12112024 BUSINESS

Spending jumps 20% to triple Gov’ts deficit

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A NEAR-20 percent increase in total government spending caused The Bahamas’ fiscal deficit for the 2024-2025 first quarter to triple when compared to the prior Budget year.

The Ministry of Finance’s just-released fiscal performance report for the three months to end-September 2024 revealed that a $143m spending increase drove the year-over-year expansion in the Government’s deficit, which jumped from $61.5m during the same period in 2022-2023 to $185.4m. Revenues, meanwhile, grew by just $18.7m or 2.8 percent to $682.2m, meaning spending grew more than seven times’ faster.

The Davis administration has frequently argued that Bahamians should base their assessment of its fiscal prudence, and ability to meet the deficit and other targets, on the fullyear results rather than the

outcome for just one quarter as the Budget’s cyclical nature typically shifts the bulk of revenue generation into the second half of the year.

However, comparisons with previous first quarter fiscal reports show that the Government’s total spending as a percentage of the full-year expenditure forecast increased markedly for this 2024-2025 fiscal year.

The total $867.7m spent was equal to 24 percent of the forecast $3.613bn annual spend, which represents a notable increase over the 20 percent and 20.09 percent benchmarks attained in the two previous years. And, compared to a total outlay of $674.8m in the 2022-2023 fiscal first quarter, the Government’s spending for the same period has increased by almost $200m in just two years. “Total expenditure expanded by $142.6m (19.7 percent) to $867.7m (24 percent of the Budget

Coral restoration ‘wow factor’ via $1m grant

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A PIONEERING

Grand Bahama project yesterday revealed it can now “accelerate” its coral reef restoration work and add “the wow factor” to its eco-tourism product through a $1.03m funding injection.

Sam Teicher, who cofounded Coral Vita with Gaitor Halpern, told Tribune Business that the grant financing which has been made available via the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Multilateral Investment Fund will enable the project to create “an amazing experience” that drives more visitors and tourismrelated spending to Grand Bahama.

With the island poised to attract several million

visitors as early as 2025 via the opening of Carnival’s $600m Celebration key private cruise port destination, he explained that the increased tourism revenues will provide additional funding for Coral Vita to expand its coral growing and reef restoration activities throughout The Bahamas. And, in what is effectively intended to create

Satellite providers in mobile, national security restrictions

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor

REGULATORS are proposing that satellite communications providers must store

Bahamas-generated data in this nation to comply with national security laws given the industry’s “strong interest” in entering this market. The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), in releasing

its public consultation document on the planned regulatory framework for satellite communications services in The Bahamas, said the data storage stipulation is made necessary by

the Interception of Communications Act 2018. This requires all providers, satellite or otherwise, to facilitate the courtsanctioned interception or

a ‘full circle’ economy, Mr Teicher told this newspaper that the coral reef restoration activities will boost both the fisheries industry through reviving fish populations and the tourism sector by enhancing marine-based activities such as diving and snorkelling. This, in turn, will help attract extra visitors to The Bahamas and Coral Vital, further expanding the

‘Moment

latter’s coral restoration funding.

Confirming that the financing, being made available as part of an initiative called ‘Reef positive: Restoring ocean health through smart coral farming’, will help create additional Bahamian jobs at Coral Vita, he added the details as well as the exact nature of the eco-tourism upgrades are still being worked out.

The IDB, though said: “The main objective of the project is to contribute to the conservation of marine biodiversity through the restoration of coral reefs and enhancement of local eco-tourism attractions. This project aims to support the local community by upgrading Coral Vita’s farm tourism destination, providing a unique

of truth’ over controversial pilot test

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamian aviation regulator’s Board will meet today at 1pm with the deputy prime minister present to determine how it will proceed over a controversial exam that has sparked fears of a pilots’ shortage. Devard Francis, the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas (CAAB) chairman, confirmed the meeting to Tribune Business but declined to say any more to avoid pre-empting the discussions or outcome. “I have my final meeting with the Board tomorrow on it with the deputy prime minister,” he said of Chester Cooper. “He’s supposed to be there also.”

The move comes amid ongoing concerns and complaints being voiced by Bahamian pilots over the ‘air law examination’ they have to sit and pass by January 31, 2025, so that they can continue flying

CRUISE LINES RENAME THEIR BAHAMIAN PRIVATE ISLAND

TWO cruise lines yesterday announced the renaming of a Bahamian private island destination to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Holland America Line and its Carnival Cruise Line parent, in a statement, said the move was undertaken to support improvements to the island and the enhanced experience guests will enjoy. The two cruise lines are partnering on the upgrades, which will include an expanded beachfront experience, lunch venues, a variety of bars and other features that will reinforce the destination’s appeal. A newly-constructed pier on

the north side will allow ships to dock, including Carnival’s Excel class ships that will be able to visit the island for the first time. Guests will arrive at welcome plazas on the island’s south and north sides, spanning over one mile of beach. The existing development on the south side will receive a refreshing Bahamian touch-up, a new beach club, an updated lunch venue and renovated facilities. The newly developed north side will feature two lunch venues and a variety of island-themed bars. There will also be a new tram service to make it easy and convenient for guests

to move around. In addi-

tion, lounging areas will be expanded, cabanas added and a new shore excursion pier on the north side will

SANDALS CHIEF ADDRESSES STAFF IN BAHAMAS, EIGHT OTHER COUNTRIES

THE Sandals resort chain recently held a second group-wide meeting for 2024 that saw Adam Stewart, its executive chairman, address employees from nine countries including The Bahamas. The event showcased various projects focused on enhancing both the staff experience and resort

offerings. It featured the launch of the Sandals PALM Pass, a staff discount programme offering savings across a wide range of merchants including supermarkets, restaurants, gyms and travel services.

“This is our way of easing the burden of rising global costs,” Mr Stewart said.

“I’ve seen our head office

working tirelessly, reaching out to business leaders across the Caribbean to make this happen.” He credited the success of the initiative to the employee experience division, spearheaded by corporate manager Jamie Green, and emphasised that it is only the beginning of Sandals’ efforts to enrich the lives of its workers.

The PALM Pass is part of a package that includes improved gratuity offerings and expanded discounted rates for team members and their families. These initiatives were informed by a group-wide survey earlier this year, where staff were invited to suggest how Sandals could elevate the employee experience.

“Because you spoke, we listened,” Mr Stewart affirmed, addressing thousands of employees both in-person and online. Building on feedback from the survey, Sandals established eight pillars of employee welfare, which focus on communication, social

connect guests with recreational activities.

“Holland America guests have loved Half Moon Cay for its natural

beauty since it opened as a port of call in 1997,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “The south side of the island, where Holland America has always visited, will remain the secluded paradise our guests are accustomed to and a marquee destination for almost every cruise visiting the Caribbean.

“The new beach club and refreshed food and beverage spaces will embrace and preserve the island’s pristine beauty while enhancing our award-winning experience.”

“Calling this piece of paradise RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay reinforces our

commitment to preserve the attributes that make the destination so appealing as we expand access and welcome more guests to the destination’s crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and lush landscapes,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“Many of our 2026 and beyond itineraries will feature both RelaxAway and Celebration Key, providing guests with complimentary experiences enjoying both idyllic and ultimate beach days.” The destination’s improvements will begin by summer 2026 and continue through the end of the year.

engagement, collaboration, health and wellness, recognition and innovation.

Ms Green described these as akin to a chef’s recipe for crafting the perfect dish. One initiative, Project Sparkle, has already transformed a dozen staff restaurants across the group, with six more renovations in the pipeline.

“From mental health initiatives to improved dining facilities, we’re ensuring these pillars touch every level of the organisation,” Ms Green said. “So whether you are a supervisor, a team member, or at any level of the organisation, you will feel the impact of the eight pillars of employee experience.”

Mr Stewart also focused on Sandals Corporate University (SCU), the fully funded training ground empowering employees to grow within the company. Success stories, such as those of Delino Moss and Tamon Allen, who advanced from entry-level roles to senior management, highlight the opportunities available.

“These stories are just a snapshot of the magic happening in this company and

that has been happening for years,” Mr Stewart said. “We are a people business. The real horsepower that makes us who we are is our 18,500 team members.”

Looking ahead, Sandals also announced plans for new resorts in The Bahamas, Jamaica,and other destinations, promising more than 5,000 new hires and 300 managerial positions. Mr Stewart encouraged employees to enroll in the SCU, reiterating that Sandals is dedicated to promoting from within.

“When we grow, you grow,” he said. “I’m offering to 100 percent of our team members in this company that, if you have the right attitude and aptitude, I’ll pay for it. I’ll take you, with our team, to levels you may not be able to reach on your own. Why? Because it’s good for you, and if it’s good for you, it’s great for this company. And if it’s great for this company, we’re going to the moon. And that is the plan. We believe in education.”

SANDALS executive chairman, Adam Stewart, shares a moment with team members during a group-wide meeting broadcast live across the nine countries where the Sandals and Beaches resorts operate.

SANDALS executive chairman, Adam Stewart, and corporate manager of employee experience,

Jamie Green, address team members during a group-wide meeting broadcast live across the nine countries where the Sandals and Beaches brands operate.

RELAXAWAY's upgrades are designed with nature in mind, including architecture that complements the landscape of the island.

Gov’t agencies meet merchants to tackle living costs, complaints

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS from the Bahamas Trade Commission and consumer watchdog yesterday met with leading merchants to discuss ways to lower the cost of living and improve the customer experience.

Senator Barry Griffin, deputy chairman of the National Trade Commission, said the initiative is a collaborative effort between itself and the Consumer Protection Commission in a bid to address consumer grievances. He added that his agency is reaching out to retailers to encourage them to participate in the Government’s trade diversification initiative, which will allow them to source goods from alternative markets at a lower price.

“As it relates to the Bahamas Trade Commission, we are pushing the Government’s cost of living agenda, encouraging all grocers to get involved in our national trade diversification programme, in which we seek to introduce them to diverse suppliers across the world that would allow us to lower the price of goods here,” said Mr Griffin. “We also offer other assistance and research that we found as it relates to trade products and consumer activity.”

Senator Randy Rolle, the Consumer Protection Commission’s (CPC) chairman, said his agency is continuing to work with the private sector to address consumer

complaints and improve the quality of goods provided.

“We are just keeping engaged with the stores, letting them know that the Government wants to work collaboratively with them to find ways to better the consumer experience,” he said. “Whether it’s through incentive programmes such as offering shopping bags for free, encouraging them to do programmes that lower the cost of goods for the holiday season or resolving any number of complaints or concerns we may have received.”

“We are speaking to the businesses privately, allowing them an opportunity to correct and address things and really taking a very collaborative approach to working with the private sector.” Mr Griffin said the agencies wish to partner with Bahamian merchants to lower the price of goods and ensure quality is maintained, which will ultimately benefit consumers.

“We want to see the Government and the private sector work more closely together as partners with the view that consumers have the ultimate benefit

New cinema heading to Mall at Marathon

THE Mall at Marathon has confirmed a new movie theatre is coming almost two years after Galleria Cinemas closed its doors in April 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a “coming soon” video posted on the Mall’s Facebook page, it showcased a number of new additions to come, including the return of the movie theatre. The video gave the impression that persons can expect the theatre in 2025.

A statement on the Mall at Marathon’s website confirmed: “We’re excited to announce the return of the movie theatre at the Mall at Marathon. Hollywood blockbusters and your favourite movie snacks will be back soon. Stay tuned…” The COVID-19 pandemic likely exacerbated the challenges Galleria faced since Fusion Superplex entered the market. In November 2021, the late Chris Mortimer, its principal, told Tribune Business the pandemic accelerated the development of Netflix and other streaming services, causing more and more people to access movies digitally rather than leave their homes and visit the theatre.

His comment came after the government adjusted COVID-19 restrictions, removing the curfew, therefore permitting late night showings. He said demand for cinema showings was down as much as 85 percent compared to pre-COVID. At the start of the pandemic, Galleria officials appeared optimistic they could manage the crisis, reducing ticket prices from $10 to $7.

from this. The Government has certain resources that we can provide and we want the private sector to lead the way,” said Mr Griffin.

“The main thing that we’re pushing for is lowering the cost of living by lowering the cost of goods in stores, but also generally improving the experience in terms of how Bahamians feel when they go in knowing that the produce is fresh, all products that can spoil have sell by dates and bettering consumer welfare, and a big part of that is simply lowering the cost.”

Mr Griffin said the response from retailers that have been engaged was “encouraging” and they indicated they would like to collaborate further with the Government. “The reception has been extremely great. They have indicated that they’ve never seen this before, and they were interested to hear about more about our agencies and what we do and how they can contact us to work closely on these issues,” he said.

“We provided a lot of research, anecdotal and observational information

that we’ve gotten from consumers, and they were very happy to receive that information. It’s obviously a work in progress, and we’re starting from the ground and working out, but we’re very encouraged by their reception.”

Mr Griffin said the Trade Commission is “heavily focused” on providing cost savings in the retail and construction sectors, and is also working with the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) to lower the cost of products used in the farming and fishing sectors.

“At the Bahamas Trade Commission, we’re heavily focused on the retail grocery sector. So that includes grocery stores, supermarkets and convenience stores and pharmacies. We are also focused on the construction and building sector; that’s another major industry that we found Bahamians would like to see some cost savings,” said Mr Griffin.

“We are working with BAIC to assist our farmers, agriculturalists and fishermen in procuring more cost-effective inputs. Whether it’s chicken feed, or the boxes for products or fishing equipment, we want to get them better quality products and cheaper products, and that cost savings is passed on to the consumer.

“For example, a littleknown fact is that the boxes that you put products in are very expensive and that, in itself, increases the cost of local goods. So if we can find cheaper boxes that are fit for purpose, that in itself could lower the cost of products in The Bahamas.”

Company closure fears on business ease and costs

By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net

THE Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday warned that failing to resolve ever-growing challenges with the cost and ease of doing business will “inevitably force” companies to close their doors

Dr Leo Rolle told Tribune Business that failing to implement the necessary reforms and adjustments will also drive businesses into the informal, or underground, economy and present challenges for workers’ rights, job security and compliance with government taxes.

“It will inevitably force businesses to cease operations or push them to the informal economy, which would be another challenge in and of itself and one we do not want, encourage or endorse,” he added.

“Hence our continued advocacy for the lowered cost and increased ease of doing business for our members and the business community at large.” Mr Rolle said the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) has been “seeking an audience with the Department of Inland Revenue for a few months now” in a bid to head-off the frustrations and hardships endured with last year’s Business Licence filings and payments, but efforts thus far have proven “futile”.

Stating that “the BCCEC has always strived to be a catalyst for advocacy and ease of doing business for our members”, Mr Rolle added that the Chamber will also seek to discuss processes that impact the ease of doing business with the tax authority.

are adequately apprised of any possible process changes, new requirements or backlogs ahead of the renewal season,” Mr Rolle said. He said the Chamber’s “efforts have proven futile” to-date but it continues to push for a meeting, adding that a solid relationship is “built on consultation rather than confrontation”. The Chamber is aiming be proactive and meet with stakeholders “involved in the Business Licence renewal process ahead of any foreseeable challenges with 2025 renewals”.

“Unfortunately, to date, our efforts have proven futile, but we continue to press and insist on the same. We welcome the opportunity to sit with officials for open, candid and reciprocal conversation aimed at streamlining and enhancing what is often one of the most cumbersome processes in entrepreneurship,” Mr Rolle said.

“We believe that this would be the first step in solidifying a relationship built on consultation rather than confrontation, which we have laid the foundation for in prior months through initial dialogue and participation in our National Conclave of Chambers of Commerce.

“We note with keen interest that BICA (Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants) officials are expressing some of the same concerns and lobbying for extensions on reporting requirementsrequirements we strongly opposed when initially suggested, instead asking for delayed implementation for better stakeholder buy-in.”

“I would say demand through COVID dropped as much as 85 percent,” he told this newspaper. “It was around the world. We’re trying to be mindful not to automatically cause our expenses to go up and not have it justified by being in line with consumer demand.

“We have a ways to go. We still have the pandemic. All my management people and consultants are saying: ‘Take it as it comes and see how it goes over the next several weeks and adjust accordingly.”

Reiterating that US movie demand “has not even rebounded close to

Mr Mortimer, interviewed by this newspaper in November 2021, said that while Galleria and its rival, Fusion SuperPlex, had both been constrained by the maximum 33 percent movie theatre capacity limit imposed after they were allowed to re-open, demand has plummeted in line with global trends.

pre-COVID levels”, the Galleria chief said the whole industry - including in The Bahamas - has to be aware that “consumer behaviour” has changed in way that has been accelerated by the pandemic’s impact.

“A lot of people get their product delivered to them digitally,” he added. “We have to be mindful that we are not going to the place where we were before.” Mr Mortimer said the cinema business had known of the growing competitive threat posed by streaming services five years ago, and COVID-19 has narrowed that timeframe significantly.

Suggesting this was one reason why movie demand is struggling to recover to pre-pandemic levels, he added: “We have to be mindful of that moving forward. These are global trends. We’ve known that for years in the industry and COVID has accelerated it by almost four years. What was supposed to impact in four to five years’ time has happened in 2020.

“It’s condensed the timeframe and we have to be

mindful moving forward, and adjust ourselves. To use the phrase, we have to cut the suit to fit the cloth.”

As a result, Galleria’s last night-time movie showings will continue to be in the 8pm time slot until consumers dictate otherwise.

“A lot of things will be driven by demand moving forward,” Mr Mortimer said. “We do what we have to do in making sure people remain safe. The emergency orders may be over but the pandemic is still here, and we have to be cognisant of what’s happening around the world where COVID numbers are going up.”

“We have been seeking an audience with the Department of Inland Revenue for a few months now, with the intent to discuss the concerns of our members and to ensure that they

As to suggestions that the Department of Inland Revenue should be privatised, Mr Rolle said: “While it is wishful thinking, we are [a] long way off from such a notion. Accountability, ingenuity and flexibility are what the department most needs at this time but these aspects are a feat privatisation will not readily achieve.”

BARRY GRIFFIN

RANDY ROLLE

Carnival hires health, safety manager for GB cruise port

CARNIVAL has named Garelle Hudson as the health, environmental, safety and sustainability (HESS) manager for its $600m Grand Bahama cruise port destination, Celebration Key.

The cruise line, in a statement, said its latest recruit has significant environmental management experience from both the non-profit conservation sector and the industrial field. She has led education programmes at The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) and served as

an environmental specialist for the Grand Bahama Power Company.

Most recently, Ms Hudson served as quality, health, safety and environment manager for Hutchison Ports Bahamas, where she led initiatives focused on compliance, sustainability and corporate responsibility. She holds a master’s degree in natural disaster risk management and other certifications.

“This destination has been specifically designed to highlight the unique

natural beauty of this island,” said Ms Hudson. “My job is both to ensure the safety of the staff and guests at all times, while also protecting the sustainability of our activities so that the natural heritage of Grand Bahama can be enjoyed at Celebration Key long into the future. As a proud Grand Bahamian, I see the HESS manager’s role as one of stewardship.”

Among the initiatives already under way to boost environmental sustainability at Celebration Key, Ms

Hudson praised the ‘Plant a Tree’ initiative. The first phase saw the sourcing of 5,000 saplings from Bahamian growers that will be used to beautify the destination.

“The ongoing effort is a perfect example of Carnival’s approach to engagement with both the environment and the community on Grand Bahama,” she said. “Promoting sustainability while also creating economic empowerment for local craftsmen.”

Ms Hudson also pledged to put rigorous protocols in place to ensure the wellbeing of all staff and guests at Celebration Key. “We intend to maintain the highest safety standards for all workers and guests at all times,” she said. “We are building a safe environment

Spending jumps 20% to triple Gov’ts deficit

target),” the Ministry of Finance’s report for the 2024-2025 first quarter revealed.

“Recurrent spending was higher by $83.5m (12.6 percent) at $743.9m, 22.8 percent of the Budget target, with the bulk associated with compensation outlays (29.1 percent), payments of goods and services (21.3 percent) and public debt interest (15.1 percent).

“Capital expenditure increased by $59.1m (91.5 percent) to $123.8m or 35.9 percent of the Budget target. Growth was concentrated in the $51.7m boost in outlay for the acquisition of non-financial assets, primarily allocated to road works and school infrastructure-related repairs, and with an additional $7.4m expended for capital transfers.”

One well-placed financial source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the sharp increase in first quarter spending will again raise suspicions that the Government is paying-off old bills incurred in the prior fiscal year. To meet its 2023-2024 fiscal targets, and avoid a significant deficit overshoot

that would have triggered fiscal responsibility clauses in the Public Finance Management Act requiring it to explain why this has occurred and provide a corrective action plan, they suggested the Davis administration had deferred paying sums owed to vendors and others until the new 2024-2025 fiscal year.

“That doesn’t make any sense whatsoever other than them settling old bills,” the source said of the jump in 2024-2025 first quarter fiscal spending. “The first quarter is always slow on spending because the agencies and ministries are just ramping up.

“Whatever they were settling was prior year bills, not from the current..... They have to explain what circumstances led to the material and precipitous increase in recurrent spending. What this means is because they’ve used up so much of their [spending] allocation already the Government will have to clamp down on spending for the rest of the year.”

The Ministry of Finance, detailing what drove the spending increases, said: “Subsidies, which include transfers to governmentowned and/or controlled

enterprises that provide commercial goods and services to the public, rose by $10.5m (11.1 percent) to $104.3m and accounted for 25.3 percent of the Budget.

“Subsidies to public non-financial corporations increased by $9.1m (9.9 percent) to $101.2m, reflecting higher assistance to the Water & Sewerage Corporation ($5.5m), Bahamasair ($2.2m) and University of The Bahamas ($2.4m). Transfers to private enterprises and other sectors rose by $1.3m (72.6 percent) to $3.1m.”

Other major spending increase drivers included civil service pay and benefits; expenditure on goods and services; and socalled “other payments” that included “planned allocations” to the Parks and Beaches Authority and Lucayan Renewal Holdings, which is the Government-owned special purpose vehicle (SPV) that holds Grand Bahama’s Grand Lucayan resort.

“Compensation of employees grew by $8.2m (3.9 percent) to $216.7m, which represented 24.4 percent of the Budget target and was explained by planned staff promotions, salary adjustments and

additional hires,” the Ministry of Finance report said.

“Spending on the use of goods and services was boosted by $39.6m (33.2 percent) to $158.6m, and included the following key developments. Rental costs, comprising payments for office lease and rent, vehicle leases and living accommodations, increased by $8.8m (43 percent) to $29.4m.

“Utilities and telecommunications outlays advanced by $5.3m (58.9 percent) to $14.4m. Spending on services - including IT networks, consultancy services, operation of facilities and equipment maintenance - grew by $21.7m (39.2 percent) to $76.9m.”

With debt servicing (interest) payments and social security benefits effectively flat against prior year comparisons for the 2024-2025 first quarter, the Ministry of Finance report added: “Other payments were boosted by $26.3m (40.5 percent) to $91.1m, 25.2 percent of the Budget.

“Current transfers not elsewhere classified broadened by $25.2m (49.4 percent) to $76.3m, largely owing to disbursements of planned allocations for scholarships and grants, the Beaches and Parks

Authority, court services and Lucayan Renewal Holdings.”

As for the increase in the Government’s capital spending, the Ministry of Finance explained: “Capital transfers increased by $7.4m (61.8 percent) to $19.5m, led by allocations for public-private partnerships (PPPs) relative to roadworks. Expenditure on the acquisition of nonfinancial assets was boosted by $51.7m (98.2 percent) at $104.3m.

“Outlays for other structures expanded by $29.9m, of which 42.6 percent was attributed to roads repairs and maintenance and the balance for sporting and airport infrastructure and Family Island development projects.

“Investments in buildings other than dwellings rose by $9.6m (33.4 percent), allocated for school construction projects - general schools and new primary and secondary schools - government building maintenance, and small home repairs.”

The Government’s direct debt increased by $305.4m to $11.656bn at end-September 2024.

Three-quarters, or 75 percent, of the $210.6m

for staff to work in and for guests to enjoy, in an atmosphere of fun and relaxation.”

With the extra $100m pier extension investment, the initial phase of the now $600m Celebration Key, including the original two cruise ship berths, is projected to help generate more than 700 permanent jobs. This includes about 400 Bahamians hired directly by Carnival Corporation to help welcome 2.2m guests each year to Grand Bahama starting in 2025.

Carnival said it will ensure businesses whollyowned and operated by Bahamians make up at least 75 percent of outlets at Celebration Key. This represents up to 70 restaurant and retail outlets of various sizes.

increase in its net Bahamian dollar borrowing came from $159m in Central Bank advances.

“The $210.6m net increase in Bahamian Dollar liabilities included net redemption of domestic securities amounting to $18.6m, while bank loans were higher by $70.1m. A net of $159m was obtained by way of Central Bank advances,” the Ministry of Finance report said.

“Foreign currency transactions resulted in a net borrowing of $94.8m. Net drawings on bank loans totaled $133.8m, while net loan redemptions to international development agencies amounted to $39m. Approximately 85.4 percent of the latter was earmarked to reduce liabilities to the IMF, 8.5 percent to the Caribbean Development Bank, 4.5 percent to the Inter-American Development Bank and the balance to the Chinese Export-Import Bank.

“Consequent on these developments, the direct charge on the Government - inclusive of exchange rate adjustments, increased by $305.4m to an estimated $11.656bn at end-September 2024 for 79.1 percent of GDP, as compared to 77.6 percent of GDP at endJune 2024.”

Trudeau says Americans are realizing Trump’s tariffs on Canada would make life a lot more expensive

By ROB GILLIES Associated Press

CANADIAN Prime

Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday that Americans "are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive" and said he will retaliate if Donald Trump goes ahead with them.

Trump later responded by calling Canada a state and Trudeau the governor.

Speaking at an event put on by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Trudeau also said dealing with Trump will be "a little more challenging" than the last time because Trump's team is coming in with a much clearer set of ideas of what they want to do right away than after his first election win in 2016.

The U.S. presidentelect has threatened to impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico unless they stem the flow of migrants and drugs.

"Trump got elected on a commitment to make life better and more affordable for Americans, and I think people south of the border are beginning to wake up to the real reality that tariffs on everything from Canada would make life a lot more expensive," Trudeau said.

On the weekend, Trump appeared in an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," where the president-elect said he can't guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers.

"Let's not kid ourselves in any way, shape or form, 25% tariffs on everything going to the United States would be devastating for the Canadian economy," Trudeau said.

"It would also, however, mean real hardship for Americans as well. Americans import 65% of their crude oil from Canada, significant amounts of electricity. Just about all the natural gas exported from Canada goes to the United States. They rely on us for steel and aluminum. They rely on us for a range of agriculture imports. All of those things would get more expensive."

Trump seemed to respond to Trudeau's comments with a post on social media late Monday, in which he noted Trudeau's recent dinner at Mar-aLago where some said Trump joked about Canada becoming the 51st state.

"It was a pleasure to have dinner the other night with Governor Justin Trudeau of the Great State of Canada. I look forward to seeing the Governor again soon so that we may continue our in depth talks on Tariffs and Trade, the results of which will be truly spectacular for all! DJT," Trump posted on Truth Social.

If Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise

to give American families a break from inflation.

Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, alcohol and other goods. The Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, has said tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when the countries retaliate.

"We will of course, as we did eight years ago, respond to unfair tariffs," Trudeau said.

Trudeau said his government is still mulling over "the right ways" to respond, referencing when Canada put billions of new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminum.

Many of the U.S. products were chosen for their political rather than economic impact. For example, Canada imports just $3 million worth of yogurt from the U.S. annually and most of it comes from one plant in Wisconsin, the home state of then-Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. That product was hit with a 10% duty.

GARELLE HUDSON

CANADIAN Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends a fireside chat with the Halifax Chamber of Commerce in Halifax Monday Dec. 9, 2024.

Photo:Riley Smith/AP

Coral restoration ‘wow factor’ via $1m grant

and attractive snorkelling experience that highlights the importance of coral reef conservation.”

Recalling Coral Vita’s progress since it opened on Grand Bahama six years ago, Mr Teicher said of the imminent $1.03m capital injection: “The grant is really going to help us upgrade and accelerate the work we’re doing. The funding will pay for infrastructure upgrades at the farm to enhance the tourism and education experience.

“Also, the number of people visiting the island is expected to increase with everything from the Six Senses resort to the Carnival cruise port and upgrades to the existing cruise port at Freeport Harbour and when the airport gets upgraded. It’s all about increasing the capacity of the farm so it will be much more of a world-class experience for eco-tourism and training.

“We’ll continue growing coral to restore the local reefs, which has coastal protection and fisheries benefits. We are restoring reefs in Grand Bahama for the benefit of the island, the economy and the community. As the farm continues to grow, we’ll be able to help restore reefs throughout the country,” he explained.

“We can grow coral to revitalise reefs throughout The Bahamas. The grant puts us on the pathway to revitalise Bahamian reefs.

It’s great for Coral Vita, great for local businesses, great for the local community and great for The Bahamas, and having a greater multiplier effect is what we are working for.”

Increased revenues generated by Coral Vita’s farm and eco-tourism attraction will thus enable the project to ramp-up coral growing production and revitalise more reefs that are increasingly endangered by ocean warming and the perils of climate change. And it is these same reefs and ecosystems that sustain much of The Bahamas’ ocean or ‘blue economy’, particularly fisheries as well as tourism.

Mr Teicher said it was too early to give details on what Coral Vita will use the financing for, or the nature of the planned upgrades, telling Tribune Business: “That’s still getting finalised. We’re not sure of that. It’s definitely going to be an immersive, experiential and exciting product at the farm that will definitely bring the ‘wow factor’ and be an amazing experience that brings more people to The Bahamas.

“The better the tourism attraction it is, the more work we can do to restore reefs which has its own benefits to the Bahamian economy, fisheries and the environment..... We’re just trying to take it from excellent to great.”

Asked about the IDB’s reference to “a unique and attractive snorkelling experience”, Mr Teicher replied: “That’s a continuation of the work we’ve been doing in protecting coral reefs, boosting the fisheries population. That has benefits for local tour operators and dive shops. All that comes together as one as far as the restoration work.

“We are already being marketed. We’ve worked with the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Grand

Bahama. We are marketed by Carnival and Royal Caribbean on their ships. Six Senses is not built yet, they’re marketing our farm as part of Grand Bahama’s appeal as a destination. If you come to the farm, we’re growing coral to restore reefs.

“We don’t have an exact projection [for visitor numbers], but when we consider the number of new tourists coming to Grand Bahama because of the Carnival cruise port (estimated at 2.2m per year initially), because of Six Senses, because of Freeport Harbour, because of the airport, we think there will be a lot of people and Coral Vita will be a huge part of the ‘blue economy’ and nature-based tourism that benefits everyone in Grand Bahama.”

Coral Vita already possesses a welcome centre and education facilities, with visitors able to “almost walk right up to the ocean” and watch live coral being grown in tanks. A conch hatchery and mangrove nursery are also key components of the project, which numbers Blue Action Lab and Waterkeepers Bahamas among its partners.

Mr Teicher, in an October 2021 interview with Tribune Business, revealed that Coral Vita was aiming to ramp up coral growing production to one million pieces per year. “We’re not there yet,” he conceded yesterday, “but we are seeing a very good impact on the reefs. We did a recent [reef restoration] project that was funded by the Government, and another one that was funded by the Grand Bahama Port Authority.”

Satellite providers in mobile, national security restrictions

FROM PAGE B1

retrieval of communications data to aid law enforcement or protect national security.

As a result, URCA is proposing to mandate that all Bahamas-generated data be stored locally and that satellite providers appoint a local representative to deal with law enforcement issues.

“Satellite service providers, including those operating outside The Bahamas, must comply with the provisions of the Interception of Communications Act 2018. This legislation requires providers to ‘take such steps as are necessary to facilitate the execution of an interception or entry warrant, or both’,” URCA explained.

“To support enforcement of this obligation and align with URCA’s objective to ‘maintain public safety and security’, URCA proposes to introduce the following requirements for satellite service providers conducting the administration and management of their business from premises outside of The Bahamas.”

The “local data storage requirement” will mandate that “satellite service providers must store communications data, as defined in the Interception of Communications Act, within The Bahamas. This ensures that data necessary for lawful interception remains physically accessible within the jurisdiction”.

And “satellite service providers must appoint a local representative responsible for managing lawful interception requests and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements”. URCA added that these conditions could be incorporated into operators’ licences or included in their approval letters.

“The demand for licensing of satellite services in The Bahamas has seen substantial growth, with operators seeking to provide FSS (residential and business) and ESIM (vehicle and maritime) connectivity solutions. Recognising this potential, URCA already issued licenses to prominent satellite operators, including Starlink, Viasat, and SES for its subsidiaries O3b Ltd and New Skies Satellite services,” the regulator added.

“Additionally, other satellite operators have

expressed strong interest in entering the Bahamian market. Several of these companies have reached out to URCA to initiate licensing applications or to inquire about specific regulatory requirements for ESIM, M2M and experimental services in The Bahamas.”

Starlink, which is headed by Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man and Tesla and Twitter (X) magnate who has become a key adviser to US presidentelect Donald Trump, has especially acted as a disruptor to the Bahamian communications market, and attracted significant attention from both incumbents - Cable Bahamas and the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). But URCA has already rejected Cable Bahamas’ renewed concerns that it is competing on an “unlevel playing field” against Starlink.

“The Cable Bahamas group believes satellite regulation must be equitable and comparable to the telecommunications regulatory regime. The Cable Bahamas group added that it is unconvinced that the playing field is level for the Cable Bahamas group,” URCA revealed of the company’s stance. Cable Bahamas based this on how much Starlink is paying to URCA for its annual class licence, and queried how much the satellite Internet provider is contributing to the regulator’s budget in percentage terms. It also challenged if “an initial licence award fee was charged and paid for the granting of a licence”, and added that a spectrum-based service was equivalent to introducing a new cellular mobile operator.

URCA, in reply, said Starlink’s licence restricts it to providing broadband Internet services and it is not permitted to offer mobile services in conformity with a policy that restricts the sector to just two operators - Aliv (Cable Bahamas) and the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).

“Regarding satellite regulation and the specific inquiries raised, URCA clarifies that Starlink currently provides broadband Internet services at fixed locations in The Bahamas but is not licensed for voice

Pointing to two other completed reef restorations funded by the private sector, the Coral Vita co-founder said: “We did a survey at one of the restoration sites. As a result of our restoration at one site in Grand Bahama, there were two times’ as many fish as before and the coral was surviving the warming ocean.”

Contrasting this with the amount of coral that has died over the past two years due to rising sea temperatures, he added that Coral Vita’s work is having “a meaningful impact which benefits fishermen, the local economy and coastal property owners”.

The importance of The Bahamas’ coral reefs to the ecosystems it underpins, and the sustainability of this nation’s tourism, maritime and ocean (fisheries) industries, was detailed in this nation’s recent submissions to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which is being asked to provide an advisory opinion on the obligations that different states have to fight climate change.

“As the home to 5 percent of the world’s coral reefs and the world’s thirdlongest barrier reef, The Bahamas has experienced severe bleaching and mass coral mortality. For example, in July 2023, scientists recorded ocean temperatures in Bahamian territorial waters as high as 33 degrees centigrade,” The Bahamas told the ICJ.

“These exceptionally high water temperatures lasted for several months, and caused a devastating mass bleaching event.... Coral reefs are important to The Bahamas’ biodiversity and act as a vital part of the country’s natural defence

system against storm surges and erosion.

“Anthropogenic ocean warming alters the biodiversity and ecosystemic functioning of coral reefs, causing severe ecosystem loss due to coral bleaching.

The destruction of coral reef ecosystem has significant environmental as well as economic implications for The Bahamas,” this country added.

“The array of coral reefs in Bahamian waters are a central attraction for diving and other activities, and accordingly draw tourists and support the tourism economy. Coral destruction also impacts fish stock, which is vital for employment and nutritional sustenance.”

It is these impacts that Coral Vita is seeking to mitigate and reverse. It uses ‘micro fragmentation’ to accelerate coral reef growth and, relying solely on species native to The Bahamas to also provide diversity, says it can grow pieces “up

to 50 times’ faster” than rival farms using conventional techniques.

“The Bahamas would not exist without coral reef,” Mr Teicher said in 2021.

“The limestone under your feet came from a reef..... We’re starting in Grand Bahama, but are very interested to restore reefs throughout The Bahamas. We’re in it for the long haul. We’ll be around for a few years yet....

“I think this is as important as it could be. There’s a real opportunity to create local jobs behind a whole restoration economy that preserves the ecosystems that sustain all of us. There’s a myriad of benefits that this can provide if we scale it up.

“The Bahamas, the Bahamian people and the economy really need healthy ecosystems, and it’s not just a matter of protecting them but creating this whole new Blue Economy, protecting the ecosystems that protect us all and driving jobs and revenue throughout the country.”

telephony or traditional mobile services,” URCA added.

“The licence conditions imposed on Starlink align with the Government’s policy to refrain from introducing additional competition in the cellular- mobile market. To address concerns regarding transparency, URCA has made the Starlink licence conditions available on our website for public access....

“Starlink is subject to the applicable fees as set out in its licences. On a related note, URCA does not discuss a company’s individual revenue numbers and licence fee payments.”

URCA, setting out its plans for regulating satellite services, said: “In 2023, URCA issued a licence to Starlink for the provisioning of FSS throughout The Bahamas using the technology-neutral licencing regime.

“As far as URCA knows, Starlink’s services are available throughout The Bahamas - including the Family Islands - thereby providing access to satellitebased broadband services on a geographically universal basis. More generally, URCA is not aware of any specific issues in relation to its existing licensing regime which might deter provision of satellite-based electronic communications services in the Family Islands or elsewhere.”

“As regards the objective to ensure sustainable competition in the cellular mobile market, URCA recognises that satellite communications services allow the provisioning of electronic communication services on a geographically universal basis throughout The Bahamas and during natural disasters,” the communications regulator added.

“As such, they are consumer enhancing and will benefit the Bahamian economy and society. However, in line with the Government’s position not to at this time facilitate further entry into the mobile market, URCA has attached ad hoc restrictions to class licences granted to satellite providers on top of existing restrictions set out in the licence conditions.

“URCA recognises the potential need to reassess the scope of these restrictions, and suggests adding this to the list of topics for further exploration.”

‘Moment of truth’ over controversial pilot test

locally-registered planes in this nation’s air space.

Mornel Brown, president of the newly-formed Bahamas Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (BAOPA), reiterated to this newspaper that aviators are not opposed to the concept of taking such an exam but one that is relevant to this nation and its aviation laws, regulations and rules.

Tribune Business has previously reported industry concerns that some of the questions are “vague” and based on European, not Bahamian, aviation.

“Everyone is saying the same thing,” he added.

“There are questions in there that are vague and based on what we thought was something totally different. It doesn’t make any sense. February 1 is the moment of truth. January 31 is the last date; February 1 is the day when, if you don’t take the exam or pass the exam, you will be sitting on the ground until you do.

“The thing about is it’s no fault of the average aviator in The Bahamas. It’s no fault of theirs. Even if there was a finding in the [recent Federal Aviation Administration] audit, The Bahamas has had audits for years under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) conventions. This is the first time this [pilot exam] is coming up.

“I remember when I came back from flight school in 2009,” Mr Brown recalled.

“I had a US licence, not a Bahamian licence. I sat an exam, ten questions based on Bahamian regulations, and had an interview with an inspector. There was an exam in place before. “These guys are not making noise about taking an exam. They want an exam that is relevant to this region and the regulations. That’s what they want. They don’t want an exam that’s relevant to Europe and they have to study European laws and regulations. They want an exam that is based in The Bahamas.

“Why is it so pressing that you make the Bahamian pilots sit an exam out of Europe when you, the authority, have made an exam for Bahamian mechanics? It’s 60 questions and open book. Why do this to the pilots?”

Mr Brown emphasised he and the Association are standing by their previous warning that, if nothing changes in relation to the exam, Bahamian airline operators could face a pilot shortage come February 1, 2025, at the height of the peak winter season because insufficient numbers will have passed and secured renewal of their licence.

And the lack of pilots, in turn, could force operators to suspend or cancel Family Island and other routes that provide key transportation and cargo connectivity for residents and businesses there. “I’m standing by the our statement. There’s going to be a lot of delays and the flying public, at the end of the day, are going to feel it. Bahamasair does not service every island,” Mr Brown told Tribune Business.

“Those are the people that you are putting a strangle on, not the operators. The people. Imagine if you cannot get your medicine. We’re not saying we don’t want to take the exam.” Again complaining about an alleged lack of consultation between the Civil

Aviation Authority of The Bahamas and private pilots and operators, Mr Brown added: “We don’t know where they [the regulators] are with the position they have taken.

“All we can assume is that they are moving forward with the exam because that is the deadline they have put in place. We were not even given the opportunity to speak to them. Every one of the guys that took the exam, there were a few that passed it from Bahamasair and few passed it from the private sector, but Bahamasair only represents 25 percent of the industry.

“There are other people being affected. They are the people whose voices need to be heard.” Captain Mark Johnson, president of the Bahamas Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) which represents the Bahamasair pilots, did not respond to calls and messages from Tribune Business seeking comment before press time.

However, Mr Brown said Captain Johnson had confirmed to him that the union had met with Mr Francis over the ‘air law exam’ issue. “He said that they were trying to plot the way forward, but Mr Francis was very brief in telling him he had to consult with his team and get back to him,” Mr Brown added. “We have several times asked for a meeting and been denied by them not responding to us.”

Tribune Business understands that the Bahamasair pilots union is waiting for civil aviation and Mr

Francis to come back to it with a confirmed position. The two sides are thought to have discussed a number of potential options, including making it an ‘open book’ exam; extending the deadline beyond the present January 31, 2025, date; or doing away with the examination altogether.

Other sources have backed the arguments by Mr Brown and others that questions appeared to have been ‘copied and pasted’ from a European aviation study guide, and bore little resemblance to the conditions and practices that will be encountered in The Bahamas. They had also encountered difficulties in sourcing study guides and materials and, while not objecting to the exam as a concept, said the contents do not align with what was promised.

One, while acknowledging that they shared his concerns about the nature of the questions being asked, said those relating to locations such as London’s Heathrow airport were still relevant because “your pilot’s licence doesn’t limit you to flying in The Bahamas alone”.

However, they challenged why questions on issues such as visual flight rules (VFR) when flying at night were included given that night flying “was not allowed in The Bahamas”. And the source added: “My biggest concern is that they have a hard deadline of January 31 to take and pass the test.

(c) The Liquidator of the said International Business Company is Deltec Fund Directors Ltd., Deltec House, Lyford Cay, P.O. Box N-3229, Nassau, Bahamas.

Deltec Fund Directors Ltd.

Another aviation contact said they were forced to have the study guides shipped to The Bahamas from the UK. “It’s a Bahamas air law exam so it should be on Bahamian air law,” they said. “This test is not based on Bahamas air law, but is based on questions from the EASA test.” The source also pointed out that the terminology and phraseology are different from what Bahamian pilots are used to.

Bahamian regulators, in unveiling the exam in the summer, said: “Effective June 1, 2024, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Bahamas will be implementing a mandatory air law examination for all airmen seeking initial and renewed licences.

“This examination aims to enhance aviation safety standards by ensuring a comprehensive understanding of aviation regulations and protocols. Bookings for the exam will commence in early May 2024. Please make the necessary arrangements at your earliest convenience to avoid any delays in your licensing process.”

“They had promised there was going to be testing five days per week, and if needed they would open on Saturday to do testing. They still only have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday available, and it’s booked up. It’s booked up from December 13 to January 31. If you’re going to have a such a hard deadline, they need to expand that booking. What I heard is guys are booking multiple slots just in case they fail. It’s not an easy test.”

The Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas added: “Pilots must have a thorough understanding of aviation law to operate aircraft safely, comply with regulations and ensure legal compliance during flights.

“The examination will not necessarily improve your flying skills, but it will improve your knowledge of aviation in The Bahamas and will make you a more proficient and efficient airman in terms of requirements, obligations and rights you as an airman have when operating in The Bahamas.”

Biden says he was ‘stupid’ not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump did

By JOSH BOAK Associated Press

PRESIDENT Joe Biden said Tuesday he was “stupid” not to put his own name on pandemic relief checks in 2021, noting that Donald Trump had done so in 2020 and likely got credit for helping people out through this simple, effective act of branding.

Biden did the secondguessing as he delivered a speech at the Brookings Institution defending his economic record and challenging Trump to preserve Democratic policy ideas when he returns to the White House next month.

As Biden focused on his legacy with his term ending, he suggested Trump should keep the Democrats’ momentum going and ignore the policies of his allies. The president laid out favorable recent economic data but acknowledgedhis rare public regret that he had not been more self-promotional in advertising the financial support provided by his administration as the country emerged from the pandemic.

“I signed the American Rescue Plan, the most significant economic recovery package in our history, and also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden said at the Washington-based think tank. “He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks ... and I didn’t. Stupid.”

The decision by the former reality TV star and

nomic playbook and the future of the American economy at the Brookings Institution in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.

real estate developer to add his name to the checks sent by the U.S. Treasury to millions of Americans struggling during the coronavirus marked the first time a president’s name appeared on any IRS payments.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who replaced him as the Democratic nominee, largely failed to convince the American public of the strength of the economy. The addition of 16 million jobs, funding for infrastructure, new factories and investments in renewable energy were not enough to overcome public exhaustion over inflation, which spiked in 2022 and left many households coping with elevated grocery, gasoline and housing costs.

SMALL BUSINESSES PLAN EVENTS, START MARKETING EARLIER TO DEAL WITH SHORTER HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON

By MAE ANDERSON AP Business Writer

THE holiday shopping season is underway, and this year small businesses have less time to capitalize on the busy shopping period.

Only 27 days separate Thanksgiving and Christmas — five fewer than last year. But there are still ways to make the most of a shorter season.

The National Retail Federation predicts that retail sales will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. Online shopping is expected to grow too. Adobe Digital Insights, a division of software company Adobe, predicts an 8.4% increase online for the full season.

But small businesses have to work extra hard to compete against bigger retailers. One key strategy

is to promote deals to customers wherever you can, from social media to physical ads. Also, cultivate repeat customers by offering special deals to loyalty program members.

Roberta Perry, owner of ScrubzBody Skin Care Products shop in Farmingdale, N.Y., said she started offering a "Buy One, Get One Free" promotion a week early — the Friday before the Black Friday holiday shopping weekend. The holidays are key for her because she makes 30% of her sales in the six week holiday period.

Offering the discount early "has given us the opportunity to hype our own special sales day, and take away some of the pressure from people who start their season the following week," she said. "It also gives us a week before the

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that AARON DEON MISCALIN of Pinewood Gardens, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 4th day of December, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ANSON ANASTA   of P.O. BOX N-772 Cedaway Golden Gates, 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 4th day of December, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Photo:Susan Walsh/AP

More than 6 in 10 voters in November’s election described the economy as “poor” or “not so good,” according to AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of the electorate. Trump won nearly 7 in 10 of the voters who felt the economy was in bad shape, paving the way for a second term as president after his 2020 loss to Biden.

Biden used his speech to argue that Trump was inheriting a strong economy that is the envy of the world. The inflation rate fell without a recession that many economists had viewed as inevitable, while the unemployment rate is a healthy 4.2% and applications to start new businesses are at record levels.

Biden called the numbers under his watch “a new set

of benchmarks to measure against the next four years.”

“President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history,” said Biden, who warned that Trump’s planned tax cuts could lead to massive deficits or deep spending cuts.

He also said that Trump’s promise of broad tariffs on foreign imports would be a mistake, part of a broader push Tuesday by the administration to warn against Trump’s threatened action.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also issued a word of caution about them at a summit of The Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council.

“I think the imposition of broad based tariffs, at least of the type that have been discussed, almost all economists agree this would raise prices on American consumers,” she said.

Biden was also critical of Trump allies who have pushed Project 2025, a policy blueprint from the Heritage Foundation that calls for a complete overhaul of the federal government. Trump has disavowed participation in it, though parts were written by his allies and overlap with his stated views on economics, immigration, education policy and civil rights.

“I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025,” Biden said. “I think it would be an economic disaster.”

wait in line for hot

Tuesday, Nov.

true holiday season begins to send out the orders and get set for the next few weeks."

On Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, she offered a free gift with purchase and then for the rest of the holiday season is offering free gift wrapping and cards.

She also extends her hours in December.

"Anything to make our customers lives easier," she said.

Amy Peterson, co-founder of Rebel Nell, a

jewelry shop in Detroit, dealt with the shorter season by starting promotions early and creating a "Design Your Own Jewelry" event to draw in customers.

"These efforts help us stand out and give customers a reason to shop early and often," she said. The "Design Your Own Jewelry" experience is "a great activity for friends and family, allowing customers to craft something truly unique," she said.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ANYA MICHELLE JASMIN of Fleming Street, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 11th day of December, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that JACKSON DATUS   of Kool Air Subdivision, 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 4th day of December, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

By THALIA BEATY Associated Press

DESPITE years of internal turmoil and changes, Open Society Foundations wants those in the human rights sector to know their movements will still receive support from the organization, its president Binaifer Nowrojee said Tuesday.

The foundations, founded by billionaire investor George Soros and now led by one of his sons, Alex Soros, have historically been one of the largest funders of human rights groups. But since 2021, they closed some of their programs and reduced their staff as part of a major internal reorganization.

In the process, many grantees and others in the human rights movement have waited anxiously to see where the chips would fall.

"A reimagination has taken place under the leadership of the new board chair at Open Society Foundations," Nowrojee said, referring to Alex Soros.

"One of the reasons that we wanted to really reiterate in a large way, with balloons, et cetera, that we are still committed to human rights, is because of this fear that's permeated with the changes that somehow Open Society Foundations is no longer going to be working on rights or equity or justice," she said in advance of Human Rights Day, which the United Nations observes on Dec. 10.

Nowrojee offered few new details about OSF's specific funding priorities, though earlier this year, the foundations committed $400 million toward green jobs and economic development.

Another new program focuses on protecting environmental defenders that will work in a few countries, like Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo and end after five years, said Sharan Srinivas, a director of programs at OSF.

"We did a survey of what other donors are supporting and in general, we saw that this is where the gap is," he said of people who come under attack for defending land, water or other resources. "Especially bilateral donors find it much easier to support global organizations, who

in turn are able to support prominent rights defenders in capital cities who are well known."

One benefit of the limited time horizon, Srinivas said, is his team will mostly make grants of three or five years — longer than OSF's typical grants — and offer grantees more flexibility. It will also have some funds to respond to emergencies for human rights defenders all over the world.

In 2020, OSF was the largest global human rights funder, giving out the most money overall and making the largest number of grants. That's according to the Human Rights Funders Network, a membership organization of grantmakers that tracks philanthropic funding for human rights groups.

"When major funders adjust their priorities, it can have a ripple effect. Their decisions can dramatically impact the human rights movements they once supported, especially in regions where they've been a longtime champion," HRFN wrote in its most recent Advancing Human Rights report from September.

To add to the atmosphere of uncertainty, another major human rights funder, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, announced earlier this year that it would end its work by 2028.

OSF's board aims to employ 600 people in total around the world, Nowrojee said, which is down from a reported 800 in 2021.

Some of the changes OSF made in the last three years include winding down its global public health program and significantly diminishing its programs in the European Union. It spun off its area of work focused on Roma communities into a new organization and issued final grants to many of its partners.

"You never want philanthropy to just be doing the same thing. You want philanthropy to be getting out of stuff," Nowrojee said.

"And so there's large areas of work where huge achievements were made, which we have retreated from, not because we don't think that there's value in them, but the movements themselves have strengthened."

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ANGELA HENRY of Carmichael Road, 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 11th day of December, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

The International Underwater Explorer’s Society (UNEXSO) is currently seeking qualifed applicants to fll the following positions:

• Administration Executive Assistant

• Accounts Receivable Clerk

• Maintenance Assistant

• Marine Mammal Specialist/Dolphin Trainer

• Snorkel Guide

• Boat Captain

• Boat Deck Hand

• Certifed Life Guard

• Bartender/Cashier • Retail Agent

Resumes should be sent via email to

PRESIDENT Joe Biden speaks about his administrations eco-

PEOPLE

donuts at Bryant Park’s Winter Village,

26, 2024, New York.

Photo:Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP

PROPOSED MERGER OF KROGER AND ALBERTSONS IS HALTED BY

FEDERAL, STATE JUDGES

By DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writer

THE proposed merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons floundered on Tuesday after judges overseeing two separate cases both halted the merger.

U.S. District Court Judge Adrienne Nelson issued a preliminary injunction blocking the merger Tuesday after holding a three-week hearing in Portland, Oregon.

Later Tuesday, Judge Marshall Ferguson in Seattle issued a permanent injunction barring the merger in Washington after concluding it would lessen competition in the state and violate Washington's consumer-protection laws.

Kroger and Albertsons said Tuesday they are disappointed in the decisions and are reviewing their options.

The companies could appeal, although the deal could fall apart in the time

it would take for those cases to be considered.

Kroger and Albertsons in 2022 proposed what would be the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history. The companies said a merger would help them better compete with big retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon.

But the Federal Trade Commission sued earlier this year, asking Nelson to block the $24.6 billion deal until an in-house administrative judge at the FTC could consider the merger. Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Wyoming and the District of Columbia joined the FTC's lawsuit.

Nelson agreed to pause the merger, saying that the FTC had shown it was likely to prevail in the administrative hearing. "Any harms defendants experience as a result of the injunction do not overcome the strong public interest in

the enforcement of antitrust law, especially given the difficulty in disentangling a premature merger," she wrote in her opinion.

The FTC called Nelson's decision "a major victory for the American people" that will protect them from higher grocery prices. In Washington, Governorelect Bob Ferguson, who brought the case against Kroger and Albertsons as the state's attorney general, called the state court's decision "an important victory for affordability, worker protections and the rule of law."

A coalition of United Food and Commercial Workers local unions representing more than 100,000 Kroger and Albertsons employees applauded the court decisions Tuesday.

"This mega-merger would be bad for workers who deserve a workplace where they can be paid well for their labor, be safe and be respected," the unions said.

Federal regulators argued that combining the two chains would be bad for consumers and workers by eliminating competition.

"The promise to make a price investment is not legally binding, and the court must give limited weight to a non-binding promise made during these proceedings," she wrote in her decision. Nelson added that the companies can still invest in lower prices if the FTC approves the merger in its administrative hearings.

The federal case now moves to the FTC, although Kroger and Albertsons have asked a different federal judge to block the in-house proceedings. Colorado is also trying to halt the merger in its own state trial.

Kroger had promised to invest $1 billion in lower grocery prices, an additional $1 billion in higher grocery worker wages and $1.3 billion to improve Albertsons stores. But Nelson wasn't swayed.

It is not yet clear what impact the change in administrations will have on the FTC's willingness to consider the merger. In past hearings, lawmakers from both parties were skeptical that the merger would bring down grocery prices.

Kroger and Albertsons currently compete in 22 states, closely matching each other on price, quality, private label products and services like store pickup.

The FTC and the state of Washington argued that a merger would eliminate that competition and raise prices for already struggling consumers. The FTC also said the merger would hurt workers since Kroger and Albertsons would no longer compete to hire them.

But Kroger and Albertsons argued their merger would preserve consumer choice by allowing them to better compete against its growing rivals. In its testimony, Albertsons warned Nelson that it might have to lay off workers, close stores and even exit some markets if the merger weren't allowed to proceed. Under the merger agreement, Kroger and Albertsons would sell 579 stores in places where their locations overlap to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a New Hampshire-based supplier to independent supermarkets that also owns the Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly store brands. The FTC and the state of Washington argued that C&S is ill-prepared to take on the stores and may want the option to sell or close them. Both judges agreed.

"The current competition between Kroger and Albertsons' stores is fierce in the state of Washington," Ferguson said in court before his ruling was released. "Wholesaler C&S, with its limited retail experience and infrastructure, will not be able to replicate the ferocity of that competition or compete effectively in Washington against the colossus that is a merged Kroger and Albertsons."

Kroger, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Ralphs, Smith's and Harris Teeter. Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw's. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people.

Shares in Kroger Co. rose 5% in trading Tuesday, while those in Albertsons Co. fell 2%.

THE EXTERIOR of Kroger’s fulfillment center is shown on July 27, 2022 in Dallas, Tex.

Photo:Rebecca Slezak/AP

Making a $1B investment in the US? Trump pledges expedited permits

— but there are hurdles

By MATTHEW DALY Associated Press PRESIDENT-ELECT

Donald Trump is promising expedited federal permits for energy projects and other construction worth more than $1 billion. But like other Trump plans, the idea is likely to run into regulatory and legislative hurdles, including a landmark law that requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impact before deciding on major projects.

In a post on his Truth Social site Tuesday, Trump said anyone making a $1 billion investment in the United States "will receive fully expedited approvals and permits, including, but in no way limited to, all Environmental approvals."

"GET READY TO ROCK!!!" he added.

While Trump did not specify who would be eligible for accelerated approvals, dozens of energy projects proposed nationwide, from natural gas pipelines and export terminals to solar farms and offshore wind turbines, meet the billion-dollar criteria.

Environmental groups slammed the proposal, calling it illegal on its face and a clear violation of the National Environmental Policy Act, a 54-year-old law that requires federal agencies to study the potential environmental impact of proposed actions and consider alternatives.

"Trump is unabashedly and literally offering to sell out America to the highest corporate bidder,'' said Lena Moffitt, executive

director of Evergreen Action, an environmental group. She said the plan was "obviously illegal" and another example of Trump "putting special interests and corporate polluters in the driver's seat, which would result in more pollution, higher costs and fewer energy choices for the American people."

Alexandra Adams, chief policy advocacy officer at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said Trump should be careful what he wishes for.

"What if someone wants to build a waste incinerator next to Mar-a-Lago or a coal mine next to Bedminster golf course?" she asked, referring to Trump's Florida home and New Jersey golf club, respectively.

"There's a reason Congress requires the government to take a hard look at community impacts to make sure we don't greenlight projects that do more harm than good. Cheerleading on social media doesn't change that reality," Adams said.

Energy analyst Kevin Book said Trump's post showed his usual flair for showmanship but said there was a real concern underlying it: a bipartisan push for permitting reform to speed up major environmental projects that now take years to win approval.

"The substance here is he is really serious about trying to get permitting reform done," said Book, managing partner at ClearView Energy Partners, a Washington research firm.

"Permitting delays are an impediment in many sectors — including energy

— and there are multiple billion-dollar investments waiting for permitting reform," Book said.

A bipartisan plan championed by Senate Energy Committee Chairman Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the committee's top Republican, would speed up permitting for major energy and mineral projects, but its chances are uncertain in the final few weeks of the current Congress.

Their plan would boost energy projects of all types, bringing down prices, creating domestic jobs and allowing the U.S. to continue as a global energy leader, Barrasso and Manchin say.

Critics say the bill would open major expanses of public lands and waters for oil and gas drilling and gut executive and judicial review.

"Checking off wish lists for oil, gas and mining companies is not permitting reform," said Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee. He called the bill "a dirty deal" that would exempt some oil and gas drilling projects from federal review and "let mining companies dump even more toxic waste on our public lands."

Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Trump, said Trump's second term will be a "golden age of regulation-cutting,'' including a promise to "drill, baby, drill.''

"If you want to bring in money, he's going to move heaven and earth to get that

money in the door and get it invested in the United States,'' Miller said Tuesday at a conference organized by the Wall Street Journal. The plan applies to both domestic and foreign investment, Miller said:

"He wants to get the money and he wants to get the regulations cut and get the economy moving again. "

In the short term, Trump's post makes permitting reform less likely this year, Book said, as

chambers of Congress and the

House.

is likely to return quickly in the new year.

Trump says he’ll name Andrew Ferguson head of FTC; Kimberly

Guilfoyle as Ambassador to Greece

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and JILL COLVIN Associated Press

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Donald Trump on Tuesday

named Andrew Ferguson as the next chair of the Federal Trade Commission. He will replace Lina Khan, who became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars' worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior. It was one of several evening announcements Trump made via his social media platform, including that he was naming Kimberly Guilfoyle as Ambassador to Greece, a longtime supporter who was engaged to his son Don Jr., and ally and former inaugural chairman Tom Barrack as Ambassador to Turkey.

Ferguson is already one of the FTC's five commissioners, which is currently made up of three Democrats and two Republicans.

"Andrew has a proven record of standing up to Big Tech censorship, and protecting Freedom of Speech in our Great Country," Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding, "Andrew will be the most America First, and pro-innovation FTC Chair in our Country's History."

The replacement of Khan likely means that the FTC will operate with a lighter touch when it comes to antitrust enforcement. The new chair is expected to appoint new directors of the FTC's antitrust and consumer protection divisions.

"These changes likely will make the FTC more favorable to business than it has been in recent years, though the extent to which is to be determined," wrote Anthony DiResta, a consumer protection attorney at Holland & Knight, in a recent analysis. Deals that were blocked by the Biden administration could find new life with Trump in command.

For example, the new leadership could be more open to a proposed merger between the country's two biggest supermarket chains, Kroger and Albertsons, which forged a $24.6 billion deal to combine in 2022. Two judges halted the merger Tuesday night.

The FTC had filed a lawsuit in federal court earlier this year to block the merger, claiming the deal would eliminate competition, leading to higher prices and lower wages for

workers. The two companies say a merger would help them lower prices and compete against bigger rivals like Walmart. One of the judges said the FTC had shown it was likely to prevail in the administrative hearing.

Yet given the widespread public concern over high grocery prices, the Trump administration may not fully abandon the FTC's efforts to block the deal, some experts have said. And the FTC may continue to scrutinize Big Tech firms for any anticompetitive behavior. Many Republican politicians have accused firms such as Meta of censoring conservative views, and some officials in Trump's orbit, most notably Vice President-elect JD Vance, have previously expressed support for Khan's scrutiny of Big Tech firms.

Barrack, a wealthy financier, met Trump in the 1980s while helping negotiate Trump's purchase of the renowned Plaza Hotel. He was charged with using his personal access to the former president to secretly promote the interests of the United Arab Emirates, but was acquitted of all counts at a federal trial in 2022.

Trump called him a "wellrespected and experienced voice of reason."

Guilfoyle is a former California prosecutor and television news personality who led the fundraising for Trump's 2020 campaign. Trump called her "a close friend and ally," and praised her "sharp intellect make her supremely qualified." She had been engaged to Don Jr. since 2020, they arrived together at the convention center on election night and she was on stage with the family.

"I am so proud of Kimberly. She loves America and she always has wanted to serve the country as an Ambassador. She will be an amazing leader for America First," Don Jr. posted.

Trump also announced Tuesday that he had selected Jacob Helberg as the next undersecretary of state for economic growth, energy and the environment, and Dan Bishop as deputy director for budget at the Office of Budget and Management.

A CREW works on a gas drilling rig at a well site for shale based natural gas in Zelienople, Pa. June 25, 2012.

Photo:Keith Srakocic/AP

Republicans seek to wait until next year when they will control both

White

But the issue

SIGNAGE marks the Federal Trade Commission building in Washington, Jan. 28, 2015.

Photo:Alex Brandon/AP

Wall Street slips to a rare back-to-back loss

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer

U.S. stock indexes drifted lower Tuesday in the runup to the highlight of the week for the market, the latest update on inflation that's coming on Wednesday.

The S&P 500 dipped 0.3%, a day after pulling back from its latest all-time high. They're the first back-to-back losses for the index in nearly a month, as momentum slows following a big rally that has it on track for one of its best years of the millennium.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 154 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.3%.

Tech titan Oracle dragged on the market and sank 6.7% after reporting growth for the latest quarter that fell just short of analysts' expectations. It was one of the heaviest weights on the S&P 500, even though CEO Safra Catz said the company saw record demand related to artificial-intelligence technology for its cloud infrastructure business, which trains generative AI models.

AI has been a big source of growth that's helped many companies' stock prices skyrocket. Oracle's stock had already leaped more than 80% for the year coming into Tuesday, which raised the bar of expectations for its profit report. In the bond market, Treasury yields ticked higher ahead of Wednesday's report on the inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling. Economists expect it to show similar increases as the month before. Wednesday's update and a report on Thursday about inflation at the wholesale level will be the final big pieces of data the Federal Reserve will get before its meeting next week, where many investors expect the year's third cut to interest rates. The Fed has been easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high since September to take pressure off the slowing jobs market, after bringing inflation nearly down to its 2% target. Lower rates would help give support to the economy, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation.

Expectations for a series of cuts through next year have been a big reason the S&P 500 has set so many records this year. Trading in the options market suggests traders aren't expecting a very big move for U.S. stocks following Wednesday's report, according to strategists at Barclays. But a reading far off expectations in either direction could quickly change that.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.22% from 4.20% late Monday. Even though the Fed has been cutting its main interest rate, mortgage rates have been more stubborn to stay high and have been volatile since the autumn. That has hampered the housing industry, and homebuilder Toll Brothers' stock fell 6.9% even though it delivered profit and revenue for the latest quarter

that topped analysts' expectations.

CEO Douglas Yearley Jr. said the luxury builder has been seeing strong demand since the start of its fiscal year six weeks ago, an encouraging signal as it approaches the beginning of the spring selling season in mid-January. Elsewhere on Wall Street, Alaska Air Group soared 13.2% after raising its forecast for profit in the current

quarter. The airline said demand for flying around the holidays has been stronger than expected. It also approved a plan to buy back up to $1 billion of its stock, along with new service from Seattle to Tokyo and Seoul.

Boeing climbed 4.5% after saying it's resuming production of its bestselling plane, the 737 Max, for the first time since 33,000 workers began a sevenweek strike that ended in early November. Vail Resorts rose 2.5% after the ski resort operator reported a smaller first-quarter loss than analysts expected in what is traditionally its worst quarter. All told, the S&P 500 fell 17.94 points to 6,034.91. The Dow dipped 154.10 to 44,247.83, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 49.45 to 19,687.24.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in China after the world's second-largest economy said its exports rose by less than expected in November. Stocks rose 0.6% in Shanghai but fell 0.5% in Hong Kong.

MARINE FORECAST

Photo:Peter Morgan/AP

GM to retreat from robotaxis and stop funding its Cruise autonomous vehicle unit

By TOM KRISHER AP Auto Writer

GENERAL Motors said

Tuesday it will retreat from the robotaxi business and stop funding its moneylosing Cruise autonomous vehicle unit.

Instead the Detroit automaker will focus on development of partially automated driver-assist systems for personal vehicles like its Super Cruise, which allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel.

GM said it would get out of robotaxis "given the considerable time and resources that would be needed to scale the business, along with an increasingly competitive robotaxi market."

The company said it will combine Cruise's technical team with its own to work on advanced systems to assist drivers.

GM bought control of San Francisco-based Cruise automation in 2016 with high hopes of developing a profitable fleet of robotaxis.

Over the years GM invested billions in the subsidiary and eventually bought 90% of the company from investors, all while racking up millions in losses.

GM's brushoff of Cruise represents a dramatic about-face from years of full-blown support that left a huge financial dent in the automaker. The company invested $2.4 billion in Cruise only to sustain years of uninterrupted losses, with little in return. Since GM bought a controlling stake in Cruise for $581 million in 2016, the robotaxi service piled up more than $10 billion in operating losses while bringing in less than $500 million in revenue, according to GM shareholder reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The automaker even announced plans for Cruise to generate $1 billion in annual revenue by 2025, but it scaled back spending on the company after one of its autonomous Chevrolet Bolts dragged a San Francisco pedestrian who was

hit by another vehicle in 2023.

The California Public Utilities Commission alleged Cruise then covered up details of the crash for more than two weeks.

The embarrassing incident resulted in Cruise's license to operate its driverless fleet in California being suspended by regulators and triggered a purge of its leadership — in addition to

layoffs that jettisoned about a quarter of its workforce.

GM CEO Mary Barra told analysts on a conference call Tuesday the the new unit will focus on personal vehicles and developing systems that can drive by themselves in certain circumstances.

The company has agreements to buy another 7% of Cruise and intends to buy the remaining shares so it owns the whole company.

Trustee over Infowars auction asks court to approve The Onion's winning bid

By DAVE COLLINS Associated Press

A TRUSTEE who oversaw the Infowars bankruptcy auction told a judge Tuesday that he picked The Onion's bid for the conspiracy-filled platform because was it far better than the only other proposal he received, from a company affiliated with Alex Jones. Trustee Christopher Murray testified during the second day of a hearing where a judge is scrutinizing Murray's decision to name

the satirical news outlet's offer as the winning bid after a November auction that Jones alleges involved fraud and collusion.

"Only two people showed up to bid and … one was just better than the other," Murray testified, referring to The Onion. Asked how much better it was, he said "by a lot."

It is not clear how quickly U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston will rule. Testimony on Tuesday was expected to go into the evening.

The Onion, which wants to turn Infowars' website and social media accounts into parodies, offered $1.75 million in cash and other incentives for Infowars' assets in the auction that concluded on Nov. 14. First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones' name that sells nutritional supplements, bid $3.5 million.

Although The Onion's cash offer was lower than that of First United American, it also included a pledge by many of the

Sandy Hook families to forgo $750,000 of the auction proceeds due to them and give it to other creditors, providing the other creditors more money than they would receive under First United American's bid.

Lopez could ultimately decide whether to void The Onion's bid, name the Jones-affiliated company the winner or hold another auction, among other possibilities.

Jones did not attend the proceedings and instead

The move is another step back from autonomous vehicles, which have proved far harder to develop than companies once anticipated. Two years ago, crosstown rival Ford Motor Co. disbanded its Argo AI autonomous vehicle venture in Pittsburgh that it co-owned with Volkswagen.

At the time the company said it didn't see a path to profitability for a number of years.

Yet other companies are pressing forward with plans to deploy autonomous vehicles and expanding their services.

Alphabet Inc.'s Waymo is accelerating plans to broaden its robotaxi service beyond areas of metropolitan Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Last week the company said it would begin testing its driverless Jaguars in Miami next year, with plans to start charging for rides in 2026.

The move comes less than a month after Waymo opened up its robotaxi service to anyone looking for a ride in an 80-square-mile (129 square kilometer) area

broadcast from his studios in Austin.

"I can't imagine the judge would certify this fraud," Jones said on his show Tuesday. "I mean it's headspinning the stuff they did and what they claimed."

The trustee and The Onion deny the allegations from Jones and the company and accuse them of sour grapes. If The Onion wins, Jones expects to be kicked out of the Infowars studio and its web and social media platforms.

Alex Jones' bankruptcy case

The sale of Infowars is part of Jones' personal bankruptcy case, which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay nearly

of Los Angeles. Waymo also has plans to launch fleets in Atlanta and Austin next year in partership with ride-hailing leader Uber.

In April, a company called Aurora Innovation plans to start hauling freight on Texas freeways using fully driverless semis. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said his company plans to have autonomous Models Y and 3 running without human drivers next year. Robotaxis without steering wheels using Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" system would be available in 2026 starting in California and Texas, he said.

But an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into Full Self-Driving's ability to see in low visibility conditions cast doubt on whether Teslas are ready to be deployed without humans behind the wheel.

The agency began the investigation in October after getting reports of four crashes involving "Full Self-Driving" when Teslas encountered sun glare, fog and airborne dust.

$1.5 billion in defamation lawsuits in Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Jones repeatedly called the 2012 shooting that killed 20 children and six educators a hoax staged by actors and aimed at increasing gun control. Parents and children of many of the victims testified in court that they were traumatized by Jones' conspiracies and threats from his followers. Jones has since acknowledged that the Connecticut school shooting happened. Most of the proceeds from the sale of Infowars, as well as many of Jones' personal assets, will go to the Sandy Hook families.

CRUISE AV, General Motor’s autonomous electric Bolt EV, is seen on Jan. 16, 2019, in Detroit. Photo:Paul Sancya/AP