breast cancer awareness resources fair in the oncology department to show support to all the persons affected by breast cancer. We as a staff body wear pink in support every Friday during the month of October. This year, a mini resources fair will also be held specifically for the patients of the oncology department to be able to provide them with relevant resources to aid them through their journey,” said Ms Lockhart-Bastian.

She said various partners, including the Cancer Society, Sister Sister support group, Social

Greenlight laser vaporisation.

Greenlight laser photo selective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP) stands as a contemporary, minimally invasive procedure performed under anaesthesia.

Unlike traditional electrosurgical transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), this technique involves the use of a sheath and a telescope inserted through the urethra to access the prostate.

Subsequently, a specialised laser fibre is precisely maneuvered down the sheath, enabling targeted delivery of laser energy to vaporize excessive prostate tissue.

The application of laser technology presents multiple advantages, including reduced intraoperative blood loss. Greenlight laser PVP is particularly effective in managing larger prostate glands of up to 150ml and is suitable for patients concurrently on anticoagulation therapy for other health conditions. Notably, it facilitates a quicker removal of the urinary catheter, typically within a day, leading to shorter hospital stays often limited to a day case or a single overnight admission.

Preserving sexual function after surgical procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is critical. While alleviating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is essential, maintaining sexual activity is equally crucial for men’s overall quality of life, regardless of age. Fortunately, most surgical interventions for BPH do not appear to affect erectile function, ensuring that patients can still enjoy a satisfying sexual life post-surgery. However, it’s vital to consider the risk of retrograde ejaculation, a common adverse event associated with BPH surgery. Retrograde ejaculation takes place when semen travels into the bladder rather than being expelled through the penis during orgasm. Despite experiencing sexual climax, the ejaculation might involve a minimal amount of semen or none, often referred to as a dry orgasm. While not inherently harmful, this condition can lead to male infertility and can have a substantial psychological effect.

The introduction of advanced surgical techniques like Greenlight vaporisation represents a significant stride in providing treatments with reduced side effects while achieving outcomes on par with conventional therapies. Greenlight laser vaporisation treatment for obstructive prostates will be available shortly at Doctors Hospital, for the first time ever in the Bahamas.

UÊ ÀÊ Ài}} ÀÞÊ * Ì Ê ÃÊ >Ê L >À` ViÀÌ wi`Ê > > > Ê ÕÀ } ÃÌÊ > `Ê >«>À ÃV « VÊ ÃÕÀ}i °Ê ÀÊ * Ì Ê V> Ê LiÊ V Ì>VÌi`Ê >ÌÊ "> /ÀiiÊ i` V> Ê i ÌÀi]Ê ÓÊ vÌ Ê /iÀÀ>Vi]Ê > `Ê Õ ÌÊ , Þ> Ê Ûi Õi]Ê >ÃÃ>Õ]Ê > > >Ã°Ê /i i« i\Ê ­Ó{Ó®Ê ÎÓÓ ££{x­È®­Ç®°Ê > \Ê Üi V iJÕÀ }ÞV>Ài L> > >ðV Ê ÀÊ Û Ã ÌÊ ÜÜÜ° ÕÀ }ÞV>ÀiL> > >ðV °Ê Services, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Commonwealth Bank Accounts Control Department, GD Caring Sharing support group and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc will provide booth set-ups, information pamphlets, encouraging tips, breakfast and care packages to the oncology patients.

In an upcoming career fair exhibition, Ms Lockhart-Bastian said the two-day event geared towards high school students throughout New Providence, public and private, will allow students to be aware of the various career opportunities at PMH. “There are many areas within the hospital that are crucial to ensuring patient-centred care and safety that are not always highlighted when persons think about a hospital system. Over 20 booths will be erected in the centre court of the Mall at Marathon to display the many departments of the Princess Margaret Hospital.

All events, in person and virtual, were well received and attended by the staff of the hospital. Staff were very engaged and thoroughly enjoyed the lineup of events the hard-working committee planned for them.

Staff have mentioned that this month of activities has allowed them to be reenergised and feel appreciated by the organisation and their efforts,” said Ms Lockhart-Bastian.

For Ms Lockhart-Bastian, being a part of this initiative makes her feel purposeful. She said it has allowed her the opportunity to promote employee recognition and engagement. To see the excitement and enthusiasm of the staff to get involved in the activities is also very rewarding.

“Staff morale is an important part of the work culture and greatly affects productivity.

Activities such as these helps with reducing compassion fatigue and caregivers’ strain. It’s crucial to ensure that we not only take care of our patients but our healthcare workers as well,” she said.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, October 31, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Former Senator backed for PLP role by Caribbean women’s organisation

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Senator Robin Lynes is running to become chair of the PLP

WOW WORLD OF WOMEN

By VICTORIA SARNE I REMEMBER when I heard Count Bernardino sing that song, I thought: “you got that right!”

When did you, or do you, feel “old” in a negative context, as if that somehow means giving up on who you believe you are?

Laughably, I spent my 29th year anticipating my 30th birthday seriously depressed, thinking that 30 was so old and that I hadn’t really found a way to feel fulfilled emotionally or spiritually, despite having, at that point, a happy married life and two young children to raise. I used the word laughable because in retrospect, 50 years later, I have learned how to live and how to be happy and it has absolutely nothing at all to do with which decade I was in at the time. Everything depends on

FORMER Senator Robyn Lynes has received a large endorsement for her run as chair of the Progressive Liberal Party from the Caribbean Woman in Leadership organisation - of which she serves as deputy chair.

Caribbean Women in Leadership (CIWiL) is a non-partisan and independent, flagship networking organisation committed to advancing women’s transformational leadership, and to increase the numbers of women in leadership and decision making in political and civic life.

The organisation released a statement yesterday pledging its support for “her bold move”.

“The executive board and the members of Bahamas National Chapter celebrate and salute Robyn Dawn Lewis, deputy chair,

Age ain’t nothing but a number our perception and attitude. I did and do carry with me, a strong sense that time passes all too quickly and we must make all of the minutes we are given count for something. A belief that life is a precious gift and a sense of metaphysical obligation to make the most of it, is what drives me to find purpose, to make life meaningful; to make it count for something, even in the smallest way, is important.

But society, through all the means of communication now available to us; social media, fashion articles, health directives, insist that the only part of life that has meaning or value, are the younger years and aging something to be endured. And we collectively buy into the western world bias that we have an expiry date, a best by a certain date, particularly if we are female. We see cartoons - purportedly funny but

pejorative - about “old” people losing their faculties, usually depicting females and perpetuating the negative narrative on aging. I find those jokes demeaning and insulting. We see online articles about how to dress after the age of 50, or what hairstyle might suit us best; we are urged to let our hair go grey naturally, to wind down, to “settle” or accept that we are no longer the same vibrant human beings we used to be. We are being manipulated, brainwashed, defined as something other than valuable members of society. And many it seems are willing to accept it. My view is that if you want to wear short skirts at 70, wear them; if you want to let your hair be natural whatever that might mean, do it; if you want to colour it, then do it. To me those expressions have very little to do with youth or age, they are expressions of our

as she takes the bold move to offer as a candidate for the position of National Chairmanship of the Progressive Liberal Party, the first and longest existing political party in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.”

The organisation has long been an advocate for equity and equality in political leadership for women, as also called for by both regional and international organisations.

“It is known that women face major and unequal obstacles in taking up their place in leadership’s. CIWiL endorses Ms Lynes’ candidacy and we acknowledge her as an exemplary transformational leader who is patriotic and wholeheartedly committed to the further development of her country. We extend our prayers and best wishes for every success.”

Ms Lynes will join former cabinet minister Shane Gibson and incumbent chairman and foreign

affairs minister Fred Mitchell in the election for chairman at the PLP’s convention next month on November 10. Ms Lynes, 40, was the PLP’s national vice chair from 2009 to 2017 and is currently the national deputy chair.

She has said that she wants to help “reset” the party internally.

“More than ever, now is the time for us to reset our core values and reinvigorate our traditional base of supporters.

They need to hear the PLP they know. To many of our supporters are not satisfied with the direction and the sound and that is not a critique that is meant to divide or destroy. We must focus on and take care of our home base... We have to do that whilst managing successfully the task of governance… I believe that we have to shift it to someone who can focus on the party and focus on the party as sole focus and not a divided one.”

personality, part of who we are and why should a faceless entity decide what is “best” for me?

Why don’t more of us take the time to think this through and see how ridiculously irrational and unfair it is? We have allowed a lazy andin some cases a manipulative societal mindset to dictate how we view aging. Even our language perpetuates the myth - and it is a myth - that aging or “old age” is a negative experience. If we are lucky enough to survive traumas, illnesses or accidents, those potholes that can upend our lives from time to time, we should celebrate it. We know we are all getting older by the second, by the minute, by the week, the month and the year. I happen to think that’s a wonderful gift, an opportunity to keep exploring, to keep discovering, to keep learning. I don’t understand the word “retirement”. Retire from what?

From a job maybe but in so many instances society would like us to retire from life: to put us out of sight or out of mind, parked on a dusty shelf as if we have outlived our usefulness, when the opposite is true. No matter if our bodies

have become unreliable, although we have a duty to take care of it, our minds can still do cartwheels, be creative, dream up an adventure or realise an unfulfilled ambition. If we have been paying attention, we will have acquired a wiser perspective through a lifetime of experiences, good and bad; we will have learned what to pay attention to and what to ignore; how winning a battle doesn’t always mean winning the war, metaphorically speaking.

We have learned what to release; what to forgive in ourselves as well as others acquired peace of mind and hopefully an unquenchable spirit which energises us. We can be more productive now than we have ever been in any way we choose. We are an amazing resource and a force for change if we decide to flex our considerable collective muscle. “To everything there is a season”. Aging with enthusiasm; that’s what we should all aspire to.

UÊ 6 VÌ À >Ê ->À iÊ ÃÊ > Ê >ÕÌ À]Ê } ÃÌÊÜÀ ÌiÀÊ> `ÊL }À>« iÀ°

Inspector determined to tackle domestic violence

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

INSPECTOR Kendra WallaceWhyms is one of the many unseen heroines in our community – and she has been working doggedly over the years to help rebuild the family unit and address what she calls “the most destructive force in our family structure” - domestic violence.

Insp Wallace-Whyms has always been passionate about people and ensuring that everyone is treated with kindness and respect.

One of the immediate ways Insp Wallace-Whyms is able to address the issue of domestic violence is through the Domestic Violence Task Force Unit which was amalgamated on July 5, 2022.

It is located at the Police Headquarters, East Street.

As the officer-in-charge, Insp Wallace-Whyms’ role is to ensure victims of domestic violence have a voice to report matters of violence and not suffer silently.

The task force’s mission is to also sensitise police officers, the armed forces, and the broader community on how to assist victims of domestic violence and to ensure a safe place is established for victims and families.

“In my line of profession, it has taught me that the police cannot do it alone and that working in silos is a recipe for disaster. Additionally, my role is to unite all organisations in a partnership to assist victims holistically,” she told Tribune Woman.

Organisations such as the International Development Bank (IDB), the Crisis Centre, the Department of Social Services, the judicial systems, the Department of Gender and Family Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, churches, non-profit organisations, Urban Renewal, and the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister all work with

INSPECTOR Kendra Wallace-Whyms

“Domestic violence is an epidemic problem and not a police problem. It is a monster that has plagued the length and breadth of our community and nationwide. the task force unit to ensure its mission can be sufficiently accomplished.

Insp Wallace-Whyms said: “The role of the task force is a one-stop shop in partnering with stakeholders to provide the best assistance to victims and the entire family. It ensures that matters reported to the unit are investigated, and the victims receive the necessary justice. Additionally, it is to ensure that there is no delay in the judicial process and that their social needs are assisted with as best as possible.

She continued: “Domestic violence is an epidemic problem and not a police problem. It is a monster that has plagued the length and breadth of our community and nationwide. It is the task force’s mission, objective, and

goals to address the destructive force of domestic violence, in particular our family structure which has crippled the very foundation of our community for more than a decade. Partnering with other organisations also minimises the turn-around process for victims to receive all the necessary help they need. There is strength in partnership, but working in silos leads to uncertainties and disaster in the long hall,” she said.

An especially significant benefit of the task force in the greater fight against violence is creating safe space for victim to report matters.

“Victims felt reluctant to report matters of domestic violence for various reasons: fear of being ridiculed, embarrassed, ashamed, uncertain of what the

outcome will be, having a sense of guilt, fear of retaliation, lack of trust, and inadequate safe house.

Within the Task Force Unit, victims can report matters in a safe space with the surety that their complaints will be handled with the utmost care, confidentiality, respect, and trust. A safe house will be provided where the need arises.”

Insp Wallace-Whyms obtained a Master of Science in human resource management from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also received a counseling certificate from the University of the West Indies and several certifications.

Insp Wallace-Whyms is also a certified youth leader, and the founder of It’s All Love (IAL) non-profit organisation where she mentors women and children.

On January 4, 2020, she adopted one of the Ministry of Education schools (Government High) and provided lectures on various topics that are positively/negatively impacting our youths. The year prior, she launched a fourweek transformation summer programme under the theme “It’s not too late to refocus”.

In 2018, she initiated the “School Summits 242” in New Providence; under the theme “It’s a Love Affair.”

The objective of the programme is to prevent second-generation criminals.

Insp Wallace-Whyms said she does her best to educate young people as much as she can on the area of violence.

“I believe domestic violence is a learned behaviour. Children witness their parent being abused, they internalise it, live with the pain, then repeat the behaviour on their spouse or significant other. Society suffers when these people vent their frustrations on an innocent and unsuspecting public.

“Over the years, I have presented on various topics such as peer pressure, self-esteem, the person in the mirror, and domestic violence, to youths inclusive of primary, junior, senior, public, and private schools, Youth Empowerment Programmes (YEP), and church youth groups.”

Insp Wallace-Whyms has dedicated 16 years of service overall to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, with 15 of those in the Criminal Investigation Department as an investigator and Family Liaison Officer.

“As a Family Liaison Officer, my job description was vast. I assisted families of murdered victims, and sexually assaulted victims.

“I’ve provided counseling, referred to various organisations for persons who were traumatised because of abuse, assisted families of suicide victims and missing persons, and hosted family meetings, ensuring that victims are transferred to safe houses. I mediate between the police and families of victims of crime throughout The Bahamas.”

She was a former social worker assigned as a probation officer with the Department of Rehabilitation Welfare Services, she supervised and counseled young juvenile offenders brought before the court.

“At the Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls and Simpson Penn Centre for Boys, I provided family counselling, assisted young offenders in reconnecting with society, and prepared executive clemency reports for persons who requested an early release from the Bahamas Departmental of Correctional Services.

“I am passionate about people and ensure that all persons, regardless of gender, creed, religious background, economic status, and color, are treated with kindness and respect.” ÀÊ ÀiÊ v À >Ì Ê >L ÕÌÊ Ì iÊ Ì>Ã Ê v ÀVi]Ê V Ì>VÌÊ Ó{Ó ÎäÓ n{xÓÊ ÀÊÓ{Ó ÎäÓ nÎnÇ°Ê

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 31, 2023, PAGE 11

Sheena ‘thrilled’ to be Vixen’s Lair ambassador perfect time, right on the cusp of the Halloween season when many women may be struggling with confidence and searching for costumes that not only fit but look appealing,” said Kya Nguyen, sales and marketing manager at Vixen’s Lair.

“Sheena embodies our mission of promoting body positivity and inclusivity, and her role as our plus-size ambassador perfectly aligns with our commitment to these values,” she added.

Vixen’s Lair has always been at the forefront of fostering open and safe communication between partners, seeking to break the stigma surrounding intimacy. In line with this mission, the boutique has introduced “Pink Table Talks”, a series that explores the intricacies of intimate relationships, creating a space for open discussions and breaking down barriers.

“I’m thrilled to be part of Vixen’s Lair and their mission to

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

Vixen’s Lair is doing its part to ensure that the Halloween season is not just spooky but also sexy for all women.

As Halloween enthusiasts across the nation celebrate, the adult store proudly announced that Sheena Heastie will be its new plus-sized ambassador, a move which showcases the company’s commitment to promoting body positivity and inclusivity.

This year, the Carmichael boutique for intimate delights and relationship-enhancing products is not just providing sensational costumes but celebrating an extensive range of costumes in a wide range of sizes to promote inclusivity and a platform for confidence and self-love to shine.

“Introducing our plus-size ambassador, Sheena Heastie, couldn’t have come at a more

SHEENA Heastie is the new plus-size ambassador for Vixen’s Lair redefine beauty standards. It’s crucial that people of all sizes feel confident and comfortable, and I’m excited to be part of a movement that promotes self-love and acceptance,” Sheena said.

This Halloween, Vixen’s Lair is making an extra effort to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy the festivities with a wide range of costumes available in sizes from 1X to 4X.

While the boutique provides an extensive collection of costumes for the Halloween party weekend, it encourages everyone to embrace their sensuality, regardless of the costume they choose.

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-DAY FORECAST

ORLANDO

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 65° F/18° C

TAMPA

TODAY

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

UV INDEX TODAY

Humid with some sun, then clouds

Humid with a couple of showers

An a.m. shower; breezy in the p.m.

Very windy; mostly cloudy, a shower

Rain

Humid with a thunderstorm in spots

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

High: 86°

Low: 76°

High: 85° Low: 76°

High: 82° Low: 77°

High: 83° Low: 75°

High: 84° Low: 76°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

97° F

81° F

92°-76° F

82°-73° F

85°-79° F

91°-82° F

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 63° F/17° C

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

8-16 knots

S

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 70° F/21° C

6-12 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 71° F/22° C

N E S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

W

High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

10:13 a.m.

10:33 p.m.

3.5 2.7

3:50 a.m.

4:44 p.m.

0.0 0.2

ALMANAC

Wednesday 11:00 a.m.

11:21 p.m.

3.3 2.5

4:35 a.m.

5:33 p.m.

0.1 0.4

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 84° F/29° C Low .................................................... 78° F/26° C Normal high ....................................... 83° F/28° C Normal low ........................................ 72° F/22° C Last year’s high .................................. 88° F/31° C Last year’s low ................................... 74° F/23° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.02” Year to date ................................................ 47.89” Normal year to date ................................... 35.35”

Thursday

11:49 a.m.

-----

3.1 -----

5:23 a.m.

6:25 p.m.

0.4 0.6

Friday

12:13 a.m.

12:42 p.m.

2.3 2.9

6:13 a.m.

7:19 p.m.

0.7 0.9

Saturday

1:09 a.m.

1:37 p.m.

2.2 2.8

7:09 a.m.

8:16 p.m.

0.9 1.0

Sunday

1:10 a.m.

1:35 p.m.

2.2 2.7

7:10 a.m.

8:13 p.m.

1.1 1.0

Monday

2:12 a.m.

2:31 p.m.

2.2 2.6

8:13 a.m.

9:04 p.m.

1.2 1.0

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 72° F/22° C

MIAMI

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 73° F/23° C

7-14 knots

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 76° F/24° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2023

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

KEY WEST

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 76° F/24° C

SUN AND MOON Sunrise Sunset

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 76° F/24° C

N

S

E

W

4-8 knots

S

4-8 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Today

7:17 a.m. Moonrise 6:30 p.m. Moonset

8:43 p.m.

10:07 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Nov. 5

Nov. 13

Nov. 20

Nov. 27

CAT ISLAND

E

W

TIDES FOR NASSAU

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

N

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 77° F/25° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

TRACKING MAP

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

6-12 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

L

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

4-8 knots

4-8 knots

MARINE FORECAST ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:

WINDS NW at 6-12 Knots N at 10-20 Knots NW at 4-8 Knots N at 8-16 Knots SW at 4-8 Knots NNW at 7-14 Knots S at 4-8 Knots ENE at 6-12 Knots WSW at 7-14 Knots NNW at 8-16 Knots NNW at 7-14 Knots N at 10-20 Knots SW at 4-8 Knots NNW at 8-16 Knots S at 4-8 Knots NE at 4-8 Knots SSW at 4-8 Knots N at 7-14 Knots S at 4-8 Knots ENE at 4-8 Knots W at 6-12 Knots N at 8-16 Knots NW at 4-8 Knots N at 7-14 Knots SW at 6-12 Knots NNW at 7-14 Knots

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SECTION B

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2023

MALIKAH Pinder with the cast of He Knocks

Malikah’s reaching for the stars

birthday parties, did singing telegrams all over the island, hosted performing arts camps in the summers for young performers, which grew over the years. She also did vocal coaching and hosted vocal recitals, game shows, plays, and continued singing at events both in Nassau and Eleuthera.

She said: “I received my diploma but decided to focus on Spring Arts for a while. However, after a while I wanted to try teaching (which is what I gained a degree for). After two years of teaching, I realised my true passion was in the arts. My favourite part of teaching was creating short films with my students. That’s how I knew I wanted to tell stories through the arts, and though I loved my students, teaching in a classroom would never be quite enough for me.”

When asked what has been the best piece of advice she has received with regard to her acting career, Malikah said it is to simply keep going.

“I often look to influencers like Steve Harvey, Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, and Lisa Nichols for inspiration. They all had a rock bottom start to their presently very successful careers. I can’t focus on what I lost, what I failed at, or all the times I have been rejected. I just have to keep going, onward to more wins. Everything works out in the end if you just keep going and never lose hope,” she said.

“Though I am starting out in film here in Los Angeles, I ultimately want to end up on the Broadway stage. I want to be a Broadway sensation, who tells meaningful stories that move people to change.”

She encouraged readers to stay tuned and follow her on social media at singeractressmalikahpinder on her creative journey.

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

SINGER turned actor Malikah Pinder has been a performer for as long as she can remember.

First came singing, which has always been a huge outlet for her, which turned into a love for acting – and now she has become an award winner too.

Malikah’s first memory of acting was in the 6th grade. She spoke to Tribune Woman about her move to Los Angeles, as she continues to follow her dreams.

One such dream recently came true, with Malikah winning a best supporting actress award for the film “He Knocks”.

“He Knocks” is a short thriller, written by Mont Lee, directed by Ronald Evans, and starring Sean Alan Mazur, Malikah Pinder, and Zach Allsbrook.

It follows 23-year-old Joel as he enters his 24th year. With a looming generational curse, Joel must survive his birthday, playing by the rules to inherit immortality.

Malikah said: “The set was amazing; I called it the epitome of black excellence to have worked so professionally alongside other creatives of colour. The talent of the team was undeniable, and I would love to work with those guys again. I am also proud to say that the film won ‘Best Fantasy’ from the Hollywood Blood Horror Film Festival.

“Every day I am learning to encourage myself to never give up. I’ve come far, but there is so much farther to go. I am learning to celebrate my strides and accomplishments thus far.”

Hearing the news of an award for her role in the film gave off the best feeling in the world for Malikah.

“To know that you’ve won something because people liked your work, I felt proud of myself and the team that I worked with.

Along with the award-winning film, ‘He Knocks’, I also played

MALIKAH Pinder in a scene from He Knocks

a supporting actress in the short film, BET (submitted in the 48-Hour Film Festival), Ten Whys, a student film by Juma Emedi, and a lot of background and body double roles in films by Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, ABC/Hulu, and Netflix,” said Malikah.

Malikah said it was a series of events that pushed her to be brave enough to make the move to Los Angeles.

“When I graduated from The College of The Bahamas there was a delay with me getting my diploma, which forced me to go back to Eleuthera to wait for it to be processed. That took longer than expected and I ended up getting an office job. Well, being the creative person that I am, that office job pushed me to make things happen for myself. That’s when Spring Arts was birthed.

Through Spring Arts, I hosted a ton of performing arts events on the island of Eleuthera that no one else was doing,” said Malikah.

Through Spring Arts, Malikah played various characters for

THE SET of He Knocks during filming

Restructure at Miss Bahamas Teen THE Miss Bahamas Teen organisation has announced plans to restructure after parting ways with former pageant director Nyisha Tilus.

The pageant owner/ president Anishka Lockhart released a statement yesterday saying the decision came as a result of a conflict of interest between the parties regarding the way the brand was being represented.

“As of today, we are obligated to announce that Nyisha Tilus and Regal Excellence is no longer affiliated with the Miss Bahamas Teen Organisation. Effective immediately, Ms Nyisha Tilus and Regal Excellence are no longer engaged with the Miss Bahamas Teen Organisation and is no longer authorised to conduct any business on behalf of the organisation.

“Instead, we kindly ask that all transactions be directed to The Miss Bahamas Teen Organization and Pageant programme via email missbahamasteen@ gmail.com, or directly with the president/founder, Anishka Lockhart at mbtopresident@gmail.com and no other email.

“The Miss Bahamas Teen Organisation takes this opportunity to reiterate that The Miss Bahamas

Teen Organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding values of integrity and excellence, ensuring we continue to create remarkable opportunities for young women to shine their brightest.”

MISS Bahamas Teen president Anishka Lockhart