03172026 BUSINESS

Software developer unveils ambitions to be ‘beacon of light’

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

WESTERN Air’s principal yesterday warned air fares will “inevitably” increase after the carrier was told its fuel costs will quickly spike by more than 40 percent due to the Middle East conflict’s impact on global oil prices.

Sherrexcia ‘Rexy’ Rolle, the Bahamian-owned airline’s president, chief executive and general counsel, in a messaged reply to Tribune Business inquiries said Western Air had also been told to brace for further aviation fuel cost increases beyond the initial 40 percent surge. And, given that fuel is the industry’s major cost item, she added that increased “pressure” on air travel costs and “accessibility” to destinations such as The Bahamas is bound to result.

“Unfortunately, we have already felt the impact of the global surge in oil prices. We were advised a week ago that our jet fuel price will increase by over 40 percent in this very short period of time, with additional increases expected in the future,” Ms Rolle disclosed.

“Fuel is the top operational cost in the airline industry, and this will inevitably result in increased ticket prices. Rising fuel costs place additional pressure on travel accessibility for the simple fact that it is costlier to provide the service. Like many carriers, we are closely monitoring the situation and remain hopeful that fuel prices will stabilise in the near future.”

The anticipated spike in fuel and air travel costs will hit just as many

Family Island resorts are recovering from a “lousy” start to 2026.

Emanuel Alexiou, the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board's president and proprietor of the Abaco Beach Resort, told this newspaper yesterday that occupancies for his property were “down almost 50 percent” in January and off in February by almost 27 percent - with other Board members experiencing similar trends.

He attributed the drop-off to the collapse of Silver Airways las June, which has “decreased tremendously the amount of seats into Abaco and Exuma” and other Family Islands, as well as the impact of the new and increased boating fees that are deterring short-stay visitors. However, Mr Alexiou said March has thus far seen a recovery with numbers “as good as previous years”, and he voiced optimism that a strong performance from

now through July could “save the year”.

The Promotion Board chief, though, said he is “crossing my fingers” that “things are not going haywire for long” in the Middle East as he acknowledged that the conflict between the US and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other, will have “a big impact” on the Bahamian and world economies if it becomes protracted and lasts for months.

“It if continues for a long time and prices go up, it will definitely have a big impact,” Mr Alexiou told Tribune Business. “Right now, at the pump, the prices are the same as they were were this time last year. Nobody’s felt the difference yet. It’s the wholesalers, and how that trickles down to the retailers, and that will have some impact to people who cannot

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE debt owed by the Water & Sewerage Corporation to its main BISX-listed reverse osmosis supplier increased by almost $2m during the first two months of 2026, it was revealed last night, after being cut by 27 percent during 2025.

Consolidated Water’s results for the 2025 full-year revealed that the state-owned water provider’s debt arrears are again moving in the wrong direction after being slashed by some $7.7m during the 12 months to end-December thanks to subsidy payments made by Bahamian taxpayers via the Ministry of Finance.

The BISX-listed supplier, which provides virtually all the supply consumed by the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s New Providence-based customers via the Blue Hills and Windsor reverse osmosis plants, said the debts due to it had risen by more than 9 percent or $1.9m since the 2025 year-end, increasing from $20.7m to $22.6m at end-February 2026. However, the former sum represents a more than one-quarter cut to the $28.4m that was due at yearend 2024.

“Consolidated Water (Bahamas) accounts receivable balances, which include accrued interest, due from the Water & Sewerage Corporation amounted to $20.7m and $28.4m as of December 31, 2025, and 2024,” Consolidatded Water disclosed in its Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) filings.

“Approximately 71 percent and 81 percent of the accounts receivable balances were delinquent as of those

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A FREE National Movement (FNM) general election candidate and her dental care business have been ordered to pay a former employee $3,219 for wrongful and unfair dismissal related to a dispute over joining the company’s “Birthday Club”.

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Helen Almorales-Jones, the Industrial Tribunal’s vice-president, in a 41-page wrtten decision dated January 26, 2026, said she “does not believe” testimony from Dr Charlene Reid, the FNM candidate for Grand Bahama’s Pineridge constituency, and owner of Easy Dental Care, that Stephona Rolle was not targeted after she refused to supply her birth date and join

A GOVERNMENT senator yesterday voiced concerns over the economic fall-out from new and increased boating fees which, he argued, is contributing to a fall in visitor arrivals on Bimini.

Speaking in the Senate yesterday, Randy Rolle, chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission, said the issue had been repeatedly raised with him by residents who fear the additional costs are beginning to weigh on Bimini’s tourism-driven economy.

Mr Rolle, who is also the PLP candidate for Bimini and the Berry Islands in the upcoming general election, said constituents have already reported declining boater numbers - a key visitor segment for the island - and he urged the Government to continue examining ways to assist.

“I also want to take a moment to address an issue that has been

Plato Alpha chief targets Caribbean export ‘trend setter’ Unveils tax compliance upgrades for key payroll product

To let companies have panCaribbean payroll solution

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN software developer yesterday voiced ambitions to become “a beacon of light” that shows the way for similar firms to become exporters and a “giant in the Caribbean” as it prepares to unveil upgrades it branded “a game changer’.

Keith Roye II, Plato Alpha Design's chief operating officer, told Tribune Business the company is now finalising upgrades to the payroll module of its signature Triblock HR software that will allow client companies to “handle” all taxation and related compliance issues in every Caribbean country. This, he argued, will allow pan-Caribbean operators or businesses with a presence in multiple jurisdictions, such as Digicel and the Sandals resort chain, as well as

the “Birthday Club” that was being created for staff.

And she ruled that the “final straw” came when Dr Reid and Easy Dental Care failed to reply to Ms Rolle’s inquiry about when she was next rostered, or scheduled, to work after being removed from the staff What’s App group three days after she declined to supply her birth date.

As a result, the former worker was awarded $1,398 for “constructive wrongful dismissal” and $1,820 for “constructive unfair dismissal”.

Dr Reid, in a messaged response to Tribune Business inquiries, said Easy Dental Care had swiftly complied with the Industrial Tribunal’s ruling. She said: “The Tribunal’s ruling

brought to me repeatedly by the people of Bimini,” said Mr Rolle. “The recent burden on boaters has had a real impact on that local economy. We have seen the numbers drop. And Biminites have raised concerns.”

He added that given the island’s heavy reliance on tourism, policies affecting visitors must take into account the economic realities faced by residents. “If tourism drives Bimini’s economy, then our policies must support the people who depend on it,” said Mr Rolle. “So today I say clearly: I am asking the Government to continue examining ways to assist.”

Industry concerns over the boating fees have been building since the Government introduced sweeping changes to cruising permits and

the likes of Bahamian companies such as Bahamas First and RoyalStar Assurance, to adopt one payroll solution for all its territories rather than operating with a variety of “localised” systems each geared to a specific territory’s currency and tax laws.

Revealing that Plato Alpha executives had identified this gap in the software market when attending conferences in the Caribbean, Mr Roye

demonstrates that the system is working to hold all parties accountable. Easy Dental complied with the ruling in an expeditious manner.

“At Easy Dental, we remain committed to providing world class service to our customers. As an employer, I also remain committed to accountability and to upholding best practices for our employees.”

The Industrial Tribunal verdict, noting that Ms Rolle had been employed by Easy Dental Care for 1.63 years prior to her departure, said of the dispute’s roots: “The employee declined to be in a ‘Birthday Club’ her employer was organising at

Male entrepreneurs awarded over $300,000 in grant funds

BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net

THIRTY-four entrepreneurs each received up to $10,000 in grant funding, totalling more than $300,000, from the Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) ‘Men in Business’ initiative.

The recipients were unveiled as the SBDC confirmed it has partnered with the National Training Agency to provide them with financial and development support. “Since the launch of the ‘Men in Business’ initiative in 2024, the programme has already made a meaningful impact across our archipelago,”

Samantha Rolle, SBDC’s executive director, said.

“To-date, 77 men have been supported through the initiative with more than $678,000 in funding invested to help men start and grow their businesses throughout The

BTC upgrades support for ‘Silver Blue’ clients

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) says it has upgraded its Silver Blue Programme to better serve senior and differently-abled customers.

The carrier, in a statement, said Silver Blue customers will now benefit from a simplified call path within its Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system that provides a direct connection to a local agent and dedicated technical assistance. The move is deisgned to give subscriberts greater ease of access and faster support.

BTC said that, when a Silver Blue customer calls 225-5282, they will simply say ‘Silver Blue’ when prompted and the call will be answered with priority.

This removes traditional call wait-times for elderly customers and reduces the number of steps required to get support.

“As we continue enhancing our customers’ digital experience, we remain especially mindful of seniors and persons that are differently abled who may be hesitant to adopt new digital processes,” said K. Teneile Simmons, BTC’s head of contact centre operations.

“These updates ensure that they receive personalised, accessible support without unnecessary barriers.”

BTC said the improvements will ensure quicker access, faster responses and more efficient resolution for this customer group. It added that the enhancements reflect BTC’s broader strategy to modernise its service channels.

The carrier added that subscribers can expect continued improvements to the IVR system in the coming months. Planned upgrades will further reduce call prompts, refine the navigation path and create a smoother, more intuitive path froma a customer’s first call to resolution.

Bahamas. Today, we are proud to build on that momentum.

“Through this support, 34 participants will receive grant funding totalling over $300,000 - $314,457 to be exact - enabling them to invest in critical areas such as equipment, licensing, technology and branding. These are all essential building blocks that allow businesses to strengthen their operations and compete more effectively in this economy,” Ms Rolle added.

“This programme has already strengthened businesses across sectors that are vital to our national economy. It includes food and beverage, tourism, agriculture and construction, transportation and technology. It is these industries not only that drive our economic growth, but they also create jobs that help to support families. They contribute to stronger communities across multiple islands.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis KC, speaking at the event, added: “These awardees come from a wide range of industries across our economy, including agriculture, arts and crafts, automotive services, beauty, cleaning, construction, courier and delivery, education, energy, entertainment, fishing, fitness, food and beverage, landscaping, media, photography and videography, printing and signage, professional services, real estate, security, technology, tourism, transportation and waste management.

“Some are building established businesses. Some are starting out. Eighteen are existing businesses operating for more than a year. Sixteen are start-ups. That tells us something powerful. It tells us that Bahamian men are trying. It tells us that Bahamian men are building. It tells us that Bahamian men are stepping forward.

Financial services takes STEPs over trust and

estate planning

BAHAMIAN financial services executives met at last week’s Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Bahamas conference 2026 to discuss emerging developments in private wealth management and estate planning.

Hosted by the STEP Bahamas branch, the conference highlighted this jurisdiction’s continued position as an international financial centre and a hub for cross-border trust and fiduciary expertise.

The conference, held at SLS Baha Mar in Cable Beach, opened with remarks from Theo Burrows, the STEP Bahamas conference chair and assistant general counsel in international trust services at J.P. Morgan Trust Company (Bahamas). Welcome remarks were delivered by C. Dianne Bingham, a recipient of The Bahamas’ financial services professional of the year award and STEP’s founders award. Senator Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, participated in a discussion on The Bahamas’ economic outlook, offering perspectives on the continued importance of the financial services industry to The Bahamas’ economic development.

Senator Ryan Pinder KC, the attorney general, joined discussions on the legal and regulatory outlook, addressing legislative and supervisory developments affecting the financial services industry.

Topics ranging from divorce and family wealth disputes to international tax planning, litigation strategy and recent global cases affecting trust and estate structures were also discussed.

The conference concluded with an awards and recognition ceremony celebrating industry contributions and the ongoing commitment of professionals dedicated to advancing The Bahamas’ financial services sector.

The Pearl Honourees’ presentation recognised individuals whose contributions have helped shape the growth and reputation of The Bahamas’ financial services sector. This year’s honourees are C. Dianne Bingham, Anita Bain, Heather L. Thompson, Dr Earl Cash and John Lawrence.

Katie Booth, group head of private office at Oak Group, was awarded the John Lawrence Trailblazer Award, named after John Lawrence, chairman of the Windermere Group. She

Ministry spotlights Long Island’s Mutton Festival

THE Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation says the seventh annual Long Island Mutton Festival will be held from 20–21 March at the Salt Pond Cultural Site.

“The Mutton Festival, now in its seventh year, has become a vibrant cornerstone of the Long Island community, uniting residents and visitors for two exhilarating days of culture and celebration,” said Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation.

“Culinary tourism shines a spotlight on the extraordinary flavours and traditions of The Bahamas, and this festival brings well-deserved attention to Long Island’s iconic mutton-inspired dishes.” Latia Duncombe, the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general, added: “The Mutton Festival has become one of the Ministry of Tourism’s standout signature events, gaining strength and excitement year after year.

“For two full days, visitors can dive into non-stop

“And much of this support will go towards production equipment and business supplies so these entrepreneurs can strengthen and expand their operations. That is important. Because a man with the right support can change the course of his life. A man with the right opportunity can change the course of his family. A man with the right encouragement can change the course of his future.”

Ms Rolle said a trade show format, enlisting vendors, partners and stakeholders who have been involved in some form with SBDC, is being employed to ensure small businesses have the support they need to start and grow. She said they expect to launch a third round of ‘Men in Business’ grant funding.

“So we do anticipate launching a third cohort,” Ms Rolle said. “Like some of our other programmes, such as the women entrepreneurs, the creatives and

the young entrepreneurs, we had committed to three cohort and, rightfully so, we will do the same for the men entrepreneurs initiative. Other programmes on stream include our micro loan programme we will launch shortly, as well as a programme specifically for entrepreneurs and small businesses across our Family Islands. So we're going back to the islands. Ms Rolle added: “For SBDC, our programmes, whether it's grant funding or otherwise, are typically always over-subscribed. And so there are a number of applicants, including men, who apply across our programmes. And so some of the applications we see coming forward are within the medical field. They’re within construction.

“We have a number of developments happening, not only in New Providence, but certainly across the Family Islands, and so we're gaining more and more interest in the support that we can offer those budding entrepreneurs, as well as experienced entrepreneurs in this.

“And so we have received over 200 applications, and in that, we had to go through a two-tier adjudication process, which allows us to assess not only the requirements and whether or not they were compliant, but then also the viability of the business. This does not say that the remaining weren't viable businesses. What it says is ‘try again’. Because it's so competitive, there's only so much of our budget and resources we can give at any given time.”

has experience advising high net worth families on complex fiduciary structures and family governance.

Her career includes positions at Kingsley Napley, Graham Thompson, Mees Pierson, NM Rothschild and Butterfield Bank. She also helped establish The Bahamas branch of STEP and subsequently served on the global STEP Council.

Ms Booth said: “I am touched and honoured by

family fun, games, activities, authentic Bahamian cuisine, refreshing local drinks and vibrant live entertainment, all coming together to create an unforgettable cultural experience.”

The festival will launch this Friday from 5pm to midnight, and continues on Saturday, March 21, from 3pm straight through to midnight. Attendees can look forward to live culinary showcases from Chef Mario Adderley of the University of The Bahamas, and Long Island’s own chef, Andrew Fox.

Demonstrations will be given by award-winning mixologist, Marv Cunningham, with Bahamian musicians and local bands, including Puzzle, Funky D, the High Tide Band and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, set to perform.

Visitors can explore creations from arts and crafts vendors and browse fresh, local offerings at the bustling farmer’s market, adding even more opportunities to discover, taste and enjoy the best of Long Island culture.

this recognition. I remember vividly Geoffrey Shindler walking into my office at MeesPierson in the spring of 1996 and asking me if it would be feasible to establish a branch of STEP in The Bahamas, and whether there was a need for the educational platform it offered to trust and estate practitioners. Thirty years on, we remain an active, informative, professional body that provides

vital education, networking and visibility to our valued members domestically and internationally.”

Mr Lawrence added: “The strength of The Bahamas as an international financial centre lies in the expertise of its professionals and the collaboration within the industry to support families across generations.”

Consumer watchdog chief warns over VAT foods cut

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE Government’s consumer watchdog chief yesterday warned retailers that the elimination of VAT on uncooked foods must translate into lower prices for consumers, as he warned against using the April 1 reduction to “pad profits”.

Speaking in the Senate, Randy Rolle, the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) executive chairman, said the benefits from any VAT reduction must be passed directly to Bahamian shoppers rather than absorbed by retailers.

“When government reduces VAT, that relief must reach the Bahamian people,” he said. “This VAT change is not an opportunity for

FNM senator delivers VAT exempt warning

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

AN OPPOSITION senator yesterday warned that treating the elimination of VAT on uncooked foods as ‘exempt’ could create new cost pressures for retailers that may ultimately be passed on to consumers.

Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis said the difference between zero-rated and VAT exempt goods may appear technical but could have significant implications for grocery prices.

She explained that under the previous framework many essential food items were zero-rated for VAT, meaning VAT was charged at zero percent at the point of sale but the items remained within the VAT system. That structure allowed businesses to reclaim VAT paid on inputs such as imports, freight, warehousing, packaging, utilities and other operational expenses.

“The effect is that VAT is removed not just from the checkout counter but from the entire supply chain,” said Mrs Barnett- Ellis. However, she said the Bill currently before the Senate moves uncooked food items into the category of VAT-exempt supplies.

Under that structure, VAT is not charged at the register and is also not applied when those specific goods are imported. However, she said the goods are no longer treated as taxable supplies within the VAT system.

“When goods are classified as exempt, businesses lose the ability to reclaim the VAT paid on their domestic inputs,” Mrs Barnett-Ellis warned. She explained that businesses would then be unable to recover VAT paid on freight, logistics, utilities, packaging and other operational costs.

“All of that VAT then becomes a real business expense,” she added. Mrs Barnett-Ellis said while consumers may still see zero percent VAT applied at the register, the supply chain could be carrying embedded VAT costs that did not exist under the zero-rated structure.

“In other words, this policy removes VAT from the border and the checkout counter, but it does not remove VAT from the domestic supply chain,” she added. Mrs Barnett-Ellis noted that food retail and wholesale sectors already operate on relatively thin margins, meaning even modest cost increases could place pressure on retailers.

“Businesses then face a choice. They can absorb those costs, reducing their margins, or they can pass them on through higher prices,” she said. She added that the impact would not be limited to large supermarket chains but could also affect small neighbourhood stores and Family Island businesses that already face higher freight and operating costs.

“If the supply chain becomes more expensive - from the dock to the distribution truck to the

Price comparison app interest exceeding Gov’t expectations

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 800 Bahamians have already downloaded the Davis administration’s PricePal price comparison app as 10 retailers participate in the platform’s pilot roll-out, it was revealed yesterday

Providing an update in the Senate, Barry Griffin, executive chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commission, said the app currently has 10 fully on-boarded retailers, while more than 30 additional merchants are preparing to integrate their operations into the platform.

He said participating retailers manage their own digital storefronts within the app, updating prices, managing product listings and helping test the platform’s retail management system as the pilot programme continues.

Mr Griffin added that the platform already includes 290 stores across The Bahamas, allowing consumers to view pricing data from locations across the country.

“This collaboration ensures that PricePal works not only for consumers, but for businesses as well. Small businesses will now have access to thousands of Bahamian consumers across the archipelago previously closed to them,” said Mr Griffin.

“The corner store with the best price of grits, goat pepper and fruit juice will now be able to compete more effectively, and the Mom and Pop with

anyone to take advantage of consumers.” Mr Rolle warned that businesses should not attempt to use the change to increase margins while households continue to face economic pressure.

“As executive chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission, I want to warn businesses that they should not use this opportunity to pad profits while families

continue to struggle,” said Mr Rolle.

“Consumer rights are not optional; they are essential.”

He said the CPC is preparing to actively monitor the marketplace to ensure the savings associated with any VAT reduction are reflected in retail pricing.

“Inspectors will be on the ground. Agents will be monitoring stores. And enforcement will be real,”

neighbourhood store - then the grocery bill for Bahamian families does not magically go down,” said Mrs Barnett-Ellis.

She also raised broader concerns about government finances, noting that while revenues are reported to be strong, the public continues to hear about challenges in funding basic services. “When those bills go unpaid, it is not the Government that feels the consequences first - it is the Bahamian people,” she said.

While the Government’s decision to remove VAT on most grocery food items starting April 1 is intended to ease the cost of living, several grocery store operators have raised concerns about how the policy will work in practice

According to retailers, the issue is that the Government plans to treat uncooked foods as VAT “exempt” rather than “zero-rated,” which means supermarkets will have to separate and track multiple

Mr Griffin said the platform currently tracks 10,901 products, with 1,537 breadbasket items monitored and 34,239 individual price records already collected.

insufficient resources for a standalone website will now have a free source to reach online customers.”

Mr Griffin said more than 800 Bahamians have already downloaded the PricePal app since it was placed in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store roughly two weeks ago, surpassing the Government’s initial expectations for the early roll-out.

He said officials had initially anticipated about 500 active users, but the pilot programme is now on track to reach 1,500 users before the full launch, which would represent roughly 1 percent of Bahamian households.

“And these downloads come from across eight islands. We have users across New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini and The Berry Islands, Cat Island, Exuma and more,” said Mr Griffin.

“And interestingly, we even see downloads from Bahamians living abroad in the United States, Canada and Jamaica who want to stay connected to prices at home.”

The PricePal app is designed to allow consumers to search for products by name or category, identify nearby stores and compare prices across multiple retailers.

Users can also search for specific stores, build shopping lists and determine which retailer offers the most affordable overall basket of goods. The app also allows consumers to discover nearby stores carrying specific items, providing shoppers with greater visibility into where products are available and how prices differ between locations.

Mr Griffin said the platform is intended to provide Bahamian consumers with unprecedented access to price information across the country. “In short, PricePal gives Bahamian consumers the power of information. It will be unprecedented in this country that the average consumer will have access to such a variety of information on the products they buy across the country. An informed consumer is a powerful consumer,” he added.

The initiative is also intended to strengthen consumer protection by allowing shoppers to report issues directly through the app. Consumers will be able to scan items in stores, take photos and submit complaints directly through the platform, with reports automatically routed to the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Consumer Protection Commission.

Those agencies will also have access to a live

said Mr Rolle. “Our consumer protection agencies will be diligent in ensuring that every single cent of this reduction is passed directly to the Bahamian consumer.”

He added that the CPC will be focused on ensuring transparency and accountability across the marketplace. “Because when government acts to lower costs, the marketplace must operate in lockstep with the people’s interests,” said Mr Rolle.

Beginning on April 1, 2026, the Government will reduce VAT on uncooked foods to zero percent - a move aimed at easing the cost of living for Bahamian families.

The change will eliminate the current 5 percent VAT on most food items sold in grocery stores, including products such as fresh produce, frozen foods, baby food and packaged goods. However, the tax removal will not apply to hot or ready-to-eat meals.

The Davis administration said the policy is intended to make everyday food purchases more affordable for consumers, though some grocery retailers have raised concerns that the change could create administrative challenges as businesses adjust their systems to comply with the new tax rules.

Doctors push back over NHI non-unionise claim

BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net

DOCTORS providing services to the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme yesterday pushed back against assertions by its governing body that they cannot form a union or association to negotiate with it because they are independent contractors.

tax categories when filing VAT returns.

Grocery executives warn this could significantly increase the administrative workload, as businesses must review invoices and classify thousands of items to determine whether they are exempt, zero-rated, or taxed at five or ten percent.

Retailers, including executives from major chains, said the system could create a compliance “nightmare” and raise operational costs because stores would no longer be able to recover VAT paid on expenses such as electricity, rent, and insurance tied to those food items.

Some industry stakeholders argue that if groceries were instead zero-rated, the process would be simpler and retailers could reclaim VAT on their business costs. They warn that the current structure may lead to higher administrative costs for supermarkets and could complicate efforts to pass the full savings on to consumers

dashboard showing price trends and compliance activity across the country, allowing investigations to begin more quickly when issues are reported.

Mr Griffin said the system represents a significant step forward in modernising how consumer protection operates in The Bahamas while improving price transparency for consumers nationwide.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) said it has encouraged doctors, seeking to become a registered union under the Physicians Provider Association (PPA), to engage with the Medical Association of The Bahamas (MAB) to represent their interests but has received no response.

Doctors involved with the PPA have voiced interest in forming a registered union, and say they have complied with the necessary requirements to do so. However, they allege there has been a concerted effort to thwart their plans as they have still not been given approval, and are arguing that the NHIA cannot dictate whether they do so.

“If we are independent, then how can NHI or the Government decide who represents independent contractors,” PPA representative Dr Denotrah Archer-Cartwright said yesterday.

Dr Ian Kelly, another PPA representative, told Tribune Business that while there is “someone” on the Board from the MAB to represent doctors, they were only appointed due to pressure from the PPA.

“There's somebody on the board, and under pressure from us agitating a bit... they decided to get a group of MAB people together to be a sort of a sub-committee,” he said. “But it was only through through pressure from our people that caused that. And we are not a small group of people. We are at least 40, and maybe over 50, doctors.

"Can you imagine employers saying, 'I will only deal with so and so’? And the people who are already a union said: 'No way. We're going to represent ourselves and negotiate. In what situation does the employer

decide who will represent the people who are being negotiated?"

However, the NHIA, in a written statement, said the argument that “NHI physicians need to form a union in order for their concerns to be heard” is inaccurate. “NHIA has no jurisdiction over whether independent physicians choose to form a legitimate trade union,” the Authority said.

“Matters relating to the registration or recognition of unions fall strictly under the authority of the Office of the Registrar of Trade Unions. NHI respects the legal rights of any group to pursue formal registration if they wish. However, it must be clearly understood that the initial proposal for a physician union fell outside the traditional employee–employer relationship contemplated under the Industrial Relations Act.

“That framework is designed for unions representing employees negotiating with an employer. NHI physicians are not employees of NHIA. They are independent private providers who contract with NHIA as vendors via healthcare facilities for the provision of services to beneficiaries. The physicians participating in the NHI programme are employees of contracted NHI facilities and not NHI.”

NHIA said that under its legislative framework, an official and established body, the MAB, represents physician interests as the Authority strives to “operate within our statutory mandate.

“Engagement with MAB sub-committee members who are current NHI providers is bilateral, ongoing and collaborative,” it said.

“Importantly, the MAB maintains formal representation on the NHIA Board, ensuring physicians’ perspectives are embedded directly in governance and decision-making processes.

“NHIA has invited the newly formed physician group to collaborate with the MAB and NHI so that their concerns can be included within existing governance and dialogue frameworks. To date, the group has not responded to our offer.”

Marina head: Likely 30-40% fuel increase ‘doesn’t help our cause’

really afford the difference. It hurts everybody, and I’m just hoping and optimistic it’s not something that lasts for a long time.

“If you say how the [tourism] season’s going right now, we had a lousy January and even more lousy February, but March is making up for it. March is as good as previous years. March, April, May, June and July, if we get those results good it could save the year.”

Mr Alexiou said June and July will likely “get a little tighter” because this is when the impact from the new and increased boating fees, including the just-created anchorage fee and split-out fishing permit levy, are set to be felt more keenly by Family Island resorts and marinas. He also disclosed that, with the Palm Beach Boat Show now less than two weeks away, the tourism has yet to receive any details on the two new cruising permit fee categories promised by the Prime Minister in the midyear Budget.

“We are suffering from two separate issues,” Mr Alexiou confirmed. “One issue is the boating fees. The same boating fees haven’t changed. The longer people intend to stay in The Bahamas, the less they worry about the fees. It’s the

shorter term person who now has to pay for a year even if they are only here for a week.”

Philip Davis KC, in the mid-year Budget presentation almost two weeks ago, pledged that the Government will introduce two new boating fee categories to allay private sector concerns, and help The Bahamas regain market share and lost business, after marinas - especially those in Bimini, Abaco and the northern Bahamas - saw winter season occupancies plunge and said they would be happy to do just 50 percent of the prior year’s business.

Several sources suggested that the two new cruising permits are for 30-day and 90-day durations, both of which have been proposed to the Government by the private sector and are designed to address the concerns raised by Mr Alexiou. The Promotion Board chief, revealing that the industry is seeking a further meeting with the Prime Minister on the issue, said no details on the new cruising permit categories have been provided.

“All we have heard is that, yes, it’s been discussed, yes, it’s been passed in Parliament, but nobody knows what the numbers or when they are coming out with it, and we have got the Palm Beach Boat Show in a week-and-a-half,” he added.

Once May ends, the Bahamian boating industry relies heavily on the families that will be “most affected by the boating fees, and fuel if it goes up,” to carry it through summer. “We don’t know what June and July look like,” the Promotion Board chief said.

Mr Alexiou then identified the loss of airlift capacity from Silver Airways’ failure as another major factor undermining visitor access to the Family Islands, including Abaco, Exuma, Eleuthera and Bimini.

“The collapse of Silver Airways decreased tremendously the amount of seats into Abaco and Exuma,” he told Tribune Business. “January, our room occupancy was down almost 50 percent as a result, and February was off 27 percent. March may be 5 percent down. Generally, the Out Island Promotion Board [members] are seeing the same trends. That seems to be related to the lack of airlift and seats.

“Airlines with smaller planes have tried to come in and fill that gap and can’t quite do it.” Mr Alexiou said that, while Bahamasair and Western Air servicing Abaco and Exuma direct from Fort Lauderdale will “help tremendously” in plugging the void created by Silver Airways’ demise, the latter had also provided

Software chief: ‘Game changer’ for regional technology hub goal

CREATE - from page B1

told this newspaper that the Triblock payroll upgrades are “the first of its kind” for the region and are set be rolled-out next month at the start of the 2026 second quarter.

Asserting that company’s marketing in other Caribbean jurisdictions is starting to pay-off, he added that Plato Alpha has now secured two Triblock user clients in Turks & Caicos and one in Barbados, with their first in Antigua & Barbuda now close to “confirmation”. This is in addition to the 60 customers that the business has in The Bahamas

Mr Roye, though, said Plato Alpha has aims of becoming “trend setters” for other Bahamian software developers by proving their exports can gain market share in other Caribbean territories and earn key foreign currency revenues to reduce the country’s reliance on tourism.

“We are finalising payroll version 2,” he told Tribune Business, “which will be able to handle all the tax compliance issues from

all the Caribbean countries across CARICOM. Our payroll module, we’re re-writing it to not only handle Bahamian payrolls out-of-the-box but other countries’ payrolls outof-the-box… being able to handle multi-currency processes in payroll and handle the tax laws from all countries.”

Noting that jurisdictions impose different taxes, especially as it relates to payroll, Mr Roye added that Plato Alpha’s software upgrades will “easily be able to handle all the tax compliance throughout the Caribbean region. Large companies like Digicel or Liberty Latin America or Sandals that operate in multiple countries will have one system to process payroll for the entire region.

Sandals, which operates in Jamaica, which operates in The Bahamas, will be using one system for human resources.

“Imagine if you had one payroll system for the entire Caribbean,” he continued.

“That’s what we’re working on now. We know other countries have this issue of having to rely on localised

key “feeder” connectivity into its former south Florida hub from cities such as Tampa, Jacksonville and Orlando.

“Having the additional airlift will help, but it will not help with the feeder,” Mr Alexiou added. “We just have to hope that other airlines come in to fill the feeder.” And aviation and stopover tourism are not the only market segments set to be impacted by an increase in fuel costs relating to travel to The Bahamas.

Peter Maury, the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president, told Tribune Business that demand for this destination - already impacted by the boating fees fall-out -could take a further hit if fuel costs skyrocket further as a result of the Iran war. While crude oil prices eased slightly yesterday, the Brent crude index was still over $100 per barrel as this newspaper went to press.

Forecasting that boating fuel costs could soar by between 30-40 percent based on the crude oil price spike to-date, Mr Maury warned: “It certainly doesn’t help our cause. It’s just one more expense that a lot of boaters are probably not going to want to pay.

“We were hoping we were going to have a little bit of relief with the new cruising permits the Prime

Minister mentioned in the House of Assembly; maybe a cheaper rate to get boats over. A lot of our marinas are very slow. If that is not done, and fuel costs are high, that’s a concern. Everybody is waiting to see what happens. It’s certainly not great and doesn’t help our cause.

“It’s one of those things,” Mr Maury added. “It [the oil price] went from around $70-$80 per barrel to $100. I imagine we’re going to see on our end at least a 30-40 percent increase, and it’s expensive enough now. Add that to the cost of groceries and cruising permits, we’re going to have a tough time in tourism. It would be a good time to assess some kind of discount to help us out.”

Senator Darren Henfield, the Opposition leader in the Senate, yesterday urged the Government to both “cap” VAT levied on gasoline sold at the pump and raise the VAT-free threshold on electricity bills from $400 to $600 for residential customers as a way to mitigate the worst effects of the oil price spike for Bahamians.

“First, the Government should immediately impose a short-term cap on the VAT charged on fuel. This approach was used successfully in Barbados during a similar global oil spike,” he argued in a statement.

“Under this model, VAT would only be charged up to the current average pump price on each island. If global prices push fuel higher than that level, VAT would not be charged on the increase. This protects consumers from sudden price jumps while allowing the Government to maintain its planned revenue.

“The Government should not collect extra VAT revenue simply because global oil prices are rising. Bahamian families should not pay the price for international conflict. The Government must act now to protect them from rising costs.”

Mr Henfield then added:

“Second, the Government should immediately raise the VAT-free electricity threshold from $400 to $600 for residential customers.

“If global oil prices increase, fuel surcharges on power bills will rise. Raising the threshold now gives families breathing room before bills climb higher. This is a temporary measure to cushion households during a global price surge and protects the government’s revenue base.” Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) has already hedged, or locked in, the price of two million oil barrels at around $70 per barrel thanks to its December trade.

payroll solutions. It’s pretty exciting stuff. We’re at the testing phase now, in midMarch, and by the end of April we will have that rolled out. By the beginning of the second quarter we should have that pretty much rolled-out.”

Mr Roye said Plato Alpha’s attendance at regional conferences had exposed the need for a pan-Caribbean payroll and tax compliance solution that is integrated into a human resources management software platform. He added that companies were still heavily reliant on US and European-manufactured solutions that are not tailored for the Caribbean’s needs.

“There isn’t one company that is taking the mantle, saying ‘let’s take this on, let’s be the giant in the region’,” he told this

newspaper. “Local companies believe they just want to stay localised in a particular region. What we want to do is give Caribbean companies the ability to have localised solutions to handle human resources, and if they want to expand within the region we can grow with them because we have all the tax compliance and human resources built in.”

Of the payroll solution upgrades, Mr Roye added: “It can be a game changer. It’s going to be the first of its kind; a Caribbean solution built here for the entire region. We want to give companies the ability to know software like this is built in the Caribbean, and they don’t have to go to Europe, they don’t have to go to the US. There are talented companies like Plato Alpha that can build the solution to keep these input as efficient as possible.

“Nobody is thinking about human resources and payroll being efficient. We want to change that. That’s what we want to do.

This can actually be a very big deal. One of the things I’m looking to achieve is for Plato Alpha to be a beacon of light for other companies to aspire to in exporting software out of The Bahamas. Tourism is our largest industry, then it’s banking, but nobody is thinking about whether we can export software out of the country and bring in revenue from that.

“We want to introduce that to The Bahamas, be trend setters and be able to build solutions and export outside the country so that we can build a technology hub here, the technology hub for the Caribbean; to build software that makes companies more efficient in the modern era.”

Mr Roye said Plato Alpha has “penetrated” both Trinidad and Jamaica, but has yet to secure a Triblock client in either state, as he asserted that the company is “on target” with its Caribbean expansion plans that have seen it take advertising slots in the major airports for both countries

must pay $500 for a temporary cruising permit valid for up to 12 months, while boats between 50 and 100 feet pay $1,000 and vessels over 100 feet pay $3,000.

as well as Barbados. “We have ramped things up by marketing extensively in the first quarter,” he added.

“We are getting a good amount of leads from our marketing. The marketing is doing its job, but we have to convert those leads. That’s down to the product being good enough to sell, and then doing what we need to do to win the business.

“This could be a game changer for Plato Alpha, but also a game changer for The Bahamas. Something like this can put The Bahamas on the map as a country building technology to transform how companies operate in the Caribbean region. What I’m trying to achieve is to put The Bahamas on the map. We’re a small dot but can have a big impact. Building software like this is a small part of assisting The Bahamas to grow its GDP and bring foreign currency revenue into the country without depending too much on tourism.”

related charges as part of the 2025-2026 Budget.

The changes, which took effect on July 1, 2025, increased the cost of

temporary cruising permits and introduced additional levies such as anchorage fees and separate fishing permit charges.

Under the revised structure, vessels up to 50 feet

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, notice is hereby given that the Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 23rd day of December, 2025.

Dated the 17th day of March, 2026.

Roshan A. Noronha Liquidator

The reforms also created a two-year “frequent digital cruising card”, costing between $1,500 and $8,000 depending on vessel size, designed to allow unlimited entries during that period.

However, marina operators and tourism industry stakeholders have warned that the increased costs and the speed with which the changes were implemented have discouraged boating visitors, particularly from nearby Florida.

Industry groups have also warned that the higher fees risk pricing The Bahamas out of the regional boating market and could reduce visitor spending at marinas, restaurants and other small businesses that rely heavily on boating traffic.

In response to the backlash, Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, last December acknowledged the industry’s concerns and wrote to stakeholders indicating the Government was prepared to review the policy.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, notice is hereby given that the Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 23rd day of December, 2025.

Dated the 17th day of March, 2026.

Roshan A. Noronha Liquidator

Consolidated Water debt up $2m in 2026’s first 2 months

CASH FLOW - from page B1

dates, respectively. As of February 28, 2026, this receivable amounted to $22.6m, of which 75 percent was delinquent. The delay in collecting these accounts receivable has adversely impacted the liquidity of this subsidiary.”

Thus the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s weak financial position, which has left it unable to pay its main and other suppliers in full and on time, is impacting the cash flow of Consolidated Water’s Bahamian subsidiary. And the situation would be untenable if not for the taxpayer subsidies that the Government is using to keep these debts at manageable levels.

“From time to time including presently, Consolidated Water (Bahamas) has experienced delays in collecting its accounts receivable from the Water & Sewerage Corporation,” the BISX-listed reverse osmosis supplier added.

“When these delays occur, we hold discussions and meetings with representatives of the Water & Sewerage Corporation and the Government of The Bahamas. All previous delinquent accounts receivable from the Water & Sewerage Corporation, including accrued interest thereon, were eventually paid in full.

“Based upon this payment history, we have not provided for a material allowance for credit losses

Pineridge contestant:

for Consolidated Water (Bahamas) accounts receivable from the Water & Sewerage Corporation as of December 31, 2025, or prior periods,” Consolidated Water continued. “We continue to be in frequent contact with officials of The Bahamas government, who continue to express their intention to significantly reduce Consolidated Water (Bahamas) delinquent accounts receivable balances. However, we are unable to determine when or if such reduction will occur.”

Again outlining the potential financial consequences, Consolidated Water added: “If Consolidated Water (Bahamas) is unable to collect a sufficient portion of its delinquent

accounts receivable, one or more of the following events may occur.

“Consolidated Water (Bahamas) may not have sufficient liquidity to meet its obligations. We may be required to cease the recognition of revenue on Consolidated Water Bahamas’ water supply agreements with the Water & Sewerage Corporation, and we may be required to provide a material allowance for credit losses for Consolidated Water (Bahamas) accounts receivable. Any of these events could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.”

Explaining its contract with the Water & Sewerage

Corporation and the Government, Consolidated Water added: “Our water supply agreement with the Water & Sewerage Corporation for our Windsor plant, which has a capacity of 2.8 million gallons per day, expires in August 2033 and requires us to deliver - and requires the Water & Sewerage Corporation to purchase - a minimum of 16.8 million gallons per week.

“We supply water from the Blue Hills plant, our largest seawater reverse osmosis desalination facility with a capacity of 12m gallons per day, under the terms of a water supply agreement with the Water & Sewerage Corporation that expires in March 2032 that requires us to deliver

- and requires the Water & Sewerage Corporation to purchase - a minimum of 63m gallons of water each week.

“The high-pressure pumps at our Windsor and Blue Hills plants in The Bahamas are powered by diesel engines. Electricity for the remainder of our plant operations is supplied by Bahamas Power & Light Company (BPL). We maintain a stand-by generator with sufficient capacity to operate essential equipment at our Windsor and Blue Hills plants, and are able to produce 100 percent of the production capacity with these plants during temporary interruptions in the electricity supply from BPL.”

the ruling’

‘We complied with

LABOUR - from page B1

work and refused to give the employer’s assistant her date of birth.

“She claimed that her employer retaliated against her by removing her from the Work group chat, not scheduling her for work for about a month and not responding to a letter she had sent via e-mail inquiring about the status of her employment, which amounts to constructive wrongful and unfair dismissal.

“The employer claimed that the employee was ‘inadvertently’ removed from the Work group chat without her knowledge, and was not scheduled to work because the Orthodontist with whom she worked was out of office for extended periods and business was slow.”

Ms Rolle, in her claim, alleged that on October 16, 2024, she was asked by Dr Reid’s assistant, Regina Miller, to supply her birth date because Easy Dental Care wanted to set up a

PUBLIC NOTICE

The public is hereby advised that I, ROYLANDA NATASHA COOPER of #78 Peardale Rd., Unit #2, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas intend to change my name to ROLANDA NATASHA COOPER. If there are any objections to challenge the name by deed poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, The Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this notice. INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that DANIE MEADOWS of P.O. Box AP59247 of Carmichael Road, Nassau, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 17th day of March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I JESSIE PIERRE MINNIS of Cox Way off East Street South, New Providence, 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 10th day of March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

‘Birthday Club’ for staff.

“She told Ms Miller she did not want to be a part of it,” the Industrial Tribunal said of Ms Rolle’s evidence.

“Ms Miller replied: ‘That’s okay, you could still give it to me.’ She again told Ms Miller that she did not want to be a part of the ‘Birthday Club’. She did not give Ms Miller her date of birth. She could see from Ms Miller’s expression that she was upset with her answer.” Ms Rolle worked at Easy Dental Care for the following two days but, on Friday October 18, 2024, alleged that she was removed from the staff’s What’s App group without explanation. She was then the only employee not scheduled to work between Tuesday, October 22, 2024, and Saturday October 26, 2024. “All the staff were to work except her. No one told her why they took her off the work schedule. She did not work on that Tuesday and considered herself constructively dismissed by the respondent from that date,” the Industrial Tribunal added.

After speaking to other Easy Dental Care staff to try and find out when she would work next, Ms Rolle eventually e-mailed Dr Reid on November 8, 2024, to find out her employment status but received no reply. She was still not scheduled for work, and filed a trade dispute with the

Department of Labour on November 15, 2024.

However, Dr Reid denied that Ms Rolle, who she described as an “hourly waged employee” who was only entitled to be paid for hours worked, was constructively dismissed either wrongfully or unfairly.

In her evidence, she asserted that Ms Rolle was “inadvertently” dropped from the What’s App group chat without her knowledge and she was unaware of this until the trade dispute was submitted to the Department of Labour. And Dr Reid countered that she was not scheduled to work because the dentist who Ms Rolle normally assisted, Dr Zeinabou, was out of office for a month between October 28, 2024, and November 21, 2024.

“There was no necessity to have the applicant in office as there was no dentist present with whom she could work,” Dr Reid told the Industrial Tribunal. “October 2024 and November 2024 were slow months with a significantly reduced number of patients booked to be seen.

“During these two months, the three dental assistants in the respondent’s employee worked significantly reduced hours compared to the previous months (August and September 2024), owing to a lack of patients. Those were the only reasons why the Applicant was not placed

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ANASTAZIA LYNN PHILLIPS of Marina View Drive, Treasure Cay, Abaco, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 17th day of March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I LOUISBIN FOREST of #10 Sandra Ave. McKinney Drve, New Providence, 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 10th day of March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that WENDY PATRICIA BREMMER of Pinewood Gardens, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 10th day of March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

on the schedule during the stated period.

“In anticipation of Dr Zeinabou’s return to the office on November 21, 2024, the applicant was placed back on the work schedule and instructed to report to work on November 19, 2024. She did not report to work as requested. Instead, she informed the respondent that she would not be returning but would be continuing with her labour dispute before the Department of Labour.” Ms Almorales-Jones and the Industrial Tribunal, in their verdict, found: “The Tribunal does not believe the respondent’s [Dr Reid’s] testimony that neither she nor the management and supervisory staff of her dental practice targeted the applicant after she refused to be a part of the proposed ‘Birthday Club’ and to give the respondent’s assistant her date of birth as requested….

“Consequently, the removal of the applicant from the WhatsApp group chat effectively prevented her from accessing important and necessary information that the respondent’s dental practice was disseminating to the employees, including the work schedules that told the applicant when she was required to work.

“The respondent did not say which group chat administrator ‘inadvertently’ removed the applicant from the chat and

the circumstances in which it had occurred. Whether or not the respondent had personally removed the applicant from the chat, she is accountable for this act as the applicant’s employer,” the Industrial Tribunal added.

“The evidence does not show that the respondent had reasonable and proper cause to remove the applicant from the chat, an action that effectively denied her access to communications to the employees, including the work schedules, and was likely to seriously damage the relationship of trust and confidence between the parties.”

The Industrial Tribunal also ruled that it was too late for Dr Reid and Easy Dental Care to “remedy the breach/repudiation” of Ms Rolle’s employment contract by only restoring her to the work schedule after they became aware she had filed a trade dispute with the Department of Labour.

“The Tribunal does not believe the respondent’s testimony that she ‘would not have’ received the letter the applicant sent to the office e-mail or known about it. The respondent’s failure to respond to the applicant’s query about the status of her employment after she had been removed from the WhatsApp group chat and not scheduled to work for almost a month was the final straw,” the Industrial Tribunal added.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that MCKENSON CLEOPHA of Claridge Road, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 17th day of March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I MOISE RENNA of P.O.Box N-356, Sunshine Park, Golden Gates, New Providence, 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 10th day of March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I BURONKA VERNEUS of Minnie Street, New Providence, 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 10th day of March, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Antitrust trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster continues

By LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press

THE antitrust trial of Live Nation and Ticketmaster resumed Monday in a New York federal court with three dozen states remaining in the case a week after the Justice Department settled its claims and withdrew.

Judge Arun Subramanian told jurors in Manhattan that Arkansas, Nebraska and South Dakota, like the U.S. government, had settled claims and were no longer part of the case.

Testimony then resumed with an attorney for the remaining states questioning Jay Marciano, the chief executive of AEG Presents, which is Live Nation’s chief competitor.

Marciano said his company has trouble overcoming exclusive contracts used by Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster to dominate the industry in the U.S. He said a more competitive environment exists in Europe, where

with states leading the charge

consumers pay 15% fees on tickets rather than the 25% it costs concertgoers in the United States.

He said AEG would prefer that multiple ticketing companies be allowed to sell every show because “fans are rewarded.” On cross examination, Marciano conceded that his private company was a giant in the industry as well, drawing revenues from events that attracted over 100 million customers annually.

Later in the day, Robert Roux, Live Nation’s president of live concerts, described his employer as an “artist-first company” that does 90% of shows in smaller venues, where it can groom artists to someday reach the large crowds and big paydays that come with stadiums, arenas and amphitheaters.

He said there was already “extreme” competition in the industry from players like AEG who cause Live Nation to change its offers to artists “all the time” to keep or gain a client.

US stocks climb to their best day since the Iran war began after oil prices ease

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer

A DROP in oil prices on Monday helped send the U.S. stock market to its best day since the war in Iran began. The S&P 500 climbed 1% for its biggest gain in five weeks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 387 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq composite jumped 1.2%.

The driver for markets once again was the price of oil. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude fell 5.3% to settle at $93.50, easing some pressure off the economy after topping $102 earlier in the

morning. Brent crude, the international standard, fell 2.8% to $100.21 per barrel after earlier getting as high as $106.50. It’s a reprieve, for now at least, after oil prices spiked from roughly $70 before the United States and Israel began their attacks on Iran. In response, Iran has nearly halted traffic through the narrow Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of the world’s oil typically sails from the Persian Gulf to customers worldwide. That has oil producers cutting production because their crude has nowhere to go.

everything needed for the show.

“Through it all, we just keep doing what we’re used to doing and do our best,” he said.

Questioned by a Live Nation lawyer, Roux said artists choose where they play and negotiate details like ticket prices. He said he never asked artists to play venues where they didn’t want to play and, asked if his company ever withheld shows from venues that refused to use Ticketmaster, he said flatly: “Not true.”

Roux said companies like Live Nation operate in a high risk, low-margin business where contracts they sign require guaranteed money be paid to artists, often in advance, with no assurance ticket sales won’t be spoiled by something the artist says, a change in the economy or a surprise like the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

The worry in financial markets is that if the strait remains closed for a long time, it could keep enough oil off the market to drive inflation up to a debilitating level for the global economy.

President Donald Trump over the weekend demanded that other countries hurt by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz “take care of that passage” and said his country “will helpA LOT!” European countries, meanwhile, want to know more about Trump’s plans for the war on Iran and when the conflict might end as they weighed his demand.

The U.S. stock market has a track record of bouncing back relatively quickly from military conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, as long as oil prices don’t stay too high for too

One tour, he testified, required an advance payment to cover roughly $20 million pre-tour costs, including the rental of 87 semitractor trailers to haul

long. Many professional investors are expecting that to be the case again, which has helped keep U.S. stock prices near their record levels.

For all its dramatic swings over the last couple weeks, including several that struck hour to hour, the S&P 500 is only 4% below its all-time high.

Escalations have been mounting quickly in the war, to be sure, but that could suggest “both sides are facing growing constraints that may prevent a long conflict,” according to Paul Christopher, head of global investment strategy at Wells Fargo Investment Institute.

On Wall Street, stocks of companies with big fuel bills helped lead the market thanks to falling oil prices. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings steamed 5.1% higher, while United

For a time last week, it seemed the trial might not proceed at all. The states requested a mistrial after U.S. government lawyers said they’d reached a tentative settlement. After the judge urged states to negotiate for several days with attorneys for Live Nation, the states withdrew their mistrial request and Subramanian said the trial would resume Monday.

On Friday, lawyers for the states indicated that seven states were well on

Airlines climbed 4.2% to trim their big losses for the year so far.

National Storage Affiliates leaped 30% after Public Storage said it would buy its 69 million rentable square feet in an all-stock deal valued at $10.5 billion. Public Storage fell 1.7%.

Dollar Tree rose 6.4% after reporting a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected, even as fewer shoppers visited its stores.

Nebius Group, a Dutch AI cloud company, saw its stock that trades in the United States leap 15% after announcing a five-year infrastructure contract with Meta Platforms that could be worth up to $27 billion.

Nvidia, whose chips are powering much of the world’s move into artificial-intelligence technology rose 1.6% as its CEO, Jensen Huang, talked up the tech’s possibilities at an AI conference and said he foresaw $1 trillion in demand for AI chips through 2027. It was the strongest single force lifting the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 rose 67.19 points to 6,699.38. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 387.94 to 46,946.41, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 268.82 to 22,374.18.

their way to joining the federal government’s planned settlement, but the judge said any state that had not reached a final signed deal by Monday would remain in the case until they did. As the trial resumed, 36 states and the District of Columbia continued to press claims that Live Nation Entertainment and its ticketing subsidiary, Ticketmaster, are blocking competition and driving up prices for fans. They say this was done through threats, retaliation and other tactics to control virtually every aspect of the industry, from concert promotion to ticketing.

Lawyers for Live Nation and Ticketmaster have tried to show jurors that the entertainment and ticketing business is more complicated than the states are portraying it and that it’s impossible to monopolize an industry that is largely controlled by artists, sports teams and venues that set prices and decide how tickets are sold.

In stock markets abroad, indexes rose modestly in Europe, including a 0.5% return for Germany’s DAX, following a mixed finish in Asia.

Stocks jumped 1.4% in Hong Kong but slipped 0.3% in Shanghai.

In the bond market, Treasury yields eased as falling oil prices took some pressure off inflation worries. A report showing a weakening of manufacturing activity in New York state also weighed on yields. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.22% from 4.28% late Friday. Yields, though, are still higher than they were before the war, when the 10-year Treasury yield was at just 3.97%. Traders have pushed back their expectations for when the Federal Reserve could resume its cuts to interest rates because of the spike in oil prices caused by the war. Such cuts would give the economy and job market a boost, and they’re something Trump has angrily been calling for, but they would worsen inflation. Traders see virtually no chance of the Fed announcing a cut to rates after its next meeting concludes on Wednesday, according to data from CME Group.

Legal Notice

Lemon Blue Ltd.

Registration No. 211217 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 Lemon Blue Ltd. 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 February 17, 2026.

Crowe Bahamas Liquidator

Legal Notice

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT, 2000

Pamplona Limited

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, as follows:

a) Pamplona Limited, is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act, 2000.

b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on 12th March 2026.

c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Amicorp Bahamas Management Limited whose address is: Bahamas Financial Centre, 3rd Floor, Shirley & Charlotte Street, P.O. Box N-4865, Nassau, Bahamas

CRYPTOQUOTE

Menopause deserves a louder conversation

By Alesha Cadet Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

MARCH is widely recognised as International Women’s Month, a time that celebrates the achievements, leadership and empowerment of women around the world. It is also Women’s Wellness Month, which brings attention to the importance of women’s health. Yet amid conversations about fitness, heart health and breast cancer awareness, Bahamian menopause coach and licensed esthetician Patrice Rolle believes one life stage that affects every woman still receives far less attention than it deserves, and that is menopause. Public discussions about menopause often centre on the physical discomforts that can accompany midlife. Ms Rolle says that focus, while important, can leave many women unprepared for the emotional and psychological shifts that may also arise during the transition.

She explained that the hormonal changes that occur during this period can influence more than

reproductive health. The body’s internal adjustments may also shape how women experience sleep, stress, and mood.

“During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and decline. Estrogen doesn’t just affect the reproductive system; it also affects chemicals in the brain that control mood, sleep, and stress,” said Ms Rolle.

For some women, those changes can bring emotional or cognitive shifts that appear suddenly and feel unfamiliar. Experiences such as anxiety, irritability, forgetfulness or difficulty sleeping can emerge during midlife, sometimes leaving women unsure of what is happening.

“For some women, these changes can feel frightening. Many say, ‘I don’t feel like myself anymore,’” said Ms Rolle.

She noted that these experiences are frequently misunderstood. Without clear information, women may attribute the changes to everyday stress or assume they are simply part of ageing.

“Unfortunately, these symptoms are often dismissed as simply ‘part of

getting older.’ But research shows that hormonal changes during menopause can directly influence mood and mental wellbeing,” said Ms Rolle.

She believes that education can make a meaningful difference in how women navigate this stage of life.

Learning what is happening within the body, she said, can help remove feelings of confusion or self-blame.

“One of the first steps in managing menopause symptoms is something

called psychoeducation. That simply means learning what is happening in your body and brain,” said Ms Rolle.

While medical treatments are available, they may not be suitable for everyone. Ms Rolle noted that some women cannot take hormone therapy for health reasons, while others prefer to explore different ways of managing their symptoms.

“Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be very helpful for some women and remains a medically approved treatment for certain menopause symptoms. However, not every woman can take hormones. The good news is that hormones are not the only option,” said Ms Rolle.

For those seeking non-hormonal approaches, she highlighted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, commonly known as CBT, as one option supported by research. The method focuses on understanding how thoughts, emotions and behaviours influence one another.

“CBT is a practical approach that helps people understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are connected. It has been

Power Up Your Immune System:

7 Essential Nutrients Your Body Needs

The old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” may have some truth behind it, after all. Eating nourishing foods rich in certain vitamins and minerals can help your immune system fight off illness.

“A strong immune system bolsters your body against the common cold and the flu,” says registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD. “It can also help you recover from injury and keep your energy level high.”

Zumpano shares the best minerals and vitamins for your immune system.

Vitamin A supports your white blood cells and the mucus membranes, which are protective linings that remove foreign particles, in your urinary tract, intestines and lungs. Research shows that this helps keep your immune system at its best by protecting it from potential infections.

Good sources of vitamin A include dairy products like milk, yogurt and eggs, fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, and vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach and broccoli.

Vitamin B6 is vital to your immune system. One of its major roles is in producing white blood cells and T cells – the cells that fight off invaders, like viruses and bacteria. Good sources of vitamin B6 include chickpeas, beef, salmon, tuna and tofu.

Vitamin C is one of the best vitamins to boost your immune system. In fact, researchers say vitamin C deficiency can make you more prone to getting sick. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, meaning it can protect your body from toxins that cause inflammation.

Getting your intake of vitamin C on a regular basis is essential for good health because your body doesn’t produce it on its own. It also doesn’t store it for later.

Foods high in vitamin C include bell peppers, citrus fruits and kale.

Vitamin D doesn’t just help your body defend itself against infection. It also promotes healing. Studies show that vitamin D may delay a virus’ ability to

replicate, reduce inflammation and increase your T cell levels.

You can get vitamin D from foods like fatty fish, canned fish like sardines and tuna, egg yolks, mushrooms and fortified orange juice.

“Your body naturally produced vitamin D when you’re in the sun. Daily exposure to direct sunlight is the best way to meet your needs of this essential vitamin,” says Zumpano. “There aren’t many whole foods that are good sources of vitamin D. This can make it difficult to meet your needs from food alone.” Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps your body fight off infection. Research shows that vitamin E is one of the most effective nutrients for your immune system function. That’s because it helps keep your T-cells working at peak performance.

Zumpano strongly encourages avoiding vitamin E supplements. “Not only is there little clinical research showing that vitamin E supplements benefit your health, but they may also be harmful in some situations,” she warns. Instead, load up your plate with vitamin E-filled

foods like, sunflower seeds, almonds, broccoli and avocado.

Zinc is anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. Researchers call it the “gatekeeper” of your immune system because it’s responsible for making all your immune cells function properly.

Foods to boost your zinc intake include oysters, lean cuts on beef, pumpkin seeds and turkey breast.

One mineral that is less talked about but certainly deserves its place on your priority list is Selenium. Dietary selenium is a onetwo punch for keeping your healthy. It not only activates your immune system when there’s a threat, but it also tells your immune system when to pump the brakes.

That means it can keep your immune system from going overboard, protecting you from chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, Chron’s disease and psoriasis.

Good sources of selenium include tuna, halibut, cottage cheese and Brazil nuts.

While vitamin supplements can help fill the gaps in your diet, the best way to load up on essential

used for many years to help with anxiety, depression, and sleep problems,” said Ms Rolle. She noted that researchers have increasingly explored how CBT can support women dealing with menopause-related concerns, particularly issues such as sleep disturbances, mood fluctuations and the stress that can accompany night-time symptoms.

“Many women wake up during the night with a hot flash and immediately think, ‘I’ll never get back to sleep.’ That thought can increase stress and make it even harder to rest,” said Ms Rolle. Through practical techniques, CBT encourages women to recognise and adjust unhelpful thought patterns that may intensify distress during this stage of life.

“It helps women challenge negative thoughts that can appear during midlife, such as: ‘I’m not as capable as I used to be.’ ‘I can’t handle things anymore.’ ‘Something must be wrong with me,’” said Ms Rolle.

In The Bahamas, Ms Rolle said the conversation is particularly important because women often carry multiple responsibilities across different areas of life. Many balance careers, family commitments, caregiving roles and community involvement, yet may still face menopause without clear information or support.

She emphasised that menopause should be viewed as a natural transition rather than a decline.

“Menopause is not a weakness. It is a natural life transition. With the right information and tools, women can move through this stage with confidence and strength,” said Ms Rolle.

Ms Rolle, founder of Menolux Health and Wellness Coaching and Consultancy, now works to support women navigating this stage of life. Through her organisation, she offers menopause coaching informed by CBT techniques and provides workplace education sessions aimed at helping organisations better support employees during midlife.

As Women’s Wellness Month continues, she hopes the topic will become part of more open and informed conversations.

“This Women’s Wellness Month let’s start having honest conversations about menopause. Because when women understand what is happening in their bodies and minds, they can move through this stage not with fear; but with knowledge, support, and confidence,” said Ms Rolle.

For more information, readers are asked to contact: menoluxhealthandwellness@gmail.com

Gut Health linked to lower Colorectal Cancer risk according to Cleveland Clinic dietitian

nutrients is to get them straight from the source.

“Your body absorbs and uses vitamins and minerals better when they come from the foods you eat that from a supplement,” Zumpano stresses.

Also, supplements aren’t monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some of them can have side effects, especially if you have taken them before surgery or with other medicines. Supplements can also cause problems if you have certain health conditions and the effects of many of them haven’t been tested in children, pregnant women and other groups.

For these reasons, experts say it’s best to get your vitamins and minerals through food rather than use supplements to improve your immune system.

If you think you need a supplement, Zumpano suggests talking with a healthcare provider first. “They can help you understand whether a supplement is right for you,” concludes Zumpano. “They can advise you on how to get your fill of the nutrients your body needs.”

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and according to the CDC, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer for both men and women.

The good news is there are ways to help prevent it, like improving your gut health.

“A healthy gut and a diverse microbiome help decrease inflammation, and chronic inflammation we know can lead to increased risk of cancer, specifically colorectal cancer,” explained Julia Zumpano, RD, registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic.

Zumpano said we can help improve our gut health by improving our diet.

She recommends eating foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. She also suggests adding fermented and probiotic foods into your diet. Some ideas include yogurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut.

Zumpano notes that it can be overwhelming to eat a bunch of new foods at once, which is

why it’s best to make a gradual transition.

“I would first begin by reducing processed foods and incorporating more fiber rich foods. And you’ll see your gut symptoms improve. So, if you have any symptoms like constipation or diarrhea, those things should improve. Now if you’re finding that you’re having gastrointestinal symptoms that aren’t going away despite making positive health changes, that’s when you should seek medical attention,” she advised. Besides keeping a healthy diet, Zumpano said it’s also important to make sure you’re getting enough physical activity as exercise has been shown to help reduce a person’s risk for colorectal cancer.

By focusing on small sustainable lifestyle changes such as eating a fiber-rich diet, supporting gut health and staying physically active, people can take meaningful steps toward lowering the risk of colorectal cancer and improving their overall health.

Conference to highlight growing concern over gambling addiction and substance use

By Jeffarah Gibson Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

A TWO day conference later this month will bring national attention to the growing public health concerns surrounding gambling addiction and substance use in The Bahamas, while also encouraging greater collaboration among health, justice and community agencies.

The Gambling and Substance Use Program Conference 2026 will be hosted by the Public Hospitals Authority and the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre in collaboration with ISSUP Bahamas. The conference is scheduled for March 19 and 20 at Holy Cross Anglican Church on Soldier Road.

According to Paulette Dean, senior nursing officer at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre and chairperson of the National Gambling and Substance Use Addiction Program, the event was organised in response to increasing concern about the impact of gambling related problems and

substance use disorders on individuals and families.

“This conference was inspired by the growing recognition that gambling addiction and substance use disorders are serious and interconnected public health issues in The Bahamas,” said Ms Dean. “As access to gaming and other risk behaviours continues to expand, we are seeing more individuals and families affected by financial hardship, mental health challenges, relationship breakdown, and other social consequences.”

The conference is also being held in recognition of National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which is observed each March to highlight the often hidden effects of gambling disorder.

Ms Dean noted that gambling addiction frequently remains concealed because individuals often feel shame or fear seeking help.

“One of the major challenges is that gambling addiction is frequently a hidden disorder. Many individuals struggle in silence because of shame, fear, or the stigma associated with addiction,” she said. “As a

Hannah Foster-Middleton

result, people often delay seeking help until the problem has already caused significant financial, emotional, and social harm.”

While the full scope of the issue in The Bahamas has yet to be formally studied, Ms Dean said treatment providers are seeing a growing number of individuals seeking assistance for gambling related problems, sometimes alongside alcohol or drug misuse.

“Gambling addiction frequently co occurs with substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, family conflict, and financial distress. As treatment providers, we are seeing increasing numbers of individuals seeking help for gambling related problems.”

Because addiction can affect many aspects of society, Ms Dean stressed the importance of professionals working together across multiple sectors.

“Addiction does not occur in isolation. It affects health, families, workplaces, schools, and the justice system. A coordinated approach allows professionals to share information, strengthen referral pathways, and provide more

Why your back pain might not be a back

If you’ve ever had low back pain, chances are your first instinct was to stretch your back. Maybe you reached for your toes. Maybe you twisted side to side. Maybe you lay on the floor pulling your knees to your chest.

And maybe it felt good… temporarily.

But what if I told you that your back pain might not actually be a back problem?

As a physiotherapist in private practice, I see this every single week. Patients come in convinced something is “wrong” with their spine — when the real issue is often coming from somewhere else entirely.

Let’s break it down.

Your Back Is Often the Victim, Not the Culprit

The lower back (lumbar spine) is designed to be stable. It does move, of course, but its primary job is to support and transfer load between your upper body and your legs. When other areas aren’t doing their job properly — especially the hips and core — the lower back picks up the slack. And that’s when it starts to complain.

The Hip–Back Connection

Your hips are built for mobility and power. They should absorb force when you walk, bend, lift, or climb stairs. But modern life doesn’t help them much.

Long hours sitting. Minimal glute activation. Poor movement habits. Previous injuries.

Over time, the gluteal muscles — especially gluteus medius and gluteus

comprehensive support,” she told Tribune Health. Discussions during the conference will examine several key areas including the science of addiction, early prevention strategies, youth protection, treatment and rehabilitation approaches, and the impact addiction can have on health services and the justice system. Organisers also plan to explore community barriers that can prevent individuals from accessing recovery support.

International and local experts will be among those contributing to the dialogue. Wiley Harwell, executive director of the Oklahoma Association for Problem and Compulsive Gambling, will serve as keynote speaker on the first day of the conference.

Nurse Dean said Mr Harwell brings extensive experience in prevention strategies, treatment systems and public policy related to gambling disorders. During his address he is expected to share insights on the neuroscience of addiction and the development of sustainable systems for prevention and recovery.

problem

maximus — can become weak or underactive.

When that happens:

· The pelvis becomes less stable.

· The lower back has to work harder to control movement.

· Small stabilising muscles fatigue.

· Irritation and pain develop.

So the pain shows up in the back… but the weakness started in the hips.

Movement Patterns Matter More Than You Think

It’s not just about strength — it’s about how you move.

If you bend forward by rounding your spine instead of hinging at your hips, your lower back absorbs repeated strain.

If you stand with your pelvis tilted forward all day, your lumbar joints compress.

If you shift weight unevenly or collapse through one hip when standing, your back compensates.

The body is a team. When one player doesn’t show up, someone else works overtime.

Why Stretching Your Back Isn’t Enough

Here’s the tricky part: stretching often feels good. And there’s nothing wrong with stretching. But if you’re only stretching your lower back without addressing underlying weakness or control issues, you’re treating the symptom — not the cause.

In fact, constantly stretching an already irritated or unstable lumbar spine can sometimes make it worse.

If your back is tight, it may not be because it’s short.

On the second day, Dr Novia Carter Lookie, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness and director of the National Drug Council, will deliver a keynote presentation focusing on the need for a more coordinated national response. Her address, titled “From Reaction to Prevention: Implementing a National Integrated Response,” will explore how countries can move beyond fragmented responses and build stronger systems for prevention, early intervention and treatment.

Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre currently offers several services for individuals experiencing gambling or substance use disorders, including clinical assessments, counselling, addiction education, relapse prevention support, case management and family guidance.

Ms Dean said public awareness and professional training also form part of the programme’s efforts to reduce stigma and encourage earlier intervention.

She urged individuals and families affected by addiction to seek help and

reminded the public that support is available.

“The message I would like to share is that you are not alone, and recovery is possible. Addiction whether related to gambling or substance use is a health condition that affects many individuals and families. With the right support, people can and do recover.”

Ms Dean also acknowledged the support of organisations working to strengthen addiction awareness and responsible gaming initiatives in The Bahamas.

“We are deeply grateful to the organisations that continue to support addiction awareness, prevention, and recovery efforts in The Bahamas,” she said, noting the contributions of the Island Luck Foundation, Ultra Games and the Gaming Board for The Bahamas.

Individuals seeking assistance can contact the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre Gambling and Substance Use Addiction Program through its 24 hour helpline at 425 2360.

It may be tight because it’s working too hard.

The Real Protectors of Your Spine

Your spine relies heavily on:

· Gluteal muscles

· Deep core stabilisers

· Hip rotators

· Proper breathing mechanics

Strong glutes help:

· Control pelvic alignment

· Reduce shear forces on the spine

· Improve walking and lifting mechanics

· Distribute load efficiently

When these muscles fire correctly, your lower back doesn’t have to grip and guard. That’s when pain begins to settle.

A Simple Example

Imagine two people picking up a heavy grocery bag.

Person A bends mostly through the spine, minimal hip hinge, weak glutes.

Person B hinges at the hips, engages glutes, keeps the spine supported. Over weeks and months,

Person A develops recurring back pain.

Person B? Much less likely.

Same task. Different muscle strategy.

Posture: It’s Not About Sitting Up Straight All Day

Posture isn’t about being rigid or forcing yourself into military alignment. It’s about variability and support.

If you sit for long periods without changing position, your hip flexors tighten, your glutes switch off, and your lumbar spine stiffens.

Then you stand up, move quickly, and the back

absorbs stress it hasn’t prepared for.

Small daily habits add up.

So What Actually Helps? Instead of just stretching your lower back, consider: · Strengthening your glutes

· Learning proper hip hinge mechanics

· Improving single-leg balance and pelvic control

· Training deep core stability

· Addressing asymmetries Often, once hips and core begin doing their job properly, back pain reduces significantly — sometimes surprisingly quickly.

The Big Question

Do you find yourself constantly stretching your back for relief… only for the pain to return?

That might be your body telling you it needs stability, not more flexibility. It might need strength. It might need better movement. It might need retraining.

Back pain can absolutely originate in the spine — and sometimes imaging or medical referral is necessary. But very often, it’s a movement problem hiding in plain sight. If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of stretch → feel better → hurt again, it may be time to look beyond your back. Because sometimes the solution isn’t in the painful spot. It’s in the muscles that were supposed to protect it.

• For questions and comments, call Hannah Foster-Middleton at 356 4806, e-mail genesisphysiotherapy@gmail.com, or visit www.physiotherapybahamas.com.

By Alesha Cadet Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

Couture rooted in culture

WHEN Culture and Couture recently took over the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, the runway stood as a celebration of identity, craftsmanship and creative courage. Among the designers featured was Allia M Dean, the founder of Always by Allia, who used the moment to present jewellery that honoured heritage while embracing contemporary form.

The showcase marked a significant chapter for Ms Dean. Just weeks prior, she made the deliberate decision to step away from corporate life and focus fully on her creative work. Rather than describing the shift as a departure, she frames it as alignment.

“This season has been about intention rather than labels,” she said. “Stepping away from corporate work created space for reflection, and I chose to use that time to more fully embrace my talents and creative gifts through Always by Allia.”

The transition did not mean abandoning the skills she had developed professionally. Instead, those experiences now underpin how she manages her brand. “The structure and discipline I gained professionally continue to inform how I approach my work, while allowing creativity to lead has been both grounding and energising,” said Ms Dean.

Through Always by Allia, she offers handcrafted jewellery, permanent jewellery services, charm bar and jewellery-making

reflect not just where we’re from, but how we create; with pride, patience, and purpose,” said Ms Dean.

For the show, She presented couture accessories that included a hand-beaded bag lined with Bahamian textile, shell and pearl jewellery accented with coin detailing, and men’s pieces that explored heritage through a modern lens. One creation stood out to her in particular. “One of my personal favourites is the beaded bag; it embodies craftsmanship, storytelling, and cultural intention. It’s a statement piece that reflects the heart of Always by Allia: thoughtful design rooted in identity,” she said.

Another highlight was a purple shell couture set designed with versatility in mind. “It embodies elegance, versatility, and storytelling,” she explains. “The design has a dual-style approach — it can be worn with the shell opened to reveal a lining of Androsia fabric and pearls, creating a soft, intimate expression, or styled with the outer shell wrapped and visible, which feels sculptural and refined,” said Ms Dean.

experiences, as well as curated creative activations designed to make adornment more interactive and personal. The Culture and Couture platform provided an opportunity to translate that ethos into couture presentation. The pieces shown on the runway drew heavily on Bahamian references, but not in predictable ways. Ms Dean explained that her intention was to elevate familiar elements into refined statements.

“Through Always by Allia, the story is one of Bahamian heritage elevated through couture. The pieces featured reflect our coastal environment, economic history, and cultural pride;reimaginedthrough contemporary design,” she said.

She noted that shells, pearls, coins and traditional textiles were layered with care to bridge history and modernity. “They are intentionally layered to create pieces that honour the past while speaking confidently to the present. It’s about cultural continuity, preserving identity while allowing it to evolve,” said Ms Dean. Her design process places equal emphasis on symbolism and restraint. Each item is made by hand, with close attention to detail and material choice. “Bahamian identity is at the core of Always by Allia. The materials, textures, and narratives woven into the work

The necklace paired with the set carries its own symbolism. “The piece is paired with an elegant chain on one side of the necklace, balanced by hand-painted beads linked together on the other, symbolising harmony between structure and artistry. It’s a piece that allows the wearer to choose how they show up, which feels very aligned with the spirit of Always by Allia,” she said. Beyond aesthetics, Ms Dean views her work as affirmation. Seeing her pieces on the runway, styled and illuminated under gallery lights, reinforced what she hopes audiences carry with them. “I hope audiences felt a sense of pride, inspiration, and connection,” she said. “These designs are meant to affirm that Bahamian culture

belongs in luxury and couture spaces.”

Moving forward, she sees her brand as part of a wider cultural movement. “Legacy, to me, means building a brand that contributes meaningfully to our cultural economy,” she said. “Legacy is about opening doors, for creatives, for cultural exchange, and for Bahamian design to be recognised, respected, and sustained both locally and internationally.”

Always by Allia continues to explore Bahamian culture through couture, with collections available via social media, pop-ups and select collaborations. After the recent showcase, Ms Dean is set on shaping a narrative of heritage refined, worn with intention, and carried forward with confidence.

The power of networking

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

ALTHOUGH modern technology has made many jobs obsolete, the president of the Bahamas Association of Administrative Professionals says she is sure theirs will be valid far into the future.

Mrs Perky O’Brien heads the organisation which includes positions such as administrative assistant, executive assistant, administrators (project, finance, HR, office), strategic partner, receptionist, office manager, and clerks.

She said these roles are truly the backbone of any company because: “The boss can’t do anything without us, and for the company to function, we have to be one step ahead of them and anticipate their needs at all times. This is a very important job and I don’t think that we will become extinct.”

The organisation continues to challenge their professional members by hosting at least two training seminars each year in the spring and then the fall.

“This year our theme is the Power of ConnectionStrengthening Network. We chose the theme because we have a lot of newer members who don’t have the experience they may need and so we want to stress to them how important networking is, so that they know that if they need something, there is someone that they can call on

who does have that experience, so that they don’t need to bear that burden that alone.”

Mrs O’Brien explained that they like to begin their seminars with a religious or motivational speaker to start the day off on the right foot. They also like to include a health session as well.

“If you are not healthy, you can’t do anything and so we want to ensure that we focus on both the mind and body,” she said.

The networking component is very important this year. The group is currently rebuilding their membership after having to regroup when the international umbrella they were under

disbanded and dismantled all their branches.

“We are regrouping and networking is a great way to do that.”

This year’s session begins with a message by Rev Anatol Ferguson- the assistant curate of Christ the King who will speak on the topic ‘Staying Grounded While Networking.”

Other speakers include Dr Levard Roberts- the executive medical director of Eden Well - who is set to give a talk about preventing kidney disease. (The month of March is kidney Awareness month.)

Dr Melissa Hall, Chief Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General, addressing Professional Transformation and ethics in the Workplace, while strengthening networking.

Fontella Chipman-Rolle, the founder of Chippie’s Cultural Experience will address appropriate office attire and Eric Lopez, digital marketing Consultant from Digileads will give a presentation called AI: Don’t get left behind.

This year’s spring seminar is set for Friday, March 20 at the Holy Trinity Activities Centre from 8am to 3pm. The seminar cost is $260.

BAAP is also hosting a luncheon on Wednesday, April 22, at the Margaritaville Beach Resort from 12.30 to 2.30pm. The cost of the luncheon is $130. Interested persons can call 323-4926 or 5572515 or email baap2015@ gmail.com for further information.

New leadership signals next chapter for Bahamas Godparent Centre

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas GodParent Center is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Michelle King as Executive Director, who in this capacity is expected to strengthen the organisation’s work supporting families and individuals facing difficult circumstances.

The biblically based organisation has been operating in The Bahamas since 2015, offering programmes focused on intervention, prevention and restoration for individuals and families. With a director now based in the country, the centre’s leadership believes the organisation is positioned to continue expanding its reach and impact in the years ahead.

Founder Rhonda P Darville explained that the decision to appoint an executive director on the ground followed several years in which she had been overseeing the work remotely after relocating to Florida during the COVID pandemic.

The Darvilles had to relocate to Florida at the height of COVID because of family and health concerns

while Mrs King operated the center virtually with support on the ground in Nassau.

Wanting the best for the work of the ministry a search for an Executive Director who could be on the ground in the Bahamas was the mission. This search came to an end when Mrs King accepted the position of Executive Director.

Darville said King brings both compassion and professional experience that will help guide the organisation into its next phase.

“Mrs King brings not only a compassionate heart but also experience in the financial services industry in the country. We believe that she will take the center to new heights. Our desire is that the center will exist for decades to meet the growing need of our communities in the Bahamas.”

The Bahamas GodParent Center was established in February 2015 after Mrs Darville and her husband Jeffrey returned home to The Bahamas to begin the work.

The Center was inspired by the choices and experiences of Mrs Darville, who upon the recommendation of her doctor chose abortion and suffered many years with the trauma of

that decision. After hearing her first ever abortion sermon in Virginia and going through a post abortion healing Bible study, she began working in the pro-life movement. She later felt a call from God to begin a work in her home country and the dream of the Bahamas GodParent Center was realised on February 14, 2015. The centre focuses on meeting the needs of individuals experiencing unplanned pregnancies while also offering programmes designed to strengthen families and support healing.

“The Bahamas GodParent Center is a biblically based organisation that exists to meet the needs of those facing an unplanned pregnancy and we work with both women and men. We offer hope and support during a time that can seem fraught with despair. We also provide Sexual Risk Avoidance education to schools, churches and youth organisations to give young people practical tools to make wise choices in relationships.”

The Centre’s programmes are divided into three key areas: intervention, prevention and restoration.

Through its intervention services, the organisation

Study: mothers are less wealthy than women without children

By PHILIPP M. LERSCH

Postdoctoral Researcher in

Sociology, University of Cologne

The costs of having children, both direct and indirect, tend to be significant, particularly for women in many societies. A recent study conducted in Germany investigated the gender-specific economic impact of parenthood, revealing that mothers often end up with less wealth compared to their childless counterparts, while the financial status of fathers remains largely unaffected by their parental status.

Mothers Accrue Less Wealth

The research analysed data from 28,650 individuals to measure women’s personal wealth over a decade, from 2002 to 2012.

Personal wealth in this study refers to all economic assets owned solely by individuals, as well as their shares of any jointly owned assets. Findings indicated that for every €1 of wealth gained by childless women, mothers accrue only about 98 cents. Over a span of 50 years, this disparity results in mothers having approximately 60% less personal wealth than women without children, assuming all other factors are equal. A significant contributing factor to this wealth gap is employment. Many German mothers reduce their working hours or stop working entirely to care for their children, returning to part-time employment as the children grow. This lack of full-time employment results in lower incomes that hinder savings accumulation and might also affect

long-term earning potential due to interrupted career trajectories. Interestingly, the study found that male partners do not generally compensate for these lost income opportunities, leading to persistent wealth discrepancies. The age at which a woman becomes a mother plays a crucial role in determining wealth outcomes; younger mothers face a larger decline in wealth, likely because early career interruptions are particularly detrimental. Additionally, unmarried mothers typically accrue less wealth, suggesting that married fathers are more inclined to balance the financial losses borne by their spouses, as married couples are more likely to share their financial resources.

provides confidential one on one counselling and life skills sessions for women or men experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Participants may also receive material support for their child until around two years of age or as needed.

Prevention programmes focus on educating young people through Sexual Risk Avoidance sessions offered in schools, churches and youth organisations. Meanwhile, the restoration programme provides a six to nine week study designed to help individuals who are dealing with the trauma that can follow an abortion.

Since launching in 2015, the Centre says it has served thousands of people in Nassau and some Family Islands through its various programmes.

“Since 2015 the Bahamas GodParent Center has served thousands in Nassau and some of our Family Islands. We have offered intervention services to hundreds of mothers and fathers, helping to create strong and healthy homes and family units which in turn helps to build stronger communities. Our restoration services have helped men and women find healing and many are now helping others.”

By middle age (40 to 60), the wealth gap between mothers and fathers is at its widest, though this disparity tends to decrease as individuals age.

Why Wealth Differences

Matter

The economic disadvantages mothers face compared to fathers and childless women raise several important issues. Financial assets provide a crucial buffer in times of need and can be leveraged for investment in education, affecting the well-being of children. While mothers living with wealthier partners may experience less immediate financial pressure, wealth inequalities within households can still have harmful effects. Research shows that women with less wealth than their partners report lower subjective well-being, and studies from various countries, including Ecuador and Ghana, indicate that women’s wealth disparities linked to their partners can escalate risks of intimate partner violence. Moreover, economic inequality among parents

The organisation says its prevention programmes have also created opportunities for young people to have open and honest conversations about relationships and decision making.

“Our prevention services give young people safe places to have the difficult discussions that are not happening in many homes. We have schools reach out for these services yearly.”

Looking ahead, the Centre hopes to expand its work through several long term initiatives aimed at reaching more communities throughout the country.

One of those goals is the creation of a mobile unit that would allow the organisation to provide services directly within communities, including in the Family Islands.

“We would like to expand our services to the broader community and meet people in their respective communities. We believe a mobile unit would help us be more visible in the country and give us a way to reach our Family Islands.”

The organisation is also hoping to develop a safe place for pregnant mothers and babies who may need additional support.

affects children’s well-being. A greater resource base for mothers can positively influence their children’s development. If couples separate, existing gender inequalities can perpetuate financial disparities between ex-partners.

International Differences

This research highlights the wealth dynamics of parenthood in Germany, a country where women have achieved a measure of parity with men in many areas. Nevertheless, traditional gender norms regarding labour divisions tend to persist. Comparatively, studies from the United States have also identified wealth gaps based on parental status, and similar income inequalities among parents have been noted in multiple countries, including China, Japan, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. However, gender-based wealth disparities due to parenthood appear less pronounced in more egalitarian societies, like Sweden. The gap between mothers and fathers—or more broadly between women and

Darville has also recently written a book titled Anchored and Rooted – One Woman’s Journey From Death to Life, which reflects on her personal experiences and the journey that eventually led to the creation of the Bahamas GodParent Center. The book highlights her story of trauma, healing and faith, and will also serve as a resource within the Centre’s programmes.

The appointment of new leadership marks an important step as the organisation continues its mission of providing guidance, counselling and practical support to families across the country Members of the public interested in supporting the work of the Bahamas GodParent Center can do so through volunteering, financial support or partnerships with community organisations.

“Supporters can help in many ways including volunteering, financial support and using their voices to share the work that is being done. We also welcome partnerships with the broader church community and civic organisations as we continue rebuilding and expanding these relationships.”

men—tends to be larger in countries where legal gender equality is lacking. In Ghana, for instance, women possess around 20% of household assets, reflecting the disparities resulting from unrecognised contributions to marital wealth. Conversely, in Ecuador, where women’s legal status is nearly equal to men’s, wealth disparities within marriages are minimal.

Conclusion The findings of this research emphasise that, despite advancements in gender equality in countries like Germany, economic inequalities remain troubling. Women generally face long-term financial disadvantages due to parenthood, underscoring the need for policies that support parents in balancing work and family responsibilities to promote equitable economic outcomes. Addressing these disparities is essential not only for women’s well-being but also for the broader societal implications affecting families and future generations.