12192023 BUSINESS

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023

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By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved doubling its crisis financing facility for The Bahamas to $200m after combined Dorian and COVID losses matched this nation’s annual economic output.

Documents seen by Tribune Business show the multilateral lender’s executive directors on December 7, 2023, agreed to increase this nation’s contingent credit facility (CCF) by 100

percent from the original $100m to enable it to cope with healthrelated pandemics as well as catastrophic hurricanes.

Accompanying reports revealed that The Bahamas is estimated to have suffered $13.1bn in total losses as a result of Dorian and the pandemic, a sum that is almost equal to the $13.526bn economic output - or gross domestic product (GDP) - this country is forecast to generate during the current 2023-2024 fiscal year.

And, further illustrating The Bahamas’ need to have financing

Bahamian ‘Russian roulette’ with 30% uninsured drivers

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas is “really playing Russian roulette on the road” with its citizens’ lives by failing to crack down on the estimated 25-30 percent of drivers who are uninsured, insurers warned yesterday.

Both Anton Saunders, RoyalStar Assurance’s managing director, and Timothy Ingraham, Summit Insurance Company’s chief executive, confirmed to Tribune Business that the industry has proposed digital-based solutions to the authorities that would help prevent the numerous “horror stories” resulting from traffic

fatalities, injuries and economic loss caused by uninsured drivers.

Speaking after the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s traffic division head revealed that 50 percent, or half, of all vehicles involved in accidents in 2023 were uninsured, they argued that the failure to follow through with an electronic system that links the police to the Road Traffic Department and private insurer databases is creating loopholes that rogue drivers exploit with impunity.

However, Mr Ingraham said he had been informed that government officials were “expecting approval” to “move forward any day now” with the first element of that project which

would allow property and casualty insurers to send digital motor vehicle insurance certificates directly to Road Traffic.

This will confirm whether drivers possess the proper insurance, and help alert the authorities as to whether the necessary coverage has been renewed by the due date or if it has expired - a first step in trying to detect and catch those driving without protection.

“The police have the facts more than us,” Mr Saunders told this newspaper over assertions by Chief Superintendent David Lockhart, the police traffic division head, that half the vehicles involved in traffic accidents are not insured.

No Xmas ‘shock’ over food prices JOHN RAY

BRIAN SIMMS KC

FTX Chapter 11 plan needs Bahamas deal

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net PLANS to bring FTX out of bankruptcy protection in the US cannot be finalised without agreement with their Bahamian counterparts as “ongoing good faith negotiations” between the two sides continue.

John Ray, head of the 134 FTX entities presently in Chapter 11 protection under the Delaware Bankruptcy Court, at the weekend unveiled a reorganisation strategy to bring the crypto exchange out of bankruptcy that contains multiple footnotes showing key aspects are subject to agreement with the liquidators of its Bahamian subsidiary.

SEE PAGE B5

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net SUPER Value’s president yesterday said consumers “won’t be shocked” by food costs over the Christmas period as she voiced hope for price stability in 2024.

Debra Symonette told Tribune Business that food price inflation is “definitely not as bad as it was”, with increases having abated compared to the immediate post-COVID period and relatively few products increasing or decreasing in cost.

Speaking after one of Super Value’s major competitors, BISXlisted AML Foods, said it had witnessed “price deflation” in certain categories of products, she confirmed that such trends have yet to become broad-based when it comes to food costs but pledged: “If we get a break, the consumer will get a break.”

“The only item we have gone down on recently is corn beef, and that is because we had bought in such bulk that we got a good price on it, and we were able to offer customers a good price,” Ms Symonette told this newspaper.

“And the only item we have gone

DAMAGE DONE BY HURRICANE DORIAN available to meet the demands of future emergencies, the IDB report said hurricane-related catastrophes have inflicted more than $6.7bn in total damages over the two decades between 2002 and 2022, with that figure exceeding more than 50 percent of this nation’s 2021 GDP.

As for COVID-19, the IDB revealed that the pandemic has been responsible for 844 deaths in The Bahamas through to July 12, 2023, with some 38,000 persons almost one in every ten residents - having been infected by the virus over a three-and-a-half year

SEE PAGE B4

t &OEJOH BDDJEFOU AIPSSPS TUPSJFT OPU ASPDLFU TDJFODF t *OTVSFST BXBJU BDUJPO PWFS EJHJUBM CBTFE TPMVUJPOT t 6SHJOH UPVHIFS QFOBMUJFT BOE TUSJDUFS FOGPSDFNFOU “If the police are saying 50 percent of the people are not insured, then we in The Bahamas are really playing Russian roulette on the road,” the RoyalStar chief asserted. “To tackle this, this is not rocket science. You go down south,

SEE PAGE B4

up on in any significant amount recently is juice, like the Bluebird and McArthur’s, because the vendor went up on price.

“Otherwise, all of the other items have been remaining stable, which is very good. We are hoping this will continue, but we will not get our hopes up on prices that they will not go up in the New Year.” The Super Value president said that, as a country that imports at least 90 percent of what it consumes, The Bahamas is at the mercy of external forces such as global oil prices when it comes to the cost of goods.

Sir Franklyn Wilson, the Arawak Homes and Sunshine Holdings chairman, on Monday said AML Foods’ disclosure should “change the mood” and improve consumer confidence heading into 2024. However, Gavin Watchorn, AML Foods president and chief executive, in his report to shareholders signalled that the price decline is not widespread and gave no indication of whether it its sustainable.

And Ms Symonette indicated that price stability, rather than decreases, is likely to be the best consumers can hope for in the short-term. “There are certain items we may have seen slight decreases in, but there are others we are seeing increases in every now and then,” she explained. “I know eggs is one that decreased and is going up again slightly. I think we also saw a slight increase in sugar.

SEE PAGE B5

THE OPENING ceremony of the British Colonial.

Photo:Dante Carrer

British Colonial employs ‘stair step’ opening plan

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net THE British Colonial’s general manager yesterday affirmed the resort is “being very conservative” following its re-opening so as not to “overwhelm our staff” with a sudden surge in visitor demand.

Dan McDermott said initial occupancies at the downtown Nassau property is where the resort projected them to be, but management remains keen to avoid selling rooms at

the “wrong price point” until they better understand the market response.

He explained that staff are still being trained and using new software and, while daily room rates will likely increase, the resort is taking a “stair step” approach to ramping up its business following some $100m in renovations under owner, China Construction America (CCA).

Mr McDermott said: “We’re being very conservative. I mean, we could sell more rooms, but we don’t want to sell at the

SEE PAGE B4

PAGE 2, Tuesday, December 19, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

TOURISM PARTNERS HAIL NEW LONG ISLAND AIRLIFT SERVICE THE Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and private sector partners have hailed last week’s launch of twice-weekly non-stop flights to Long Island by Makers Air. The service, which began on Thursday, December 14, service will operate using nine-seater Cessna Grand Caravans between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and Stella Maris Airport every Thursday and Sunday.

Dr Kenneth Romer, the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation’s deputy director-general, said in a statement: “Supporting additional airlift, along with advancing plans for the construction of a new airport in Deadman’s Cay, are part of the Government’s Family Islands renaissance Project.

“Our main priority as an organisation is to continue to grow air stopover arrivals and engage with new source markets. We are grateful for our partnership with Makers Air and their dedication to providing easy, reliable and convenient flights to the islands of The Bahamas.”

Kerry Fountain, the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board’s executive director, added: “Today marks the beginning of a

thrilling journey as we inaugurate new airline service with Makers Air from Fort Lauderdale’s Executive Airport to Stella Maris, Long Island, Bahamas.

“We are fully committed to making it easier to get to all of our family of Out Islands, especially from South Florida, with partners like Makers Air that offer customer convenience, safety, innovation and impeccable service. We look forward to soaring to new heights together.”

David Hocher, owner and president, Makers Air, said: “As we embark on this exciting journey to Stella Maris, Long Island, we are thrilled to bring a direct

connection from Florida to this hidden gem in The Bahamas. Long Island has so much to offer and, with this new route, we hope to provide a much-needed travel option to both vacationers and residents.”

The flights are scheduled to depart Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport at 1pm for Stella Maris, and will depart Stella Maris at 3.30pm for Fort Lauderdale. Visitors to Long Island can explore attractions such as Dean’s Blue Hole, Hamilton’s Cave, coral reefs, flats and beaches.

Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort’s general manager, Greg Vogt, said: “We are delighted to welcome

Makers Air to Long Island, a testament to our destination’s allure. With this direct service, accessing the beauty and charm of Long Island has never been more convenient. Your journey awaits, effortlessly bridging Fort Lauderdale to the enchanting landscape and unparalleled white sand beaches.”

The new route adds to Makers Air’s selection of daily flights to the Family Islands. This includes flights from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) to Cat Island; Staniel Cay; Chub Cay; Great Harbour Cay; San Andros; Fresh Creek; Congo Town; North Eleuthera; and Rock Sound.

ALASKA AIRLINES LAUNCHES LA ROUTE TO THE BAHAMAS ALASKA Airlines has expanded airlift to The Bahamas by launching nonstop flights from the US West Coast to Nassau via Los Angeles and SeattleTacoma airports.

Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, said the new routes will help The Bahamas drive continued growth in total visitor arrivals that will this year exceed the eight million mark.

“The Bahamas is committed to establishing new partnerships, such as these exciting new routes with Alaska Airlines, that will enhance accessibility to our beautiful shores for all to experience the warm hospitality and rich heritage that awaits,” he added.

“In 2023, we surpassed record-breaking tourism arrivals eclipsing eight million visitors, and with this new service anticipate this momentum to continue steadfast.”

The direct service will operate four-times weekly from Los Angeles and threetimes weekly from Seattle.

Kirsten Amrine, Alaska Airlines’ vice-president of revenue management and network planning, said the new Bahamas routes will allow Seattle and Los Angeles residents to conveniently access this nation with the airline ‘opening gateways’ to new destinations.

She said: “Our roster of increased flight service is transporting passengers to countries we’ve never served before, opening gateways to exciting new destinations.

“For the first time, with the launch of our new routes from both Seattle and Los Angeles to Nassau, our West Coast travellers can visit the pristine islands and turquoise waters of The Bahamas.”

Passengers arrived to Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) last week were greeted with a Junkanoo welcome.

BAHAMAS MOVING TOURISM BEYOND ‘SUN, SAND AND SEA’ THE Bahamas is working to expand its tourism model beyond the traditional ‘sun, sand and sea’ attraction, the deputy prime minister says.

Chester Cooper, also minister of tourism, investments and aviation, speaking at the arrival of Alaska Airlines’ first-ever flight to The Bahamas, said: “We’re launching new programmes in sustainable tourism so that the world understands that it’s beyond sun, sand and sea, but we have a rich heritage.

“We have a rhythmic, vibrant culture. Of course there are the idyllic waters, and of course the fabulous beaches that all of our guests come to enjoy.

But beyond sun and sea is

CHESTER COOPER where we going in 2024. We will continue to share the richness of our culture and our people.”

The Bahamas is “strategically positioned” to take

advantage of airlines wanting to make the country a prime destination for travellers because of its US pre-clearance and Transportation Security Agency (TSA) pre-check facilities that make it an international hub.

Mr Cooper said: “I announced in Parliament several months ago that we are working on a strategic partnership for Bahamasair (with Qatar Airways). For technical, financial feasibility and business planning studies. We’ve talked a lot with them about creating hubs in The Bahamas, and for the Caribbean.

“We are in active discussions about cargo. We’re looking at the possibility of

expanding the cargo business in Grand Bahama and, of course, we are seeing how we might continue to advance the planning and development for Exuma as the hub for the south and central Bahamas and, of course, Nassau is the hub for the rest of the Caribbean region.

“So we are drawing on their expertise. You would know that Qatar Airways, one of the most profitable airlines in the world, and their chief executive recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award for the various successes. So we’re in good company, and we continue to dialogue with them this week and the prospects are promising.”

SCOTIABANK BAHAMAS WINS GLOBAL RECOGNITION SCOTIABANK Bahamas has been recognised

by The Banker magazine as the Bank of the Year 2023.

“Receiving yet another international award is an honour and testament to the significant investments Scotiabank has made in digitisation and enhancing customer engagement,” said Roger Archer, Scotiabank Bahamas managing director.

“These strides, along with the hard work and commitment demonstrated by our staff each day, will further solidify our reputation as a market leader in service quality and position the bank to set and achieve new standards in the coming years.”

Scotiabank Bahamas, in a statement, said it flourished in 2023 due mainly to

network optimisation and service enhancement strategies. Digital transformation initiatives geared towards customer needs, and the unveiling of new e-commerce solutions, also drove the bank’s performance, it added.

The Canadian-owned institution especially highlighted its Scotia Ecom+ product that allows businesses, ranging in size from micro to large, to accept online payments. It added that this has also enhanced operational efficiency and accessibility for both individuals and businesses.

Across Scotiabank’s global operations, similar Bank of the Year 2023 accolades have also been secured in Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Islands.

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THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, December 19, 2023, PAGE 3

BAHAMASAIR GROUNDINGS FORCE PLANE ‘WET LEASING’

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net BAHAMASAIR has entered into “wet leasing arrangements” with a US company to temporarily rent planes, and enlisted Western Air’s support, after several of its own aircraft were grounded by mechanical woes.

Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister, and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, said the national flag carrier has been experiencing a “combination of issues” that forced it to take on wet leasing agreements.

He explained that due to mechanical issues some Bahamasair planes were grounded, while the weather and conditions at certain Family Island airports led to flight delays and cancellations over the weekend.

“There have been a combination of issues that impacted Bahamasair over

the past few days,” Mr Cooper said. “There were issues involving weather, other issues beyond Bahamasair’s control, certain issues related to airports in Rock Sound in particular, Marsh Harbour, Georgetown, Exuma.

“Bahamasair has also experienced some mechanical issues on some of its planes. They have grounded those planes in the interest of public safety. You would know Bahamasair has an impeccable track record when it comes to safety. So at the moment, the company is engaged with wet leasing arrangements with an entity out of Florida and, of course, Western Air is providing some support as well.”

Mr Cooper added that the airline has recently acquired a new jet aircraft, which will allow it to expand its routes, and he is working with the Ministry of Finance to acquire funding to outfit Family Island airports with lighting

BAHAMASAIR BOEING JET so they can accommodate night flights.

He said: “We’ve had a 737, a new one, arrive yesterday. That is going to ease a lot of burden in terms of capacity for Bahamasair, and this is going to help us to expand new routes.

“We are working along with the Ministry of Finance to provide additional funding for further enhancements to all of our airports to allow night flying. I think this is an issue

for Bahamasair, given its limited capacity in terms of equipment, having to put all of the routes within daylight timeframe which sometimes becomes extremely challenging.”

Mr Cooper said a team from Qatar Airways is currently meeting with Bahamasair management to lend support and discuss “developing cargo possibilities”.

He said: “We are working along with Qatar Airways,

one of the largest and most successful airlines in the world, for technical support and assistance. We have a team in New Providence today, in Grand Bahama today as well, really to look at the possibilities of developing cargo possibilities, as well as to work with the management team at Bahamasair to provide certain support that’s going to really bolster the airline for the future.”

Bahamasair issued a statement on Sunday apologising for flight delays and cancellations over the weekend. It said “adverse” weather in the north-west Bahamas and South Florida, along with equipment and infrastructure challenges, contributed to challenges in their operation.

Mr Cooper said that Bahamasair can be a “very viable” airline with financial, technical and stakeholder support, and he hopes “the worst is behind us” over the recent problems.

He added: “I am confident about the possibilities that Bahamasair has. I think it can be a very viable commercial operation, and with consistent technical support and financial support, and with the ongoing support of the Bahamian staff, we believe that we will make the Bahamian people proud of what Bahamasair can be.

“So this is a work in progress. We are thankful to the Bahamian people for their love and support for Bahamasair, the pride that they exude when Bahamasair arrives. I really want to say a special thank you to the Bahamian people for their patronage.

“Bahamasair issued a statement yesterday, apologising for many of the cancellations that have happened within the last week, and we hope that the worst is behind us and we look forward to continuing safe, productive service from Bahamasair as our national airline moving into the future.”

No Junkanoo bleachers complaints voiced - yet

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net DOWNTOWN Nassau businesses have not complained about Junkanoo bleachers impeding Christmas trade yet even though there is still “some room for improvement” over their set-up.

Senator Randy Rolle, the Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation’s global relations consultant, told Tribune Business that Bay Street merchants have a vibrant What’s App group and “no one” has voice concern about the bleachers yet.

“We spoke about it in the initial stages, but the putting up of the additional bleachers later than they usually do, that was to give the merchants as much time as possible to take advantage of the Christmas rush,” he added. “We’ve gotten better, and there is some room for improvement, but it is something that we are aware of that has affected merchants for a very long time now.”

George Mousis, Athena Café’s general manager, said the bleachers add to the “overall chaos” downtown already. “We already have a shortage of parking, we’re already having issues with the vendors delivering inventory because of no parking. So we can’t get our inventory and the bleachers add to it,” he added.

SENATOR RANDY ROLLE The level of potential obstruction varies by business, with much depending on where they are located. Retailers on side streets off Bay Street have been having “no issues”, one general manager, speaking on condition of anonymity, said.

Another from Cariloha, speaking under condition of anonymity, added: “We

mainly get tourists coming in from the cruise ships, so they aren’t blocking traffic for us because the people don’t come from the direction where the bleachers are. They don’t have to walk into the front of our store.

They can walk directly from the cruise ship to our store because they are coming from right across from the cruise port.”

Mr Rolle added: “My understanding is that every year, bleachers go up only as far as Frederick Street on both sides of the street.

They said they are erecting the bleachers in a phased approach. The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture is also working with the Central Police Station, and so there is an effort by all of the stakeholders in the downtown area to ensure that process gives minimal impact to the parties involved.”

Meanwhile, the demolition of derelict buildings downtown is continuing with the pace set to accelerate in the 2024 first quarter as three buildings on East Bay Street are targeted for demolition. The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation has received the go-ahead to raze them.

Mr Rolle said: “We have another building that we are waiting for the all clear on. This is the building that is opposite the Bethel’s Estates building, and there’s also three other buildings that we’ve identified and, hopefully by the first quarter, we will be able to continue along with some initiatives.

“We plan to make green spaces out of all of the open spaces we have created downtown. This will give the businesses some time to make up their mind to do something with their property in the meantime.”

Salvation Army sees Xmas donations fall

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE SALVATION Army yesterday revealed Christmas donations have declined this year despite launching collections at new locations with donor numbers remaining unchanged.

Roodolph Meo, its Bahamas divisional commander, told Tribune Business that this year’s donations have been smaller compared to previous years even though more kettle-bell sites have opened around New Providence. “We are now at the Meat Max on Carmichael Road, John Bull in the Harbour Bay Plaza, as well as

the Commonwealth Bank on Cable Beach,” he added.

Some former locations have been “cancelled”, but the major sites such as at the Mall at Marathon and Super Value Golden Gates are still high-traffic areas for donations. “The civic clubs are also helping the Salvation Army and kettling for us, and have been doing so around Nassau.

That has been very profitable for us,” Mr Meo said.

“I think we are still dealing with the economic crisis, and I’ve seen a drop in the amount given, but not basically in the amount of the givers. It has reduced drastically, but they still give us something anyway. It’s not that some of the givers will

stop, but I know they will give as much as they can, which we really appreciate and we’re grateful for.”

The Salvation Army also reminded Bahamians that their donations finance its social assistance initiatives year-round, not just at Christmas time, as it has a daily feeding programme to fund at its Mackey Street headquarters.

Mr Meo added: “This is what I would want people to understand. When you’re giving a donation to the Salvation Army during this Christmas season, this is what will help us to carry out and to maintain our programmes throughout the year, because it is the

only major fundraising that we do across the world.”

The Salvation Army also has monthly parcel distributions which service an average 150 households per month. “We believe in helping the people, and whatever the amount it is, it goes towards that. I really want to encourage the people to support the Salvation Army. We don’t blow our own trumpet but there is a lot that has been going on,” Mr Meo said.

JOHN PINDER

MP WORKING TO ‘MITIGATE’ ABACO WATER BILLING WOE

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net AN Abaco MP yesterday said he is working with the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) to alleviate consumer woes caused by back billing and mass disconnections.

John Pinder, also parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, said he is seeking to “mitigate the unwanted headache” caused by the Corporation billing consumers for thousands of dollars over four years’ worth of service dating back to Hurricane Dorian’s immediate aftermath.

While the state-owned utility had waited four years to bill Abaco residents, and some bills have “discrepancies”, Mr Pinder said other customers owed arrears pre-dating Dorian.

Mr Pinder said: “I have been working with the minister in charge, Myles Laroda, as well as the general manager for Water and Sewerage, Mr Deal, and we are working through those issues. It was about four years before any bills were put out there, and some of them do have discrepancies. Some of them have been outstanding previous to Dorian.

“There are a lot of accounting issues that

have to take place, but I’ve been working closely with them to try to mitigate the unwanted headache that our Abaconians are facing with the water situation.” Mr Pinder added that Abaco still has many infrastructure issues and, as the Water & Sewerage Corporation fixes them, they will need accounts to be brought up-to-date.

He said “many hundreds” of residents have delinquent accounts, and that he is working with the utility to have them brought current and increase the amount of potable water available in Abaco.

Mr Pinder said: “There are many infrastructure problems still at hand that we’re working on, and as they are fixed, you’ll find that we need these kinds of accounts to come to a good standing balance and, in the same thing, to take into consideration that Abaconians have gone through a lot, through Dorian, through COVID and are just now getting back on their feet.

“I’ve been working with them, and we’ll work through it, and we’ll make sure that we have a steady supply of potable water but also make sure we get some of these accounts up and in good standing. We’re talking about many hundreds of accounts that are delinquent. It’s going to be a process, but I’m working with them.”

PAGE 4, Tuesday, December 19, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMIAN ‘RUSSIAN ROULETTE’ WITH 30% UNINSURED DRIVERS Bahamian roads is a longstanding issue but little progress has been made in implementing the proposed solutions. “As far as I’m aware, nothing has been done with any of the suggestions,” he told Tribune Business.

“The digitisation programme that the Government is moving forward, I think that paused recently, although I understand it’s about to restart again.

That had a component that allows us to issue a certificate of insurance directly to Road Traffic saying a person’s insurance is active.

“If the insurance has expired it’s all electronic, so it would go in the police system and Road Traffic Department system that the insurance on this vehicle has expired and not been renewed. Putting insurance certificates on the blockchain makes it very difficult for someone to duplicate.

It really has the potential to eliminate or reduce the amount of fraud we see.”

The Summit Insurance chief confirmed that another aspect of this initiative to combat uninsured drivers would involve equipping the Royal Bahamas Police Force with hand-held scanners the

size of cell phones, so they could randomly scan vehicle licence plates.

This would “take them into the Road Traffic Department database and they would know right away that vehicle’s insurance is active or has expired”, Mr Ingraham added, indicating he had received word the Government was about to resume work on Road Traffic’s digitisation.

“I’ve been asking questions about it, and I understand the new team in place is moving that forward, and expects approval to move it forward any day now,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll start to see that come on stream early in the New Year when we start to deal with some of these issues.”

Mr Ingraham disclosed there had also been discussions at the BIA level about creating an “insurance disc”, which would carry the underwriter’s name and date of policy expiry, and be placed on the inside of auto windscreens. This, he added, would enable the police to better check whether the vehicle was insured until the digital solution was implemented.

“Something like that probably needs to be looked at,” he added. “It’s a

problem from the perspective of an uninsured driver getting into an accident, and someone in the other vehicle is injured. Who pays their medical bills?

“I’ve seen where bread winners are badly injured or killed, and the insurer pays out a robust amount of money in some cases to ensure victims and their families retain a reasonable quality of life. It’s critical that vehicles be insured if they are on the roads. The potential to ruin somebody’s life is quite high.”

The Summit chief executive, asked how many Bahamian drivers are likely uninsured, replied: “The last time we did any type of estimation was several years ago. Brian Self led the effort. He estimated about that about 30 percent of vehicles on the roads are uninsured.

“That was a few years back, and it’s not too difficult to believe at this point that it has become higher.

We have more vehicles on the road these days, and you imagine we have more people in financial difficulties who elect not to become insured.”

DORIAN AND COVID-19 COST BAHAMAS ONE YEAR’S GDP

access to emergency funding in the wake of disasters, the IDB report added: “The country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the potential of public health emergencies, under the current macroeconomic juncture, highlight the importance of implementing measures that can help increase The Bahamas’ economic and fiscal resilience to disaster risk.

“The two recent emergencies caused by external shocks, Hurricane Dorian and the pandemic, are estimated to have cost the country $13.1bn.” It also warned that climate change will increase floodexposed areas in Nassau by 8 percent over the next quarter-century to 2050.

“Disaster risk in the country is considered high due mainly to socioeconomic factors, such as the location of communities and infrastructure, mostly in coastal areas,” the IDB said. “These trends are likely to worsen because of climate change.

“With most of its territory a few metres above mean sea level, The Bahamas is highly vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surge associated with increasing

intensity of extreme weather events due to the impacts of climate change.

Likely impacts include coastal flooding and erosion, mangrove retreat, decreased seagrass bed productivity and saltwater intrusion into existing small lenses of fresh groundwater.

“A study conducted by the IDB indicates that the probable flood exposed area in Nassau will expand 8 percent by 2050 due to the increasing precipitation caused by climate change. The Government of The Bahamas recognises the need to strengthen measures to adequately address the impacts of climate change, based on lessons learned from past events, such as the extensive damage caused by Dorian....

“The new Disaster Risk Management Act of December 2022 fully incorporates climate change issues, stating that its purpose is to develop, promote and implement a disaster risk management approach that is, holistic, comprehensive, integrated and proactive in mitigating the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of disasters, including climate change.”

before we really get the events moving.”

The British Colonial will employ more than 300 staff, and Mr McDermott said that once the restaurants and events are online they will be “very close” to that number.

He added: “I think we’re getting there. I mean, we have some people on hold

just because the restaurants are on hold and the event space. So, once the restaurants come back online, and those are new concept restaurants - these aren’t restaurants that were there before - and once the meeting space gets online we’ll be very close to that 300 number.”

FROM PAGE B1 down south, or you go north. The blueprint is there.

“It’s the will of the administration, whichever administration it is, to deal with it and deal with it properly. The solution is there in many countries once they do it properly. Others have dealt with this. There ain’t no sense reinventing the wheel. Let’s apply what’s best for us.” Mr Saunders said part of the solution lies in stricter enforcement of the law and more severe penalties for those caught driving without insurance.

“If you are driving without insurance or registration, the car is impounded at a proper impound place.

The driver cannot recover the car unless they pay the impound fee and court fee, and all those things,” he added. “And if the police catch you out there without those things, there are tremendous fines they can impose.”

Mr Saunders said uninsured drivers, who are caught and booked by the police, are too often let go or receive relatively minor punishment and continue with their law-breaking.

FROM PAGE B1 period.

Government’s “extraordinary” spending to combat COVID is close to half a billion dollars, standing at around $465m at end-June 2023.

The Government used $80m of the original $100m crisis financing facility to address “the humanitarian crisis” created by Hurricane Dorian in Grand Bahama and Abaco and, with its full replenishment approved back in August, the IDB has now moved to grant the Government’s request that it be doubled to $200m.

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in May 2020 the bank approved a new expansion of the CCF to include public health risks,” the IDB confirmed.

“In this context, due to the country’s high exposure and vulnerability to public health events, the Government requested the bank to modify the contingent loan to increase the total loan amount by an additional $100m.... to a total of $200m in order to incorporate

“We are playing Russian roulette,” he reiterated.

“You should really go and talk to those people involved in accidents where the other person was driving without insurance and see the devastation caused.

I have some friends and colleagues in the same position. It’s devastating.

You need to contact those people, and you will hear the horror stories of what they are going through now and everything else.

It could happen to any one of us out there. Someone hits us, changes our lives without any compensation. If the police are saying 50 percent of persons involved in accidents are ‘x’, I believe the figure will be 25 percent of persons driving on the road with no insurance,” Mr Saunders continued.

“If you take the statistics that come into our office, 25 percent of our comprehensive insurance clients involved in accidents are hit by someone with no insurance. Until we start enforcing these things, and start ensuring those people who are liable pay, it’s going to continue.”

Chief Superintendent Lockhart partially blamed the level of non-insurance

coverage for public health risks.”

Justifying the expanded emergency financing, the IDB pointed to The Bahamas’ long-standing vulnerability to hurricanerelated natural disasters, with storms only set to increase in severity and frequency due to the impact of climate change. “In the past 50 years, 20 hurricanes have hit the territory of The Bahamas,” its report said.

“Just in the past seven years, three major (Category 4 and 5) hurricanes have made passage through the country. Hurricane Matthew, in 2016, which greatly impacted the country’s major population centres in New Providence and Grand Bahama, as well as the district of North Andros, causing damage and losses of $519m.

“Hurricane Irma, in 2017, that affected the provision of basic services in Grand Bahama, and which caused damage in Ragged Island, Acklins, Inagua and Bimini, with an estimated total damage and losses of $118m.

on drivers obtaining temporary cover notes from brokers and agents, thus enabling them to pass the Road Traffic inspection, only to subsequently fail to pay the required premium leading to the cancellation of coverage.

However, Mr Saunders described cover notes as “a thing of the past” for BIA members and these are no longer issued given their vulnerability to fraud and misuse. Yet drivers are still only partially paying their motor vehicle premiums to pass Road Traffic, failing to pay the full balance and continuing to drive despite the cancellation of coverage.

“We reach out to the Road Traffic Department, but it’s not digitised,” Mr Saunders added. “Until these things are digitised to make them more efficient, these things will always be there. We are still not one.

“I am sure the BIA, and I cannot speak on the BIA’s behalf because I am not an officer of the BIA, but if they come to the BIA I am sure we will be happy to sit down and resolve the situation.”

Mr Ingraham, meanwhile, said the problem of uninsured drivers on

“Hurricane Dorian, in 2019, affected approximately 29,472 persons in Abaco and Grand Bahama, surpassing the loss and damages of previous hurricanes Joaquin, Matthew and Irma combined and caused an estimated damage and losses of close to $3.2bn. Total damage from disasters in The Bahamas from 2002 to 2022 (over $6.7bn) is equivalent to more than 50 percent of the country’s economy in 2021.”

Hurricane Dorian’s devastation, when added to the estimated $9.5bn losses inflicted by COVID-19 between 2020 and 2023, means the two catastrophic events caused combined damages that are virtually equal to the Bahamian economy’s total output for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

“The Bahamas’ exposure to public health risks is evidenced mostly by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused 844 deaths and 38,000 confirmed cases as of July 12, 2023, but also by other epidemic outbreaks of

vector-borne diseases like dengue, which in 2011 registered more than 3,500 cases, and chikungunya that reached around 800 cases in 2014,” the IDB report added.

“Additionally, the country is highly exposed to infectious disease outbreaks in the aftermath of severe natural disasters like tropical cyclones. The potential economic impact of public health emergencies is high. National losses due to COVID-19 for the period 2020-2023 were estimated at $9.5bn.

“Although there was no infrastructure destruction, this cost was 2.7 times that of damages and losses due to Hurricane Dorian.

Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that the overall extraordinary public expenses to address the pandemic reached approximately $450m between 2020 and 2022.” The latter figure has now advanced slightly higher to just below $470m.

Illustrating just why The Bahamas needs instant

BRITISH COLONIAL EMPLOYS ‘STAIR STEP’ OPENING PLAN FROM PAGE B1 wrong price point. I mean, I could throw a $200 rate out there and I’d sell out every night. But I think, at the same time, we’re just going to be more of a stair step approach to selling rooms.

“We don’t want to go out there and overwhelm our staff. We want to make sure everybody’s ready on the training side, and then we also want to make sure all of our systems are in place, whether it be IT or any other variable items that may be affected.

“We’re being cautious and we don’t want to really throw numbers out there yet, because my owners may increase the budget.

But I think occupancies are

where we projected. I think the rates are probably going to be a little bit higher.”

Mr McDermott said the just-renovated resort includes a new pool area and outdoor meeting space, and he expects business travellers - its core market prior to closure in early 2022 - to return to the property so that it caters to both business and leisure guests.

He added: “I think the business traveller has always been the lifeblood of this property. I don’t think that goes away. I just think it’s much more of a resort than it ever was. The pool areas are entirely different.

They added a new pool, they changed the entire pool deck. They actually

added 15,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space, which adds another element to our group business.

“But I think the business travellers are going to come back. I think they’re missing this property. I think it’s an easier business hotel than some of the other properties around and, at the same time, business travellers like to come in a little bit early and they also like to leave a little late. So you’re going to create more of a business, or a business and leisure caste, which is a combination stat.”

Mr McDermott said additional restaurants, as well as the banquets and catering section, will be launched in February 2024 so the resort

will not be hosting events until that time.

He added: “We do have some restaurants coming online early February, which would be like the sushi restaurant, the fine dining restaurant… and then banquets and catering is still trailing behind, and that’s also going to impact our group business because, if you can’t do the catering, it’s going to be hard to get the group business.

“It’s going depend a lot on the meeting space and more of the kitchens. We’re just finishing up some things there, which is really why we’re not selling more event space at this time. So it’s probably early February

LEGAL NOTICE Ocean Investments Resources Corp.

Registration No. 170397 B

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No. 45 of 2000)

In Voluntary Liquidation Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No. 45 of 2000, the dissolution of Ocean Investments Resources Corp. has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the Dissolution was 04th of December, 2023.

Bronson Alexander Davila Medina Liquidator

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, December 19, 2023, PAGE 5

No Xmas ‘shock’ over food prices need and meet the demand of all our consumers. While they’re doing their best, it’s just not got to the level at which it needs to be.

“We’ve always pushed ‘buy Bahamian’, and we still stand behind that.

Definitely. We know the Government is trying to do something. I know they’re pushing this local farming thing, and hopefully we get somewhere and farmers will be able to provide more.”

Mr Watchorn, in reporting on AML Foods’ second quarter and half-year results for the six months to end-October 2023, said there were signs that food prices are falling “in certain categories” - though not across-the-board.

“Our second quarter performance was impacted by several external and internal challenges,” he told

shareholders.

“Customers’ average basket size remained depressed, declining by 6 percent during the period, impacting both sales and margin performance.

“We are now seeing price deflation in certain categories, and while this may impact the average ticket, we welcome the relief these adjustments will bring to our customers.” Sir Franklyn seized upon it as something that could alter “the sour mood” among Bahamian consumers that has resulted from the squeeze imposed by higher living costs, which has resulted in many struggling to cover every-day bills and make ends meet.

“It’s significant,” he added of Mr Watchorn’s comments. “I thought that’s certainly different from what we’ve listened to for the last extended period of

time. When you have this narrative about inflation and the cost of living being high and climbing and so forth, inevitably it impacts consumer confidence.

“You can almost talk yourself into a recession. You can almost talk yourself into it because of inflation. To the extent there is this changed position is very material because it’s happening in the holiday season, and it’s only a matter of time before it impacts other areas and affects the likes of housing and construction.

“It could change that mood. It’s a significant signal that impacts consumer confidence. If we just get a sense that there’s going to be some abatement on inflation that’s very significant.”

FTX Chapter 11 plan needs Bahamas deal

Both the Supreme Court and Delaware Bankruptcy Court will have to approve any deal, but the negotiations appear to represent the best hope of ending more than eight months of hostility between the two sides, which erupted into the open on March 19, 2023, when Mr Ray’s team launched legal action in a bid to effectively cut the Bahamian liquidators off from access to FTX assets.

The proposed deal will also “release” inter-company claims between FTX Digital Markets and Mr Ray’s Chapter 11 estate, meaning that the Bahamian liquidators’ previously-filed $9.151bn claim against the latter will not proceed and recover nothing via this route.

The Bahamian liquidators revealed: “The liquidators and debtors [Mr Ray and his team] are in the advanced stages of alignment in respect of a global settlement. The basis of the global settlement being

discussed is that the parties agree to a plan that treats FTX Digital Markets customers no less favourably (when taken as a whole) than the class of FTX.com customers.

“This requires a mechanism through which assets can be notionally pooled and allocated between estates and claims determined. Based on the liquidators’ assessment, the assets and liabilities of the debtors [Chapter 11 estate] and the FTX Digital Markets estate are commingled that it is difficult or impossible to unravel.”

The Bahamian liquidators have thus far received 52,931 claims from purported creditors, investors and clients of FTX Digital Markets, and added that the proposed “pooling” resolution is the best option for both avoiding protracted litigation with Mr Ray and a lengthy process of determining who owns which assets.

FROM PAGE B1 “It’s definitely not as bad as it was. It [inflation] hasn’t totally gone away but it’s certainly not as bad as it was. I guess that’s why we’re seeing some decreases here and there, and some remaining stable, with only a few maybe seeing increases.”

Asked what consumers can expect with Christmas food prices, Ms Symonette replied: “I would say there won’t be any significant increases. They won’t go into the store and be shocked because nothing would be that drastically different.

“We’re hoping that everything will remain pretty stable [in 2024]. You’ll just have these odd prices going up. It’s all going to depend on what happens in the world, and with this crazy

FROM PAGE B1 In particular, the documents filed with the Delaware court make clear that the “classification and treatment of claims against FTX Bahamas PropCo are subject to ongoing discussions with the Bahamas joint official liquidators”.

FTX Bahamas PropCo is a reference to FTX Property Holdings, the entity used to acquire and hold an estimated $256m worth of Bahamian high-end real estate prior to the crypto exchange’s November 2022 implosion.

The implications are that Mr Ray needs to reach a settlement agreement with Brian Simms KC, the Lennox Paton senior partner and attorney, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) accounting duo Kevin Cambridge and Peter Greaves, before he can conclude his Chapter

inflation you never know what’s going to happen.

Hopefully everything remains pretty stable.”

Any return to preCOVID pricing is at least some way off, and may never happen. “It’s sometimes difficult, but not impossible, Ms Symonette added of price decreases. “I can certainly say that if we get a break, the consumer will get a break.

“We’re always trying to find the best prices possible, and there are vendors who come across good prices. For some reason they give us a better price, and we pass it on to consumers. COVID just had a major effect, and it’s taking a really long time for things to normalise. We’re still hoping for the best.”

The Super Value president, though, warned that as an importing country

11 strategy and bring the crypto exchange out of bankruptcy protection.

The Chapter 11 plan documents filed by Mr Ray refer to an “FTX Digital Markets global settlement agreement”, meaning an agreement with the Bahamian liquidators of the crypto exchange’s local subsidiary on how claims will be handled and assets distributed to creditors by their respective estates, although no such deal has been formally announced.

“The debtors and FTX Digital Markets commenced mediation regarding all of their related issues, including among other things the debtors’ adversary proceeding and FTX Digital Markets’ automatic stay relief motion, and have sought consensual extensions of the time to respond to claims and counterclaims asserted in the adversary

that produces little of what it consumes The Bahamas is vulnerable to having prices “dictated” by external producers and factors such as shipping and transportation costs. She added that Bahamian produce is no higher than 10 percent of the 13-store chain’s inventory.

“It would be nice some day if we could get all our goods locally, and if the farmers can provide all the goods to the extent we need them, but right now the quantity is just not there so we’re forced to import,” Ms Symonette told Tribune Business.

“We definitely try to support the local vendors as much as possible. We have a lot of them on our list, and they provide as much as they can, but with 13 stores they need to get the quantity up to the supply we

proceeding,” Mr Ray revealed in his Chapter 11 filings.

“The parties have engaged in ongoing good faith, arm’s length negotiations over a period of many months regarding the terms of a global settlement to resolve all disputes between them and support for the other party’s insolvency proceeding.”

FTX’s Bahamian liquidators recently revealed they “are in the advanced stages” of negotiating a “global settlement” with their US counterpart that will ensure equal treatment for their near-53,000 creditors.

The trio, in their third report to the Supreme Court, revealed that talks with Mr Ray were focusing on the creation of a “pooling mechanism” as the best process for returning assets to the crypto exchange’s victims.

Affirming their desire to avoid renewed battles with Mr Ray, which would further slash investor/creditor recoveries through the imposition of extra legal costs and delays, the trio said “pooling” represents the best solution given that the Bahamian and US liquidation estates’ respective assets and liabilities “are so commingled that it is difficult or impossible to unravel” or separate them.

The recently-upgraded official liquidators for FTX Digital Markets, the failed crypto exchange’s Bahamian subsidiary, said talks to resolve their differences and disputes with Mr Ray have been ongoing since September and they “hope to be in a position to recommend to the Supreme Court of The Bahamas that this global settlement is entered into”.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES REACHES $140 MILLION SETTLEMENT OVER HOLIDAY FLIGHT-CANCELING MELTDOWN LAST YEAR

By DAVID KOENIG AP Airlines Writer SOUTHWEST Airlines will pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million settlement to resolve a federal investigation into a debacle in December 2022 when the airline canceled thousands of flights and stranded more than 2 million travelers over the holidays.

Most of the settlement will go toward compensating future passengers, which the U.S. Department of Transportation considers an incentive for Southwest to avoid repeating last winter's mess.

The government said the assessment was the largest it has ever imposed on an airline for violating consumer protection laws.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the settlement demonstrates his agency's resolve to make airlines take care of their passengers.

"This penalty should put all airlines on notice to take every step possible to ensure that a meltdown like this never happens again," he said.

Southwest said it was "grateful to have reached a consumer-friendly settlement" that gives the airline credit for compensation it already provided to customers. The airline said it has "learned from the event, and now can shift its entire focus to the future."

The assessment stems from nearly 17,000 canceled flights a year ago, which started as a winter storm paralyzed Southwest operations in Denver and Chicago and then snowballed when a crew-rescheduling system couldn't keep up with the chaos.

Even before the settlement, the nation's fourth-biggest airline by revenue said the meltdown cost it more than $1.1 billion in refunds and reimbursements, extra costs and lost ticket sales over several months.

The government said in a consent decree dated

Friday that Southwest "violated the law on numerous occasions," including by failing to help customers who were stranded in airports and hotels, leaving many of them to scramble for other flights.

Many who called the airline's overwhelmed customer service center got a busy signal or were stuck on hold for hours.

Southwest also did not keep customers updated about canceled and delayed flights, failing to fulfill a requirement that airlines notify the public within 30 minutes of a change. Some said they never got an email or text notice and couldn't access Southwest's website.

The government also charged Southwest did not provide refunds quickly enough. People who made a mistake entering details in refund requests to a special Southwest website were not told to fix the

error; they simply didn't get the money. Others didn't receive immediate refunds for things like pet fees and boarding upgrades that went unused because of canceled flights, according to the department.

In the consent order, Dallas-based Southwest disputed many of the Transportation Department's findings.

Southwest said that only a small percentage of refunds were issued late and that it never gave false promises about long wait times for reaching customer service during weather-related disruptions. Still, the company said it entered the agreement just to settle the matter.

Southwest said the 2022 storm that produced record cold temperatures, blizzards and power outages a few days before Christmas created "unanticipated operational challenges."

A SOUTHWEST Airlines jet arrives at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix on Dec. 28, 2022. Southwest Airlines will pay a $35 million fine as part of a $140 million agreement to settle a federal investigation into a debacle last December when the airline canceled thousands of flights and stranded more than 2 million travelers over the holidays.

Photo:Matt York/AP

PAGE 6, Tuesday, December 19, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

LOVE IT OR HATE IT, SELF-CHECKOUT IS HERE TO STAY. BUT IT’S GOING THROUGH A RECKONING

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO AP Retail Writer THE promise of selfcheckout was alluring: Customers could avoid long lines by scanning and bagging their own items, workers could be freed of doing those monotonous tasks themselves and retailers could save on labor costs.

All that has happened since the rollout of selfcheckout but so has this: Customers griping about clunky technology that spits out mysterious error codes, workers having to stand around and monitor both humans and machines, and retailers contending with theft.

"Going to the grocery store used to be simple, and now it's frustrating," said Cindy Whittington, 66, of Fairfax, Virginia. "You're paying more. You're working harder to pay for merchandise at their store.

And it's become an ordeal to check out. I should get a 5% discount."

In 2021, self-checkout usage represented 30% of transactions, almost double from 2018, according to a survey of retailers by FMI, an industry group. And 96% of retailers surveyed offer self-checkout.

But the technology is also facing a reckoning amid the critical holiday shopping season. Some retailers are adding restrictions, while others are pulling out completely.

This past fall, Walmart removed self-checkout kiosks in three stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico as part of a location by location approach, but on the whole it is adding more than it is taking away. To

reduce wait times, Target is now limiting the number of items to 10 that shoppers can scan in a handful of stores nationwide.

British supermarket chain Booths has been getting rid of its self-checkout at the majority of its stores for the past 18 months in reaction to customer backlash. A year ago, grocery chain Wegmans, citing "losses," discontinued its self-checkout app that lets shoppers scan and bag items while they shop.

However, it continues to offer self-checkout registers at its stores.

Self-checkout, first tested in supermarkets in the late 1980s, gained momentum 20 years ago. But grocers ramped it up even more three years ago to address the pandemic-induced severe labor shortages.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says technological advances such as selfcheckout and online sales have been the main driver in the declining number of cashier jobs, although there are no precise estimates on how many cashiers have been replaced by selfcheckout. According to Labor Department data, there are about 1.2 million people currently working as cashiers, compared to 1.4 million in 2019 and the BLS expects the number to fall by another 10% over the next decade.

"We are at an inflection point where if Americans are willing to do this and show an interest, then stores will probably expand it because they want to slash that labor cost," said Christopher Andrews, associate professor and chair of sociology at Drew

CUSTOMERS use self-checkout kiosks at Stew Leonard's grocery store in Paramus, N.J., Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in New York.

Self-checkout faces a reckoning of sorts just as retailers are in the midst of their busiest time of the year. Photo:Bebeto Matthews/AP University and author of "The Overworked Consumer: Self-Checkouts, Supermarkets and the DoIt-Yourself Economy."

"But right now they're just seeing downside. They're seeing frustrated customers.

They're seeing increased costs and shoplifting."

Theft is indeed an issue.

Andrews said a technology that relies on shoppers to do their own scanning and punch in product quantities tempts even law abiding citizens to be dishonest. It's easy to just scan every other item or punch in codes for a cheaper item. Shoppers could also make honest

mistakes, leading to losses for stores.

John Catsimatidis, chairman and CEO of Red Apple Group, owner of Gristedes and D'Agostino's food stores in New York City, said he has no interest in self-checkout because of theft and he noted that the technology is not where it needs to be.

"Dishonest people will always find a way to slip a package through," he said.

Still, self-checkout isn't going away, especially with still stubborn labor shortages. And plenty of people love it.

Ellen Wulfhorst, 65, said using self-checkout

brings back her childhood when she played with a toy register.

"There's something childish and fun about it," Wulfhorst said. "I get a big kick out of sliding the product across the reader, and it goes beep. There's a certain satisfaction to it."

For Robin Wissmann Doherty of South Salem, New York, who has a progressive neurodegenerative disease and uses a walker, self-checkout makes her shopping experience easier.

The 67-year-old said she likes to shop at Stop & Shop because it has a "scan and go" technology that allows her to scan her items with

Adobe calls off $20 billion deal for Figma after pushback from Europe over possible antitrust issues

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer ADOBE'S planned $20 billion acquisition of online design company Figma is being called off due to pushback in Europe over antitrust concerns, the companies said Monday.

The companies announced the cash-andstock deal in September 2022, seeking a path with Figma's web-based, multiplayer capabilities to accelerate the delivery of Adobe's creative cloud technologies on the web.

"Although both companies continue to believe

in the merits and procompetitive benefits of the combination, Adobe and Figma mutually agreed to terminate the transaction based on a joint assessment that there is no clear path to receive necessary regulatory approvals from the European Commission and the UK Competition and Markets Authority," Adobe and Figma said in a prepared statement on Monday.

The European Commission said Monday that it was aware of the decision to terminate the deal and that its investigation into the proposed transaction had now ended.

U.S. companies have regularly run into roadblocks in Europe over similar concerns of monopolies.

Biotech giant Illumina on Sunday said that it will undo its $7.1 billion purchase of the cancer-screening company Grail after losing legal battles with antitrust enforcers in the U.S. and Europe. Late last month, European regulators said that Amazon's proposed acquisition of robot vacuum maker iRobot may harm competition.

a device as she shops and then tallies up her bill. She can either pay at a kiosk or at a manned register.

"The laser gun works for disabled people," she said.

Stew Leonard Jr., president and CEO of Stew Leonard's, a supermarket chain that operates stores in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, said 25% of its customers use self-service.

That number could be up to 50% in the next few years.

He noted one-third of its registers are unmanned, but he's in a "holding pattern" and is thinking of limiting the number of items to be scanned.

In October, Microsoft completed its purchase of video game-maker Activision Blizzard for $69 billion after a bruising fight with antitrust regulators in Europe and the U.S. Last month the Markets Authority said that an early review of a potential tie-up between the two companies suggested a "substantial lessening of competition" in the global market for all-inone product design software for professionals, as well as editing software.

Figma, founded in 2012, allows those who design interactive mobile and web applications to collaborate through multi-player workflows, sophisticated design systems and a developer ecosystem.

Adobe, based in San Jose, California, sells software for creating, publishing and promoting content, and managing documents.

David Wadhwani, president, Digital Media Business, at Adobe, said in prepared statement that the software company will continue to look for ways to partner with Figma in the future.

The companies said that they have signed a termination agreement that resolves all outstanding matters from the transaction. Adobe Inc. will pay Figma a termination fee of $1 billion, which was previously agreed to.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that PORTIA JUANITA NICHOLSON, #48 Winton Highway 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 18th day of December 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that CLAUD OWEN CLARKE, #48 Winton Highway 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 18th day of December 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, December 19, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

BODY AND MIND

Tips on how to not overindulge during the holidays

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE temptation to overindulge in food and beverages is strong during the holiday season.

There are parties and events over several days, often with tables laden with many offerings; some families even go for a buffet-style setup as they mark the festivities.

Everywhere you look, there are goodies in sight.

And while indulging in the festive food and drinks is definitely part of the holidays, overindulgence can make the experience less enjoyable, especially when you’ve eaten to the point where you feel sick.

Tribune Health spoke to some readers who have first-hand experience of overindulging at a Christmas dinner to the point where they were out of commission and unable to properly enjoy the festivities. Here, they share some of her tips to prevent overeating:

Pace yourself Janine recalled an occasion where she overate during her family’s Christmas celebrations and “I am a foodie. I love food and I love to eat. Every year around the holidays my family hosts a big buffet-style dinner with a variety of different foods. And this particular year I was excited to indulge as I had just come back after living abroad for two years. I missed the food,” she said.

Instead of taking her time, Janine said she tried dish after until it eventually she felt sick.

“I had the belly and I resented food for a short time after. I felt

stuffed and sick because I pigged out and didn’t need to. I believe it was the combination of different foods that caused me to be ill,” she said.

Manage intake

your

alcohol

Jimmy made the regrettable mistake of drinking too much spirits during one holiday event.

Not only was he sick, but he made a complete fool of himself in front of the other party guests.

“Let’s just say I got a little bit too merry and it cost me in the long run. There was so much alcohol at this event that I just starting drinking and then having shots,” he said.

“The hangover I experienced after was the worst I had in my entire life. I was so drunk I didn’t even remember how I got home.

All I was told was that I was passed out at the table and threw up on myself. It was the worst. I vowed to never drink in such a way again.”

Jimmy said he would encourage people to sip their liquor slowly “and do not have more than they can actually handle.”

Be aware of portion sizes While Sarah did not have the experience of overeating to the point where she was sick, she suggests eating in portions sizes to control eating.

“I love food but I am also mindful of eating excessively. I was overweight one point in my life and I honestly don’t want to go back to that. So what I do is I portion out my meals, even during the holidays. I would only have a fist full of rice, meat/protein the size of my palms and lots of greens and vegetables. All of this works for me,” she said.

Tanisha said it’s difficult to stick to smaller portions when all the food looks so good and there are so many delicious options you may normally not have access to.

“But while it’s hard, you can still eat small portions and enjoy yourself,” she said. “Get a few spoonfuls of all the offerings you’re interested in and enjoy

them slowly; do not rush through cleaning your plate. Take your time; it helps,” she said.

Drink more water Gia said one way she prevents overeating is by drinking more water before and in between meals.

“I know I am prone to overeating because I have done it before.

But now instead of eating when I may be feeling hunger pangs, I drink water first. Sometimes we think we are hungry when we really aren’t,” she said.

“So drinking water before meals can stop you from overeating. It helps me in that respect.”

A century of research shows eating these compounds can help protect against heart disease and Alzheimer’s (THE CONVERSATION) Perhaps the word “polyphenol” means little to you, but they certainly mean a lot to your health.

Polyphenols are a family of chemical compounds present in foods of vegetable origin and seaweed that have been studied over the last century for their health effects.

many beneficial species of bacteria, so consuming polyphenols may also be associated with a healthier overall gut microbiota profile.

The combined effect of all these properties means that polyphenols help to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. This has not only been observed in test tubes, but also in multiple clinical trials in different populations.

The beginning: taste and technology Polyphenols were used for their technological properties long before they were named. Uses date back to Ancient Egypt, when chemicals in the bark of certain trees were found to bind with the collagen in animal skin, making leather. Indeed, this process came to be known as tanning for its ability to impart a deep colour, and when the compounds involved – a class of polyphenols – were identified, they were named “tannins”.

This ability of some polyphenols to bind with proteins is the same as what causes dryness in your mouth when drinking tea or wine. This sensation, known as astringency, comes from the interaction between tannins and salivary proteins in your mouth.

Natural antioxidants In the 20th century, polyphenol uses were found to go beyond the merely sensory or technological. Polyphenols are natural antioxidants, which means they can counteract harmful free radicals in the body. These are particles known to cause common yet harmful conditions such as atherosclerosis.

In plants, polyphenols play the role of protecting against environmental hazards such as drought and UV radiation. When animals eat a plant, the polyphenols’ antioxidant properties then in turn counteract free radicals in the animal’s body. This antioxidant effect from foods is important for human health, since many diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancer, type 2 diabetes, etcetera) are characterised partly by an

The gut-brain axis

ARTICHOKES are among top five vegetables with the highest polyphenol contents.

imbalance of free radicals, also known as high oxidative stress.

This generated widespread interest in polyphenols due to their potential health effects, and many studies were performed to test their antioxidant properties. However, the antioxidant effects which were clearly observable under laboratory conditions were much lower in human studies. This raised the question of whether polyphenols had beneficial health effects on the human body.

Much more antioxidants

than

Over the last two decades, a few key pieces of the polyphenol puzzle have been added. This happened when several studies found that, once consumed, polyphenols are transformed by our bodies, mostly by our gut microbiota.

What means that the compounds circulating in our bodies – known as “metabolites” once ingested and changed by our bodies – are quite different from the original polyphenols in the foods we eat,

and they are present at lower concentrations after ingestion. For this reason, previous laboratory studies were partially inaccurate because they tested different forms and doses of polyphenols to those present in our bodies after eating foods which contained them.

But the good news was that, besides their antioxidant activity, polyphenols were also discovered to have many more properties.

Their ability to interact with proteins – the same ability that tans leather and flavours wine – is also present inside our body. This means polyphenols have other positive effects on our bodies, such as promoting insulin signaling or decreasing inflammation.

Over 8,000 different polyphenolic compounds have been identified in plants, which helps to explain why they interact with so many different proteins in our bodies and have so many different effects on our health.

Moreover, as mentioned, polyphenols are transformed by our gut microbiota to create useful metabolites. These metabolites are also, interestingly, food for

Dietary polyphenols, it seems, still have more to show us, as we have seen over the last decade.

Although much more research is still needed, some promising evidence shows that polyphenols may also help our cognitive function and improve our sleep. The mechanism for this is not easy to understand, as we typically think of our brains as being protected by the blood-brain barrier, which prevents many substances from entering our brains. There is, however, something known as the gut-brain axis.

It has been shown that some of the previously mentioned polyphenol metabolites, which are later absorbed by our digestive systems, can cross the blood-brain barrier. This means that they can enter the brain and have effects such as reducing inflammation in the brain, something associated with many neurological diseases.

Also, the previously mentioned effects that polyphenols have on the bacteria living in our colon are capable of affecting our mental health. Recent research has shown that our brains and intestines are connected by various signals and receptors.

This means we can link gut health to mental health by identifying, for example, the “melancholic microbes” that are associated with depression.

Polyphenols may, therefore, affect multiple processes in our brains because of their derived metabolites and how they modify our gut microbiota. This new field of research is very much in its infancy, with much left to be explored.

The future for polyphenol research We have come a long way in our knowledge of dietary polyphenols over the last century. There are still many aspects to be studied: why not all individuals respond to polyphenols in the same way; the understudied field of macromolecular polyphenols; how to develop high quality intervention studies, and many others. Hopefully, we will have answers to some of these questions in years to come.

In the meantime, one thing we can be certain of is that increasing your daily intake of polyphenols through any food of plant origin will be beneficial for your health.

So why not start today?

UÊ / iÊ >ÕÌ ÀÃÊ vÊ Ì ÃÊ >ÀÌ V iÊ are: Jara Pérez Jiménez Doctora en Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos.

Científico Titular en el ICTANCSIC. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos y Nutrición (ICTAN - CSIC) Cara Frankenfeld Faculty Scientist, MaineHealth Institute for Research, University of Puget Sound Léopold L Fezeu Kamedjie Maître de conférences, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord Margaret Slavin Associate Professor, Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland Valentina A Andreeva research scientist, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord

UÊ / ÃÊ >ÀÌ V iÊ ÃÊ Ài«ÕL Ã i`Ê from The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, December 19, 2023, PAGE 9

New FDA-approved gel and sound wave therapy for ED EXPLORING the complexities of our well-being reveals a vital yet often overlooked facet – sexual health.

A study conducted by David Lafortune and a team from Quebec, Canada, sheds light on the profound implications of sexual dysfunctions (SD) and their far-reaching impact on individuals’ lives.

Sexual health stands as a cornerstone of overall well-being, yet its significance often remains eclipsed by other focal points in global public health discussions, such as reproductive health and sexually transmitted infections.

Remarkably, this article states that approximately one in three adults’ grapples with sexual dysfunctions, regardless of age or gender. The repercussions extend beyond mere physical aspects, significantly affecting not only intimate relationships but also mental well-being.

The article writes of a compelling correlation between sexual health and relationship contentment. Strikingly, a considerable segment—about a third—of individuals experiencing sexual dysfunctions also reported dissatisfaction within their relationships. This underscores the intrinsic link between personal contentment and the dynamics of our connections.

Moreover, there is a concerning interplay between low sexual functioning and psychological distress. A cyclical relationship emerges, where poor sexual health contributes to emotional strain, and this, in turn, worsens sexual dysfunctions. It’s a complex interconnection between mental health and sexual wellness.

Despite its prevalence, the reluctance to seek assistance for sexual dysfunctions remains a significant issue.

In a comprehensive study carried out by Moreira and team, involving over 27,000 participants, nearly half of the men in the study admitted to encountering sexual difficulties in the past year. Alarmingly, a mere fraction—less than 20 percent—sought professional support for these challenges.

Erectile dysfunction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a complex medical condition, as outlined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus. It’s marked by the inability to achieve or sustain an erection substantial enough for satisfactory sexual activity. This issue isn’t uncommon and has a significant impact on men worldwide.

Studies estimate that around 150 million men are affected by ED globally.

Shockingly, projections indicate that this number might rise to affect approximately 322 million men by 2025. One notable trend is that the prevalence of ED tends to increase as men age, becoming more common in older demographics.

A word of caution

This condition can have various underlying causes, including physiological, psychological, or lifestyle factors.

Medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological issues can contribute to ED. Additionally, stress, anxiety, depression, and lifestyle habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can also play a role.

Barriers to health Erectile dysfunction poses a significant challenge due to several barriers that hinder individuals from seeking proper healthcare. One primary obstacle in the under-diagnosis of ED, often stems from cultural beliefs that discourage open discussions about sexual health. This cultural stigma leads to fear and a sense of embarrassment, preventing individuals from seeking help despite experiencing symptoms. The societal taboo surrounding discussions about sexual issues creates a climate where individuals may feel ashamed or judged, further deterring them from seeking medical assistance.

Misinformation and lack of accurate knowledge about ED also contribute to this issue, leading to misconceptions that may inhibit individuals from acknowledging their symptoms and pursuing appropriate treatment.

These multifaceted barriers collectively impede health-seeking behaviour for ED, prolonging the suffering and diminishing the quality of life for those affected.

Access to appropriate services presents a significant hurdle for individuals seeking treatment for ED. While lifestyle modifications play a role, various medications exist to enhance the quality of erections in affected men.

However, accessing these medications can be challenging due to

various factors such as financial constraints, limited healthcare resources, and disparities in healthcare provision. In cases where standard treatments prove ineffective, surgical implants serve as a last resort for those unresponsive to less invasive interventions.

Medications used to enhance erectile function do so by improving blood flow to the penis. They can pose risks for individuals with a history of heart conditions like heart attacks or ischemic heart disease or other conditions such a pulmonary hypertension. This limitation excludes many from treatments like Viagra due to potential side effects, primarily related to their impact on blood pressure.

What’s new?

Eroxon In a significant development, recently the FDA approved a novel treatment option called MED3000 or Eroxon for treating erectile dysfunction in the United States. What makes this approval stand out is that Eroxon is available without a prescription, marking a notable shift in accessibility for those in need.

Developed by Futura Medical, Eroxon is a topical gel with a claim that it helps men achieve an erection within just 10 minutes of application.

The unique application method involves applying the gel to the glans (head) of the penis, where it swiftly evaporates. This rapid evaporation triggers a dual sensation—initial cooling followed by gradual warming. This process stimulates nerve endings in the glans, subsequently boosting blood flow to the erectile tissue of the penis. Importantly, Eroxon StimGel is proven compatible with latex condoms, which are widely used, and can be safely used alongside other lubricants.

THE UROLOGY DOCTOR IS IN...

Dr Greggory Pinto

Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave (Li-ESW) therapy Another revolutionary advancement in ED is treatment with Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave (Li-ESW) therapy, a breakthrough technology emitting controlled shock waves with minimal energy density. This non-invasive treatment precisely targets the affected tissue area, harnessing sound waves to traverse tissue structures.

Scientific studies have unveiled a key factor in ED: reduced blood circulation in the erectile tissue component of the penis. Li-ESW stimulates the expression of crucial vascular growth factors within this area, prompting the expansion and rejuvenation of blood

into the US comes from Mexico, including about 60 percent of fresh produce imports. The average American eats about 6 pounds of cantaloupe a year, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

By JONEL ALECCIA AP Health Writer

iÀi½ÃÊ Ü >ÌÊ ÜiÊ ÜÊ >L ÕÌÊÌ ÃÊ ÕÌLÀi> \ How many people have been sickened in the cantaloupe salmonella outbreak?

Overall, at least 302 people in the US and 153 in Canada have been sickened in this outbreak.

That includes four killed and

ÜÊ` `ÊÌ iÊV> Ì> Õ«iÃÊ }iÌÊV Ì> >Ìi`¶

129 hospitalized in the US and six killed and 53 hospitalised in Canada.

7 i Ê` `ÊÌ iÊV> Ì> Õ«iÊ ÕÌLÀi> ÊLi} ¶ The first US case was a person who fell ill on October 16, according to the CDC. The latest illness detected occurred on November 28. Canadian health officials said people fell ill between mid-October and mid-November.

The first recalls were issued November 6 in the US, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Multiple recalls of whole and cut fruit have followed.

7 iÀiÊ ` `Ê Ì iÊ V> Ì> Õ«iÃÊV iÊvÀ ¶ The cantaloupes implicated in this outbreak include two brands, Malichita and Rudy, that are grown in the Sonora area of Mexico. The fruit was imported by Sofia Produce LLC, of Nogales, Arizona, which does business as TruFresh, and Pacific Trellis Fruit LLC, of Los Angeles. So far, more than 36,000 boxes or cases of cantaloupe have been recalled.

On December 15, Mexican health officials temporarily closed a melon-packing plant implicated in the outbreak.

Roughly one-third of FDAregulated human food imported

Evaluation of ED by a medical specialist holds utmost importance as it can serve as an early indicator of potential future health concerns. Beyond its immediate impact on intimacy, ED often signals underlying risk for future cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke.

The intricate connection between ED and these events is well-documented, with ED sometimes preceding their clinical manifestation by years. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation by a medical professional is pivotal. This assessment not only addresses the immediate concern of ED but also offers a window into an individual’s overall health.

Detecting and managing these underlying health issues in their early stages, prompted by ED evaluation, can significantly mitigate future health risks, ensuring a proactive approach towards safeguarding overall well-being.

Conclusion This FDA approval and the innovative nature of Eroxon mark a significant milestone in ED treatment, offering a nonprescription, rapid-acting solution that addresses both efficacy and safety concerns, potentially transforming the landscape of erectile dysfunction management.

Here’s what you need to know about the deadly salmonella outbreak tied to cantaloupes Hundreds of people in the US and Canada have been sickened and at least 10 people have died in a growing outbreak of salmonella poisoning linked to contaminated whole and pre-cut cantaloupe.

Health officials are warning consumers, retailers and restaurants not to buy, eat or serve cantaloupe if they don’t know the source.

That’s especially important for individuals who are vulnerable to serious illness from salmonella infection and those who care for them. High-risk groups include young children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is especially concerned because many of the illnesses have been severe and because victims include people who ate cantaloupe served in childcare centers and long-term care facilities.

vessels thus enhancing blood flow resulting in improvement in erectile function.

The promise of Li-ESW therapy extends beyond enhancing erectile function; it holds the potential to reverse organic damage within erectile tissue, tackling the root cause of the issue. This innovative approach signifies a shift in addressing erectile dysfunction, aiming not only to restore function but also to repair and regenerate the affected tissue.

The targeted action of Li-ESW offers a glimpse into a future where treatments don’t merely manage symptoms but actively work towards restoring the body’s natural state.

Ushering in a new era of medical care, Urology Care Bahamas will proudly introduce Li-ESW therapy in February 2024, marking a milestone for the country.

Vardi and colleagues research showcased remarkable outcomes, revealing significant improvements in erectile function for patients who underwent a regimen of 12 treatments in six weeks.

Health officials in the US and Canada are still investigating, but cantaloupes generally are prone to contamination because they are “netted” melons with rough, bumpy rinds that make bacteria difficult to remove.

Salmonella bacteria are found in animals’ intestines and can spread if their waste comes in contact with fruit in the field.

Contamination can come from tainted water used in irrigation, or in cleaning and cooling the melons.

Poor hygienic practices of workers, pests in packing facilities and equipment that’s not cleaned and sanitized properly can also lead to contamination, the FDA says.

The Mexico growing area saw powerful storms and hurricanes in late summer and early fall that resulted in flooding that could be a factor, said Trevor Suslow, a produce safety consultant and retired professor at the University of California, Davis.

Once the melons are contaminated, the nubby rinds harbor nutrients that can help the

Fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue and destigmatises discussions around sexual health could be transformative.

Normalising conversations about sexual well-being is crucial in encouraging individuals to seek the necessary support without hesitation or embarrassment.

Understanding the profound impact of sexual well-being on our overall lives is paramount.

By fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding, we can pave the way toward a healthier society. Encouraging individuals to acknowledge the significance of addressing sexual dysfunctions is pivotal in ensuring holistic well-being.

UÊ ÀÊ Ài}} ÀÞÊ * Ì Ê ÃÊ >Ê L >À` ViÀÌ wi`Ê > > > Ê ÕÀ } ÃÌÊ > `Ê >«>À ÃV « VÊ ÃÕÀ}i °Ê iÊ V> Ê LiÊ V Ì>VÌi`Ê >ÌÊ "> /ÀiiÊ i` V> Ê i ÌiÀÊ ÓÊ vÌ Ê /iÀ À>ViÊ > `Ê Õ ÌÊ , Þ> Ê Ûi Õi]Ê >ÃÃ>Õ]Ê > > >ÃÆÊ /i i« iÊ qÊ ­Ó{Ó®Ê ÎÓÓ ££{x ÇÆÊ i > \Ê Üi V iJÕÀ }ÞV>ÀiL> > >ðV Ê ÀÊÛ Ã ÌÊÌ iÊÜiLà Ìi\ÜÜÜ°ÕÀ }Þ V>ÀiL> > >ðV ° salmonella bacteria grow, Suslow said.

If the cantaloupe become moldy or damaged, the bacteria can move from the outside of the rind to the inner layer or into the flesh. Also, when the fruit is sliced — in a home kitchen, grocery store or processing plant — the bacteria can spread to the flesh.

Cut fruit in a tray or clamshell package can harbor the bacteria.

If the fruit isn’t kept very cool, the germs can grow.

ÜÊ Ã Õ `Ê V ÃÕ iÀÃÊ > ` iÊV> Ì> Õ«i¶ It is difficult to remove diseasecausing bacteria from cantaloupe at home. Food safety experts recommend rinsing whole melons in cool water and scrubbing them with a clean produce brush and then drying completely.

Blanching the cantaloupes briefly in very hot water is another method, Suslow said. And Purdue University researchers found that household items such as vinegar and iodine diluted in water could reduce exterior contamination with salmonella by 99 percent.

For high-risk people, it might be best to avoid cantaloupe, especially pre-cut cantaloupe and especially during an outbreak, said Amanda Deering, a Purdue University food scientist.

Understanding that certain foods can pose a serious health risk is key, she added.

“As consumers, we just assume that our food is safe,” she said.

“You don’t want to think that a cantaloupe is what’s going to take you out.”

PAGE 10, Tuesday, December 19, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Four ways to tell the designer fashion items worth investing in from the ones that aren’t has remained largely untouched in design terms for over 100 years – has been reported to be a good wardrobe investment by Vogue.

The trench’s timeless design, alongside its long history, has secured its place as an investment product.

However, when it comes to making the purchase it is important to go with Burberry’s original design, rather than the fashionled versions whose value may diminish as seasonal trends move on.

By NAOMI BRAITHWAITE Associate Professor in Fashion Marketing and Branding, Nottingham Trent University (THE CONVERSATION) Whether it’s aspiring to the “quiet luxury” or “old money” looks taking over TikTok, or cringing at the “ludicrously capacious bag” scene in the last season of Succession, designer clothes and accessories have been a hot topic in 2023.

But with continued sales growth in designer fashion, and concerns about shopping more sustainably, it’s worth considering investing your money in products that will last longer.

Sales in luxury fashion have increased significantly since the pandemic. Louis Vuitton, for example, has increased its sales from 2019. And British luxury brand, Burberry, reported sales growth to be 86 percent higher in the year following the pandemic (though there has been another dip in sales more recently).

The rise of athleisure in fashion and designer collaborations such as Manolo Blahnik for Birkenstock, Gucci x Adidas and Burberry x Supreme have made luxury more available. But prices are still high, so how can you know whether a purchase will stand the test of time and become an investment piece or a fashion flop? Here are four key factors to consider when making a designer purchase.

1

4

. Resale value

An expensive purchase price may not guarantee that your product will hold its value. A key factor to consider is what the resale value of your purchase will be, as this will indicate the item’s investment potential.

A fashion investment piece tends to be a luxury product with a higher price ticket. Prices of luxury fashion have increased over the last decade. Chanel bags, for example, have almost doubled in price. Chanel’s iconic medium flap bag has increased from £7,550 in 2022 to £8,530 in 2023 and is considered to be one of the most covetable designs in the resale market.

Similarly, Hermès’ famous Birkin and Kelly bag designs, renowned for their quality, are undoubtedly investment pieces.

Despite the high price ticket, Birkin bags are in demand.

They are the most collectable and classic of designer bags, with an average retail price of USD$10,000, which can double in the resale market.

THE ICONIC Birkin bag from Hermés (Photo_Hermés.com) ensure it’s an investment piece that transcends fashion trend cycle.

Consideration of fabrics, styling and design aesthetic are all key in ensuring your fashion investment has longevity.

LOUIS Vuitton bags Luxury fashion resaler Vestiaire, along with online marketplaces like eBay, are useful sources for researching and calculating what the value of your purchase will be in the resale market. While designer bags can hold their value post-purchase, clothes can be less straightforward and will depend on the other following factors.

2

. Quality and style

A 2023 report has stated that the overt use of logos in recent years, from brands such as Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton, has been replaced by an interest in quiet luxury.

Quiet luxury means more simplistic, classic and timeless styling.

The focus on exquisite fabrics and design gives a sense of fashion that is not disposable and durable.

A cashmere sweater from Lorna Piana may cost over £1,700 but its quality and classic styling will

3

. Brand authenticity

Heritage and authenticity can secure the value of fashion purchases. Brands that have a strong heritage – that have been around and respected for a long time – are better investment pieces, particularly in the categories of watches, jewellery and handbags.

Rolex watches are renowned as investment pieces, with models that are most rare commanding the higher appreciation values.

In the realm of clothing, Burberry’s iconic trench coat – which

. Product endorsement

Celebrity endorsement is a popular brand strategy for increasing the value of fashion products.

While it may drive sales, it is important to consider what effect it will have on investment quality.

A recent example was when the British pop star Harry Styles wore the luxe Adidas x Gucci Gazelle trainers, during his 2023 tour, resulting in a reported 100 percent increase in sales of the trainer.

While sneakers have previously had a bouyant resale market, that is now declining, raising questions as to whether they will continue to be positive investment pieces.

Celebrities may create hype – but their endorsement does not always ensure the longevity of a product’s value.

In 1999, Dior’s saddle bag was featured on US TV series “Sex and the City”, securing its place as an iconic designer bag. While this increased its value and desirability at the time, the bag eventually faded from view, until 2018, when Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s current design director, relaunched it. This resulted in a frenzy of interest in the original Galliano designs.

Endorsement creates hype and desirability, but occasionally it can also create a classic too. But this takes time, and it’s best to consider other factors including brand authenticity, quality and style when planning an investment purchase.

Also, value does not always have to have a price attributed to it. In the world of designer fashion, it is important not to overlook the significance of the emotional durability of our purchases and how that can ensure an enduring value and longevity.

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Effortlessly gorgeous and easy to ship, drop cookies are what to bake for Christmas shipping box with some more packing material on the top and sides. Make sure the box is full, so the cookies don’t shift and break.

Mark the box perishable, and send via one- or two-night delivery to your lucky recipient.

OR SEND THE DOUGH, INSTEAD Know what a fantastic gift for a good friend would be? A container full of frozen disks of this dough for them to take out and bake when the need arises over the holidays (or any time).

Just write the title (Big Chewy Brownie Cookies with Dried Cherries and White Chocolate Chips), the defrosting and baking instructions, and the ingredients if you have cause to think they might be serving them to someone with allergies. Tack that onto the tin, and prepare to accept grateful words.

By KATIE WORKMAN Associated Press I’m as dazzled by a beautifully decorated holiday cookie as the next person, but when it comes to wielding a pastry bag myself, I’m not a pro. I’m much more about the cookies than the piping. And while elaborately crafted cookies shaped like delicate snowflakes or sporting ombre frostings are beautiful, I can be content with delicious.

But these chewy brownie cookies are pretty handsome too, without any fancy footwork. Plus, they are very shippable. Their fudginess means they won’t dry out quickly, and they are sturdy, so don’t need nearly as much bubble wrap to protect them in transit.

This recipe is based on the Big Chewy Brownie Cookies from my first cookbook “The Mom 100”, but I decided to gussy them up for the holidays. The base is a fudgy, moist, brownie-like batter.

Dried cherries add sweet-tart chewiness, and white chocolate chips add a peek of creamy white, and a bit more texture. They look festive — perfect for a cookie swap!

You can make the batter up to five days ahead and store it in the fridge, or freeze the cookie balls for up to a month in a freezersafe zipper top bag with the air pressed out. Let them defrost before baking, or if baking the cookies directly from the freezer, just know you’ll need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.

THE RECIPE Big Chewy Brownie Cookies with Dried Cherries and White Chocolate Chips Baked cookies will last for five days in a sealed container at room temperature, or one month if well wrapped and frozen.

EASY TO SHIP To ship the cookies, make sure they are completely cooled before packing them up. Use a sturdy corrugated cardboard box, line it with bubble wrap, and create a

base with some packing peanuts and crumbled paper (you can search out eco-friendly bubble wrapping and other packing materials). Place the cookies into plastic bags in flat layers. Layer the bags in the lined box, separated by more packing material to keep them cushioned.

Or pack them into a pretty container, also with some padding between the layers, and then nestle the container in the

Ingredients:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 4 large eggs 1 ½ cups sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup white chocolate chips

¾ cup roughly chopped dried cherries

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small pot, add the butter, and the unsweetened and semisweet chocolates, and heat over low heat, stirring frequently, just until everything is melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy and yellow, about one minute. Beat in the vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, blend in the flour mixture in a few batches, just until barely combined.

Add the chocolate mixture to the bowl and beat until smooth.

Let the mixture cool; the batter will be very thick. Stir in the white chocolate chips and the dried cherries (if you stir the chocolate chips in before it cools, the chocolate will start to melt and become streaky, if you want that look.)

Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the batter and create 12 mounds on a rimmed baking sheet (you will bake three baking sheets of cookies in all). Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the tops are crackly and the edges are set. Remove from the oven and let them sit for one minute on the baking sheet (the cookies will sink slightly), then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, December 19, 2023, PAGE 11

Belles of the Ball – Scotia Wealth Management’s 65th anniversary gala ball

(Photos/Dante Carrer)

MEMBERS of Nassau’s banking community turned out in all of their finery as Scotia Wealth Management celebrated it’s 65th anniversary with a gala ball at Baha Mar last Saturday. The black-tie event kicked off at 7pm in the resort’s Andros rooms with cocktails.

SHAKIRA BURROWS, Omara Bingham and Danielle Sweeting-Wilson

REIKO MAJOR, Joycelyn Knowles and Dominique McPhee

EVANGELINE Bain and LaVorn Taylor

KENDRICE COAKLEY, Patrice Wallace and Chantel Rodriquez

LISA CAREY, Denora Marshall-Mcphee, Beverly Bethell and Antoinette Rahming

KENDRICE COAKLEY, Patrice Wallace and Chantel Rodriquez

BRENDA PINDER, Staneice Mortimer and Sally Thompson

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-DAY FORECAST

ORLANDO

High: 60° F/16° C Low: 48° F/9° C

TAMPA

TODAY

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

UV INDEX TODAY

Partly sunny; breezy in the p.m.

Breezy with a passing shower or two

Cloudy and windy

Breezy and nice with clouds and sun

Breezy and nice with sun and clouds

Sun through high clouds and breezy

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

High: 75°

Low: 66°

High: 72° Low: 67°

High: 74° Low: 66°

High: 76° Low: 67°

High: 77° Low: 69°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

76° F

62° F

70°-63° F

72°-62° F

75°-64° F

75°-65° F

High: 62° F/17° C Low: 45° F/7° C

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 72° F/22° C Low: 64° F/18° C

10-20 knots

S

High: 70° F/21° C Low: 59° F/15° C

10-20 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 71° F/22° C Low: 61° F/16° C

E

W S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

N

High

Ht.(ft.)

12:34 a.m.

12:53 p.m.

2.5 2.8

6:43 a.m. 0.2 7:23 p.m. -0.1

ALMANAC

Wednesday 1:39 a.m.

1:54 p.m.

2.7 2.6

7:53 a.m. 0.2 8:19 p.m. -0.2

Statistics are for Nassau through 1 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 74° F/23° C Low .................................................... 70° F/21° C Normal high ....................................... 79° F/26° C Normal low ........................................ 67° F/19° C Last year’s high .................................. 81° F/27° C Last year’s low ................................... 65° F/18° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.16” Year to date ................................................ 53.48” Normal year to date ................................... 39.13”

Thursday

2:42 a.m.

2:55 p.m.

2.8 2.4

9:02 a.m. 0.2 9:15 p.m. -0.3

Friday

3:42 a.m.

3:55 p.m.

2.9 2.3

10:08 a.m. 0.1 10:09 p.m. -0.3

Saturday

4:39 a.m.

4:52 p.m.

3.0 2.3

11:08 a.m. 0.0 11:01 p.m. -0.4

Sunday

5:31 a.m.

5:45 p.m.

3.0 2.2

12:02 p.m. 0.0 11:50 p.m. -0.4

Monday

6:20 a.m.

6:35 p.m.

3.1 2.2

12:52 p.m. -0.1 ---------

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

N

High: 72° F/22° C Low: 59° F/15° C

MIAMI

High: 71° F/22° C Low: 59° F/15° C

10-20 knots

KEY WEST

High: 68° F/20° C Low: 62° F/17° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 75° F/24° C Low: 66° F/19° C

Today

Low

Ht.(ft.)

SUN AND MOON Sunrise Sunset

6:49 a.m. Moonrise 5:24 p.m. Moonset

12:16 p.m. none

First

Full

Last

New

Dec. 19

Dec. 26

Jan. 3

Jan. 11

CAT ISLAND

E

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 69° F/21° C

N

S

E

W

10-20 knots

S

8-16 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2023

High: 74° F/23° C Low: 69° F/21° C

N W

TIDES FOR NASSAU

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 70° F/21° C

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 72° F/22° C

N

High: 75° F/24° C Low: 69° F/21° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

TRACKING MAP

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 72° F/22° C

8-16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 79° F/26° C Low: 71° F/22° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 77° F/25° C Low: 73° F/23° C

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 79° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

10-20 knots

12-25 knots

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

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

WINDS N at 10-20 Knots NE at 12-25 Knots N at 10-20 Knots NE at 12-25 Knots N at 8-16 Knots NNE at 20-30 Knots NNW at 12-25 Knots NE at 12-25 Knots N at 8-16 Knots NNE at 12-25 Knots N at 10-20 Knots NE at 12-25 Knots N at 8-16 Knots NE at 15-25 Knots NW at 12-25 Knots NE at 12-25 Knots NNW at 8-16 Knots NNE at 20-30 Knots NNW at 10-20 Knots NNE at 12-25 Knots N at 8-16 Knots NE at 12-25 Knots NW at 10-20 Knots NNE at 12-25 Knots N at 8-16 Knots NNE at 15-25 Knots

WAVES 5-9 Feet 6-10 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 4-7 Feet 6-10 Feet 3-5 Feet 4-8 Feet 4-7 Feet 6-10 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-6 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-6 Feet 2-4 Feet 4-7 Feet 5-9 Feet 6-10 Feet 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-6 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-5 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 77° F 76° F 76° F 74° F 79° F 79° F 81° F 81° F 78° F 77° F 77° F 76° F 77° F 75° F 81° F 81° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 78° F 78° F 82° F 81° F 79° F 78° F

SECTION B

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2023

A conversation with a trailblazer Deputy to the Governor General Ruby Ann Cooper-Darling sits down for a candid talk

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IF there is anyone who understands the very real hardships that come with womanhood, it’s Deputy to the Governor General Ruby Ann Cooper-Darling.

She was the first woman registered to vote in the Bahamas, thanks to the unwavering commitment to the cause of equality by the suffragettes and their movement.

Tonight, people will get the chance to hear about Mrs CooperDarling’s battles and triumphs, her tenacity and strength from the source herself during a live conversation with local producer and creative director Samita Ferguson.

The conversation with Mrs Cooper Darling will take place at the Church of God of Prophecy Love Centre this evening at 7pm.

Women, in particular, are encouraged to come out and hear Mrs Cooper Darling’s powerful story.

Born on June 28, 1941, Mrs Cooper-Darling blazed a trail for women in the Bahamas with her courage and bravery.

Much of Mrs Darling Cooper’s flare and fire for social justice and equality was inspired by her father. He was a Baptist minister and an outspoken freedom fighter. He educated her on what was happening in society, lighting a spark in her that could not be put out.

During tonight’s conversation, Mrs Darling-Cooper is expected to be very candid and transparent when speaking about her successes and challenges.

DEPUTY to the Governor General Ruby Ann Cooper-Darling

“The essence of the evening will encompass women ‘unmasking’,” said Mrs Ferguson.

“The whole objective is for there to be a time of transparent conversation with women, merely reminding women that no matter

Spicing up Christmas with some romance

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

Everyone who has every seen a Hallmark Channel movie (which are currently airing non-stop) knows that Christmas is the perfect time to fall in love.

After all, it’s the most magical time of year; a time where mistletoe encourages kisses and happily every moments in front of the perfectly decorated tree.

But we can’t all live in a Hallmark film, and with daily responsibilities it can be difficult to channel those romantic wishes into real life quality time between couples.

However, many couples agree that it is important to find some way to sneak in some holiday romance between all the Santa duties and meeting year-end quotas at work.

“My husband and I always have a shopping day where the kids are not with us and then we can do all the shopping and have a nice lunch,” said Linda.

“It’s a way to kill two birds with one stone; we can just get what we need done, but we can sneak in a date as well.”

Megan said she tries to spice up the Christmas season with extra cuddles by the tree.

“I just love snuggling by the tree and having a glass of wine with my boo. It doesn’t even matter what we watch; it just feels more romantic when you have all the lights on only the tree lights on. I love it,” she said.

Felicity said her hubby’s work Christmas party ensures that they have at least one date night a year, because it’s become a tradition for them to get all dolled up and dance the night away to celebrate the season.

“So we have three kids and we really don’t have tons of money, time or energy to do a lot of date nights or have many occasions to dress up. But my husband’s job always has a huge formal Christmas party and it’s always somewhere nice, and so I always get a new outfit and we go and we have a nice night out without the kids and just have fun. I look forward to it every year,” she said.

Paulette said Christmas is a great time to up the romance.

“Oh, I think we find lots of ways to have romance.

You can drive around and look at the lights together.

We have a Starbucks date to try some of the Christmas special drinks. I also love going to Junkanoo with my boyfriend and dancing up on him when One Family passes and then catching a nap on his shoulder on the bleachers when there is a break between groups,” she said.

what they encounter in this life, they can stand strong and make it against all odds.

“As we are at the closure of another year, many people will perhaps carry the baggage of this year into the next. This session

hopes to dispel that narrative.

This (conversation) aims to be a time of hearing wisdom, sharing and being a part of a community of women that want to make the difference and be the difference.”

Mrs Ferguson said despite some serious topics, this evening promises to be lighthearted and filled with conversation, songs of inspiration and connections.

“We will have in the room a women who has crossed barriers.

She embodies the essence of a holistic woman who touches lives from a government perspective, through church and the community,” she said.

Mrs Darling-Cooper will touch on how women can be their real authentic selves and how that can turn into healing.

“When we are real then we can begin to heal in all areas of our lives. This is more than just a ‘get up and go’ feel-good session. This conversation hopes to impact the lives of women and push women into the horizon of being all that the Abba Father has designed them to be; basically ‘shifting’ with and for purpose. God’s purpose for us is to give us an expecting end. So we should live with that concept and allow our paradigms to be shifted, dismantling negativity and doubt,” said Mrs Ferguson.

Ultimately, she hopes the same lessons she has learned from Mrs Darling Cooper, others can learn, too.

“I have learned to be in a position to always do good unashamedly. Ruby Ann Darling represents elegance, being poised yet stern and no-nonsense. She is driven to mentor young people and women. This pushes me to continue on with my trajectory of mentorship. She is adamant about impacting lives, which is evident from her numerous initiatives and also from the time she served our country and continues to serve in her varying capacities,” said Mrs Ferguson.