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TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020

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DR HUBERT MINNIS

PM douses PLP fire on Bahamas Ferries charges By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE prime minister was last night said to have sold his ownership interest in Bahamas Ferries after coming under fire from political opponents over changes made in the latest Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Order. Philip Davis, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader, in a statement responding to Dr Hubert Minnis’ latest national address, accused the prime minister of “looking out for his own interest” after ferry services were permitted to begin offering highly-restricted passenger services. The changes made to section 14 in the latest Emergency Powers Order, which deals with limitations on domestic travel, allow “a ferry service” to transport passengers “within a chain of islands which are part of any Family Island”. Such operators can also travel to and from Harbour Island for the purpose of shipping pharmaceuticals, such as medicines, and “essential workers” to and from Bimini. The prime minister never mentioned this change in his national address, and Mr Davis immediately cried foul, insinuating that a potential conflict of interest may lie behind the decision to relax restrictions on ferry services. “We draw the public’s attention to paragraph 14 of the new order,” the PLP leader said in a statement. “In it, ferry services are exempted from the prohibition on passenger traffic. We note that the prime minister is a shareholder in Bahamas Ferries. Is the prime minister looking out for his own interest?” However, a government spokesperson last night blunted the opposition leader’s attack. They told Tribune Business that Dr Minnis had divested his minority shareholding in Bahamas Ferries several months before, saying:

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Grand Lucayan’s buyer: ‘We’ve secured liquidity’ By NEIL HARTNELL and YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporters HE joint venture purchaser/ developer of Freeport’s Grand Lucayan resort last night said it has “secured the required liquidity” for its planned $300m project and will shortly discuss “timelines” with the government. Robert Shamosh, Holistica Destinations’ chief executive, in an e-mailed response to Tribune Business inquiries reaffirmed the company’s “commitment” to proceeding with an investment deemed vital to reversing Freeport’s years of economic and tourism decline despite COVID-19’s shutdown of the cruise ship industry. While no specifics in terms of construction start dates and other project milestones were provided, the statement sent by Mr Shamosh said Holistica - the joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) and Mexico-based ITM Group - was already in talks with banks and other lenders to secure the necessary

• To soon discuss ‘timelines’ with govt • Carnival proceeds on port ‘permitting’ • Nassau port chief: No GB move for 24-26 months project financing. “Holistica Destinations confirms that we remain committed to, and are moving forward with, the proposed development on Grand Bahama. BPI, Holistica’s subsidiary, recently announced it has secured the required liquidity to develop the Grand Bahama project and is currently working with several financial institutions to secure the financing,” the statement added. “BPI will be meeting in the next couple of weeks with The Bahamas government to further discuss project details and timelines.” The cruise industry’s global shutdown, and the multi-billion losses sustained by the various lines, are guaranteed to delay any new investment by the sector in projects such as the redevelopment of the Grand Lucayan and Freeport Harbour. It is so far unclear whether such delays will be one year, two years or even

longer, but Mr Shamosh’s comments indicate that the Holistica still intends to proceed with a project that was signed-off by both developer and government just two weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the entire world. Acknowledging that the timing and extent of any cruise industry resumption remains “fluid”, the statement added: “Holistica is also working very closely with the cruise lines to develop strategies to enhance health and safety protocols to adapt to the current pandemic environment, which will allow for an increase of cruise ship visits to Grand Bahama even before the completion of the project.” Holistica was described as an “independent, selfsufficient, destination development company”, implying that its financial health is not necessarily dependent on that of either Royal Caribbean and ITM Group.

THE COVID-19 pandemic is “the last opportunity to resurrect Freeport” and create a platform for the Bahamian economy’s “resurgence”, an outspoken QC argued yesterday. Fred Smith QC, the Callenders & Co attorney and partner, told Tribune Business that reviving and exploit infrastructure designed to support 300,000 people was the “silver lining” amid the economic and health crisis caused by COVID-19. With the government desperate for ideas on how the economy and foreign exchange reserves can rebound in tourism’s absence, Mr Smith voiced disappointment that just on person from Grand Bahama - local Chamber of Commerce president, Greg Laroda, was included on it.

Meanwhile, Carnival told Tribune Business it is continuing to work on obtaining the necessary approvals and permits for its own $200m Grand Port project in Freeport. It acknowledged, though, that it had been forced to “pause” all investment and capital expenditure activities due to COVID-19. Vance Gulliksen, a Carnival spokesperson, said: “We continue to work with the Government of The Bahamas on the permitting process at this time. As the world continues to work through the challenges we are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have currently paused our global cruise operations - which includes port development activity - for the safety of all of our crew, guests and destination partners. “Once permits are granted and we are able to determine when we can

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‘Totally devastating’: Water corp revenues shrink 61% By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net HURRICANE Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic have dealt a “completely devastating” blow to the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s cash flow with April revenues down 61 percent, its executive chairman revealed yesterday. Adrian Gibson, pictured, told Tribune Business the two catastrophic events had increased the urgency for the state-owned water utility to make “a paradigm shift” in its operations given that they had been “quite destructive” to its financial health. In particular, he revealed that Abaco - the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s second largest market, and whose post-Dorian recovery has been slowed by the COVID-19 fall-out - suffered a 98 percent revenue decline year-over-year

• Income from Dorian-ravaged Abaco off 98% • Chairman says ‘paradigm shift’ now urgent • Targeting businesses paying residential rate

for April 2020. Revenues collected on that island plunged from $230,000 in April 2019 to just $5,626 some 12 months later, with Mr Gibson disclosing that he will be seeking to obtain the government’s agreement for further reforms following the “double shock” inflicted by the

back-to-back crises. Among the issues he will be seeking to “settle” is a possible increase in the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s tariff rates, which have not been raised since 1999, although the executive chairman was quick to reassure customers no such move will occur in the near-term. Mr Gibson added that he has also initiated an audit to ensure all the corporation’s customer accounts are properly classified, explaining that multiple businesses had been billed at lower residential rates for years and thus significantly underpaid for their water. He urged customers who can continue to pay their bills to do so despite the suspension of disconnections

COVID-19’s ‘last chance’ for Freeport’s resurrection By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

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• QC: City is pandemic’s ‘silver lining’ • Economic revival ‘served on platter’ • Bahamas must use its infrastructure

FRED SMITH QC Warning that time was running out to exploit the economic potential of a city that he branded “the Venice of the Caribbean”, due to its multiple canals and waterways, he said successive governments and Cabinet ministers had all failed to appreciate what Freeport

is “serving up on a silver platter”. “Every pandemic has a silver lining,” Mr Smith told this newspaper, “and for The Bahamas that is the opportunity to take advantage of the infrastructure that is lying fallow and, unfortunately,

disintegrating, in Freeport. “I know the government has established this ambitious Economic Recovery Committee, but it is relatively thin on persons from Freeport and Grand Bahama with one representative. I think that given the post-Dorian and postCOVID environment, it presents the government with one more - and, I think, last - opportunity to take a bold step to not only resurrect Freeport’s economy but inject a long-term resurgence into the Bahamian economy.” Mr Smith argued that the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, with its framework of

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for non-payment, warning that the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s “very survival and continuance” relies on what can cash flow it can secure amid the COVID-19 restrictions. “We’ve had some little challenges along the way post-COVID-19 and post-Hurricane Dorian,” Mr Gibson told Tribune Business. “It’s been quite destructive to the corporation’s cash flow. The two of them have compounded an already-troubling situation. “I’m going to write to my colleagues in the government with a view to settling on the way forward because obviously a paradigm shift is required, not only on the collection of existing debt

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$3.28 URCA targets ‘accuracy’ of BPL fuel levy By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ENERGY regulators are prioritsing the creation of a formula for determining how Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) calculates the fuel charge component of customers’ bills to ensure it “accurately reflects” true costs. The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), unveiling its annual plan for this year, said there were “trends” relating to BPL’s fuel charge that had caused it concern especially during the blackouts and load shedding that plagued summer 2019. Besides ensuring that the fuel charge correctly reflects fuel costs incurred by BPL in providing electricity to consumers, URCA added that it also wants the levy to “only reflect the fair and efficient costs of fuel used, and not pass on costs resulting from failures by BPL to properly manage its electricity system”. “Over the course of 2019 URCA has reviewed the gazetted rules pertaining to the calculation and application of the fuel charge, and tracked the posted fuel charge for the period, noting trends which are of concern to URCA, particularly in relation to costs experienced during BPL’s period of supply challenges in New Providence during 2019,” the regulator said. “URCA was unable to initiate a regulatory intervention in this regard due to lack of available resources during 2019. In reviewing the need to address any possible harm and/or mischief that may have been caused to consumers through the fuel charge during the period, URCA is currently seeking to address BPL’s power quality deficiencies during 2019 through a comprehensive investigation. “URCA considers that any fuel charge impact that may have been experienced during 2019 can be addressed in the context of that investigation. Moving forward, and noting that the fuel charge mechanism can result in inefficiencies causing significant cost to consumers, URCA considers it necessary to ensure that there is clear regulatory oversight of the fuel charge approach wherever it is employed in The Bahamas,” it continued. “URCA, therefore, proposes during 2020 to develop a comprehensive

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PAGE 2, Tuesday, May 12, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Fraudsters seek to exploit COVID-19 By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net KEY Bahamian financial institutions have warned clients they are being targeted by fraudsters seeking to obtain their personal financial information through a technique known as “phishing”. Bank of The Bahamas, the BISX-listed commercial bank, yesterday became the latest institution to issue an alert over fake e-mails being sent to customers in a bid to deceive them into parting with their bank account details and other information. The e-mails are designed to appear authentic, as if they have come from the client’s bank, but Bank of The Bahamas warned customers never to access its online services via an unsolicited e-mail. Its alert came just one day after the National Insurance Board (NIB)

issued a similar “phishing” alert, indicating that fraudsters and scammers are increasingly looking to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic as a means to steal people’s money. “Bank of The Bahamas has become aware of a phishing e-mail message that is currently targeting the bank’s customers,” the BISX-listed institution said. “The e-mail message with the subject Debit Authorisation Notification, Your Debit Notification, Your Debit Alert Notice or similar appears to come from Bank of The Bahamas. “The message states that the customer has received a debit authorisation or a debited amount on his/her account, and recommends that the customer should click the link provided in the e-mail to view details of the transaction via online banking. However, Bank of The Bahamas has not

issued this message. Nor is the bank in any way associated with this activity. “The link in the message appears to be a valid link to the bank’s website or online banking platform but is it not. It is a phishing link that is designed to lure customers to a fake website to gain access to their personal and financial information.” Tribune Business itself received one of the e-mails referred to by Bank of The Bahamas even though it does not have an account with the institution. The message appeared to come from a genuine address, customercare@bobexpressonlineinfo.com, and said: “Dear Valued Customer: This e-mail is sent to inform you that you have received a debited amount on your account today. “If you are not aware of this activity or have concerns about this activity, we recommend that you log-on to BOB Express

Online by clicking https:// www.bankbahamas.com/ to view the details of the transaction.” This newspaper immediately recognised it as a “phishing” attempt, but it is possible others will fall for it. Urging customers “to scrutinise all e-mails carefully”, Bank of The Bahamas advised that persons should never reply to, download attached documents or click on links associated with any suspected “phishing” attempt. “The bank also advises that customers should never access its online banking services via links in unsolicited e-mails,” Bank of The Bahamas said. “Instead, to avoid scams and identity theft, customers should always access Bank of The Bahamas’ online banking service by going directly to the site independently of any e-mailed links. “Bank of The Bahamas customers who have

ENTREPRENEUR TOUTS PLAN FOR JUNIOR STOCK MARKET A BAHAMIAN financial services entrepreneur says it plans to launch a junior stock exchange in the 2020 third quarter that will bring investor capital and agribusiness projects together. D’Arcy Rahming Jr, the project’s chief technical officer, said in a statement, said the proposed ArawakX International Securities Exchange will be a regional exchange based in The Bahamas operating under the Securities Commission’s regulations and oversight. He disclosed his ambitions just days after Tribune Business reported that Dr Patrick Antoine, a representative from the Caribbean private sector, said junior stock exchanges can play a key role in

channeling equity and debt investments to deserving agriculture projects in the Caribbean. Dr Antoine’s comments came in response to a question posed by minister of agriculture and marine resources, Michael Pintard, during a webinar organised by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). “Minister Pintard has laid out an excellent blueprint of the way forward. And his question of how to use private resources to accelerate growth of the sector, in my opinion, is the correct one. We hope to be able to assist agribusinesses to realise their full potential,” said Mr Rahming, a Northwestern University-trained robotics engineer. “We are currently

D’ARCY RAHMING JR preparing several agribusinesses for presentation to investors. Our belief is that many regional agribusinesses properly funded will be competitive on a world level.” Mr Rahming, in his capacity as chief executive of MDollaz Technology, last September announced the creation of a crowdfunding platform also bearing the Arawak brand. MDollaz’ website shows the company is chaired by

D’Arcy Rahming Snr, Mr Rahming’s father, who also holds the chief executive position. Other board members include former Securities Commission executive director, Hillary Deveaux; ex-Commonwealth Brewery managing director, Leroy Archer; technology specialist, Peter Bridgewater; Leno Corporate Services chief, Brian Jones; and Robertson Dieudonne, owner of the Basic

received a suspicious or phishing e-mail should immediately report it to their e-mail service provider and forward the e-mail to bob.info@bankbahamas.com. Customers who have clicked on a link in a phishing e-mail and suspect they have provided information to a non-legitimate site should immediately call the BOB customer care centre at (242) 461-3510.” The bank’s warnings echo those of NIB, which warned benefits claimants Monday about “the increase in phishing scams that seek to take advantage of customers during this time of vulnerability”. It, too, warned Bahamians not to respond to unsolicited e-mails and WhatsApp messages by divulging their personal and financial information, thereby exposing themselves to financial loss. The fake WhatsApp message, purporting to come from NIB, says: “We thank

you for your co-operation and patience during this transition period. Due to the high volume of unemployment applications, it was [there were] many delays. The system that was implemented did not work well, causing systems to crash. “Our team is working day in, night out to have a new software/system up and running. We have received your unemployment application. Before being approved, the following documents listed is [are] needed once again to go along with your file attachment.” The fraudsters then ask for a copy of the person’s passport, NIB card, bank details, job letter and “termination certificate”. Those who provide such details will expose themselves to potential identity theft as well as the raiding of their bank accounts by such scammers.

Needs retail business. Mr Rahming Jnr said research has shown that many Caribbean agribusiness owners have received the same training and qualifications as their counterparts in the US and Canada, including in disciplines such as bio process engineering. He added that export markets were within reach for such businesses if equity funding is used to obtain the necessary technology and corporate structures that will attract external investors To educate both business owners and investors about the ArawakX junior market, Mr Rahming Jnr said he had launched the cable TV show, The New Economy, plus a free learning platform at invest242. com. The TV show is aired on Cable 212 between 9pm to 9:30pm Tuesdays and Thursdays. The investors platform explains how to

evaluate an investment. “We intend to run a dynamic market, with hundreds of companies from across many sectors of business. We have successfully targeted companies looking for equity financing between $100,000 to $3m,” said Mr Rahming. “As a junior exchange we intend to address problems head on such as market size, liquidity and investor education. “For example, we realise that we have to make an investment in education as this is a frontier market. So, for the past year we have been educating the marketplace while putting in place the technology necessary for financial inclusion. We are pleased with our initial responses, as hundreds of investors have already signed up for the course. Thousands watch the TV show and several businesses have been responsive to coming on board.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 12, 2020, PAGE 3

Bimini Chamber backs 2-week island lockdown By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE GRAND LUCAYAN

Grand Lucayan waiting on $20m Dorian claim By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE Grand Lucayan has yet to receive its expected $20m Hurricane Dorian insurance claim payout even though the property’s sale to the Royal Caribbean/ITM joint venture was completed over two months ago. Michael Scott, chairman of Lucayan Renewal Holdings, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) that owns the resort, told

MICHAEL SCOTT

Tribune Business: “We’re still in discussions with the adjusters. The claim itself is about $26m. After you give insurers credit for the deductibles, the net payout should be $20m. “Everything is sort of distended because of this COVID-19 shutdown. I would have hoped to have had it done by now, but it really is a question of going back and forth with the insurers. But it would be about another month or so.”

Mr Scott confirmed the Grand Lucayan is “insured with Royal Star Assurance, they are the underwriters”. He added that Royal Star is “layered off, as most insurers in this country are, with various layers of reinsurance.” Royal Caribbean and ITM Group purchased the property for $65m in March, paying a net $50m price with the remainder to be collected from insurance proceeds on the Hurricane Dorian claim.

Inagua ‘blessed’ as Morton stays open allowed to ride on it. They also gave employees gas to come to work and so forth. So they have tried to help the workers “We have not felt a shortage of work at Morton Salt, not at all. We have not

SALT mounds at Morton Salt on Inagua. By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net INAGUA has been “blessed” throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by Morton Salt’s continuing operations preventing any “stoppage of income”, a trade union leader said yesterday. Jennifer Brown, president of the Bahamas Industrial, Manufacturers & Allied Workers Union (BIMAWU), told Tribune Business: “We have been following orders from when they were given and everybody has been staying home. “Morton Salt is open so that is good, and there is no stoppage of income. Unfortunately, Nassau is not like that, but this is one time Inagua is blessed - I can say that. Morton Salt has not closed at all and we have done our face masks and hand sanitizer and things like that.” The prime minister reopened Ragged Island, Rum Cay, Mayaguana, Crooked Island, Acklins, Rum Cay and Inagua for regular commercial activity from May 4, but the latter’s economy had never been interrupted

due to its major driver and employer remaining open. Morton Salt has given each of its employees a $500 lump sum to help them through the COVID19 crisis, which Ms Brown confirmed the payment was received. The company has also provided ongoing COVID-19 health and safety information, protocols and training. “During the whole period Morton Salt was open as it was considered an essential service. The salt is used to make a lot of medicine, and it brings in a lot of supplies for the island,” Ms Brown said. The company also sells fuel to the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the entire community. “We rely on Morton Salt for a lot of stuff,” the union leader added. “The only other entities we have on the island are the government and government jobs, and sometimes they only open up half-a-day, the banks until 1pm, and that is basically it. “Morton is really the only company, and what they have done in terms of social distancing with the bus, they have restricted the number of persons that are

had anything disrupted at Morton Salt. With Morton, only the persons who worked shift were allowed to be on the street because the police had the listing of names, so everything was in order.”

BIMINI’S Chamber of Commerce president yesterday said he backed locking the entire island down for two weeks as a means to eliminate the COVID-19 virus and prevent its spread. Edward Reckley told Tribune Business: “From my team - and also the administrator - they are trying to work closely together to get that done. The chamber agreed for the close down in order to bring this thing to a halt or a better understanding. That is where I stand right now and that is what we all agree to.” Mr Reckley, who is currently stuck in New Providence, said of concerns regarding how residents will fare during the two-week lockdown: “My response to that is it could be a fair thing for the island to go ahead to try and get control of everything, but

making sure that all residents are well prepared. “It’s a matter they have to look into in a lot of different ways before coming to that decision, but the chamber supports making sure the necessary things are in place to move forward with that.” Bimini’s MP, Pakeisha Parker-Edgecombe, along with Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, the government’s chief advisor on the COVID-19 pandemic, last week said the government is considering a two-week lockdown of the island given that is viewed as a COVID-19 “hot spot” due to the number of infections there.

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LEGAL NOTICE

CAVES POINT MANAGEMENT LIMITED NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2020 Annual General Meeting of CAVES POINT MANAGEMENT LIMITED will beheld at Caves Point Condominium, West Bay Street, New Providence Island, Bahamas, on Thursday 21st May 2020, by Proxy, at 7:00p.m

PAGE 4, Tuesday, May 12, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

‘Totally devastating’: Water corp revenues shrink 61% FROM PAGE ONE

on the corporation’s Abaco business, Mr Gibson said revenue collected from customers on that island had declined by $1.043m or 94 percent for the period from July 1, 2019, to present. “That downward spiral as it relates to Abaco began in September when there were major losses,” he added, “we had destruction to our system, and we took some facility losses. We also lost customers who lost their homes and businesses. We lost that revenue base and things, of course, were compounded by COVID-19 which dealt a devastating blow to the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s cash flow.” Driven by Abaco’s losses, Mr Gibson said the corporation’s cash flow across all Family Islands from July 1, 2019, to the present was down by 54 percent at $1.84m. Abaco revenues were down 88 percent yearover-year for March, falling from $330,000 in 2019 to just

$37,000 this time around, while collections for the calendar 2020 first quarter stood at $57,000 compared to “nearly $1m” or $877,000 last year. This, in turn, feeds into the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s total revenues for the same periods. Mr Gibson said cash collections for the period July 1, 2019, to-date had fallen by $7.04m or 28 percent yearover-year, dropping from $24.8m to $17.7m. “It gets worse,” he added, noting that a breakdown of these figures showed New Providence revenues were off by 24 percent or $5.2m for the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s financial year-to-date. The “drastic decline” began in March when the month’s last two weeks were hit by the COVID-19 tourism shutdown and associated lockdown. Mr Gibson said total revenues dropped yearover-year from $4.66m

to $2.8m, a 38 percent decrease. Stripping out a one-time $5m payment on debts owed to the Water & Sewerage Corporation by the government, the executive chairman said the utility’s total 2020 calendar first quarter dropped by 41 percent - falling from $10.47m to $7.24m year-over-year. “In April we saw a faster decline,” he added. “In April, Water & Sewerage’s cash collections decreased from $5.676m in 2019 to $1.973m in 2020. April was down 61 percent. In New Providence it was down $2.6m or 59 percent, and for the Family Islands, 76 percent. “We’re going to have to reassess some things in Abaco. In April 2019, we collected $230,000 there compared to $5,626 this year, a decrease of 98 percent... I don’t know if I would call it a double whammy. I call it completely devastating. It’s

[Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19] a double strike at cash flow compounded by some other factors that must be assessed going forward. “Even though we have ceased disconnections, I continue to encourage persons to come in and pay because, failing to do so, their bills will accrue over time. While the threat of disconnection no longer exists for the time being, persons should still understand these entity needs funds to continue. “I encourage those who can pay to still pay. The very survival and continuance of the corporation relies on the monies coming in. We don’t wish to be a drain on the government, we don’t wish to be overly-reliant on subventions. That’s why we’re going to have to take steps to make sure the corporation becomes selfsustaining and self-reliant going forward.”

COVID-19’s ‘last chance’ for Freeport’s resurrection

PM douses PLP fire on Bahamas Ferries charges

restrictions for the Bahamian ferry industry. One businessman e-mailed Tribune Business: “Today the prime minister did not bother to detail what new businesses were now exempted. Had he done so he would have had to identify ferry services. “Might that have anything to do with him being an investor in a business in that area? So now one can go to an island by ferry but not airplane? Look at paragraph 14. Note the exemption ‘other than a ferry service’. This did not appear in the previous Order (no. 2). Bahamas Ferries? No mention of this change at all in the 50-minute address. Under the previously announced plan ‘domestic travel’ was for a later phase.”

Mr Davis, meanwhile, blasted the prime minister’s address as “a study in depression and hopelessness” while also slamming the decision to again shut down the domestic gaming industry via the latest Order. “The opening of businesses when announce last week did not exclude gaming,” he added. “The government now has a week of experience of the 3,500 people at work in that sector, so what has happened since last week which now leads the government to target these workers and send them to the unemployment line? Where is your heart? Is there some medical advice to the government which has not been disclosed to us?”

and receivables but also exploring new business opportunities for the Water & Sewerage Corporation as well as the potential for a tariff increase.” Mr Gibson emphasised that any increase in the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s tariffs remains some way off as the utility, as well as the government, remains sensitive to placing an additional financial burden on customers already struggling with the loss of jobs and incomes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He suggested that any tariff rise could be restricted to certain “economic zones” or particular customer categories in a bid to protect the more vulnerable, although this would have to be approved by the Minnis administration’s Cabinet. However, the fundamental obstacle to the Water

FROM PAGE ONE investment incentives, coupled with Freeport’s status as a “free port” and proximity to Florida and the US east coast, provided a strong foundation on which the Bahamas could diversify and rebuild its economy if the government were to move away from its Nassaucentric approach. “Regrettably, few - if any - cabinet ministers and MPs have any real appreciation for the scale of the investment that has accrued, and infrastructure that has been lying dormant in Freeport from the late 1970s and early 1980s,” he added. “I don’t know how many of them have taken a boat tour through the Lucayan Waterway or the other canal systems that exist - the Bell Channel, Fortune Bay, Silver Cove and Bahama Reef - just to name a few. Freeport is the Venice of the Caribbean. “I don’t think they’ve driven around the miles and miles of roads and subdivisions that go nowhere but are all laid out. The infrastructure is designed for a city of roughly 300,000 people minimum. I have cycled, I have driven, I have walked, I have run

& Sewerage Corporation attaining financial sustainability - with or without COVID-19 - remains the fact that its tariffs have not increased for more than two decades despite the cost of water produced by its reverse osmosis suppliers increasing to $40m per year. This has left the stateowned utility selling water below the cost involved in producing it, resulting in multi-million dollar annual losses. Mr Gibson, meanwhile, said he had already initiated an audit of all the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s customer accounts to ensure they are properly classified. “There are persons who have businesses but are listed in the system as residential, so they are paying a residential rate,” he added. “I’m having that reviewed in an effort to have all accounts put in their proper category.” Detailing Hurricane Dorian’s devastating impact

throughout the canal system of Dover Sound, which is empty except for a few houses,” Mr Smith continued. “There are canal systems that are 40 years-old with walls that have not collapsed. There are a lot of streets, many of them signposted, many of them with cable, water and electricity connections, many of which are lying fallow and people in Nassau have absolutely no concept about. “I wish and beg the Cabinet to spend a little more time in Freeport. This is not some rinky dink place; this is the best live flesh and blood city that has been gifted to The Bahamas by a development company. Regrettably, Freeport is slowly dying, and that is tragic because it has so much potential. “Freeport remains mired in a quagmire of red tape, centralised Nassauvian red tape, rolled out through immigration, exchange control, the Investments Board and licensing. We are captive to Nassau bureaucracy instead of being what was originally envisaged - the Port Authority being the ‘one-stop shop’ for everything.” Mr Smith said the Minnis administration had failed to

“take advantage” of Freeport’s economic potential following its 2017 general election success, but added that the pandemic had given it a chance to redeem itself. “This opportunity, post-Dorian and postCOVID-19, is staring the Government in the face,” he told Tribune Business. “This opportunity is being served up on a silver platter to the government, and it will be their last opportunity before the next election. “Not only is it an opportunity, but Freeport and Grand Bahama, by extension, are in deep need of visionary, open-minded, ambitious and flexible thinking. I urge the government to work with the Port Authority and the licensees to establish a committee to develop an ambitious shortterm resurrection plan to rethink the ‘magic city’. “There is a silver lining to every pandemic and natural disaster, and this one is staring the government in the face.” Mr Smith added that The Bahamas’ proximity to the US “bodes well” by positioning the country to be among the first to benefit when the US re-opens and tourism in all its forms recovers.

FROM PAGE ONE

“The prime minister no longer owns shares in Bahamas Ferries effective December 2019.” Dr Minnis was listed in Bahamas Ferries’ 2017 annual returns - widely circulated on social media - as owning 305 of the company’s 5,015 ordinary shares, just six percent. However, the opposition have used this to cause controversy surrounding the award of inter-island freight transportation contracts and other deals. And Mr Davis was not the only person to pick up on the relaxed COVID-19

URCA targets ‘accuracy’ of BPL fuel levy

FROM PAGE ONE

methodology for the derivation and application of Fuel Charges within the sector.” The fuel charge component can account for between 50-60 percent of a BPL customer’s bill. The “fuel charge” portion of BPL bills is designed as a pass-through, meaning

LEGAL NOTICE

N O T I C E

HM SHIPPING LTD.

AM SHIPPING LTD.

Creditors having debts or claims against the above-named Company are required to send particulars thereof to the undersigned c/o P.O. Box N-624, Nassau, Bahamas on or before 3rd day of June A.D., 2020. In default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made by the Liquidator.

Dated the 12th day of May, A.D., 2020.

that the utility passes on to consumers the full costs associated with purchasing the fuel used to generate electricity. It is supposed to be a “cost recovery” mechanism, meaning that BPL earns no profits from the fuel charge. However, there have long been suspicions that BPL uses the “fuel charge” to disguise inefficiencies elsewhere in its operations, and wraps other items into this levy that further burden Bahamian businesses and households besides the pure costs of fuel.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

LEGAL NOTICE

N O T I C E GM SHIPPING LTD N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) GM SHIPPING LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 29th day of April 2020 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General. (c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Ann-Marie Astrom, c/o Shirley House, 253 Shirley Street, Nassau, Bahamas

Ann-Marie Astrom Liquidator c/o Shirley House 253 Shirley Street Nassau, Bahamas

LEGAL NOTICE

N O T I C E

CM SHIPPING LTD

MM SHIPPING LTD

N O T I C E CM SHIPPING LTD. Creditors having debts or claims against the above-named Company are required to send particulars thereof to the undersigned c/o P.O. Box N-624, Nassau, Bahamas on or before 3rd day of June A.D., 2020. In default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made by the Liquidator. Dated the 12th day of May, A.D., 2020. Ann-Marie Astrom Liquidator c/o Shirley House 253 Shirley Street Nassau, Bahamas

Dated the 12th day of May, 2020 HARRY B. SANDS, LOBOSKY MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) CM SHIPPING LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(a) MM SHIPPING LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 29th day of April 2020 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

Dated the 12th day of May, 2020

HARRY B. SANDS, LOBOSKY MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 12, 2020, PAGE 5

Grand Lucayan’s buyer: ‘We’ve secured liquidity’ FROM PAGE ONE safely operate again, we will evaluate the timing of all operations and development projects.” Mehmet Kutman, Global Ports Holding’s chairman, told Tribune Business at the weekend that he foresaw no investment activity at either Grand Bahama cruise line project for 24-36 months due to the financial fall-out from COVID-19. He argued that filings with the US capital markets regulator, the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), showed that neither Royal Caribbean nor Carnival could undertake such massive expenditures as a result of the loan terms agreed with the lenders who funded the recent multi-billion dollar capital raisings intended to help them ride out COVID-19. “The Freeport developments, the cruise lines in question cannot make any investment for 36 months due to the covenants of the loans they took out,” Mr Kutman said. “I don’t think there’ll be any investment for 24 to 36 months.” While the Holistica and Carnival projects will undoubtedly be delayed at the very least, the SEC filings reviewed by Tribune Business indicate that the loan terms only impose restrictions on what the cruise lines can do with the proceeds of their latest borrowings rather than any limits on how future financings can be used. The government has been fretting over the fate of the two Freeport-based cruise line projects ever since the industry’s global shutdown and subsequent COVID-19 tourism and economic crisis. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, last month told Tribune Business he was “on his knees” hoping both projects pull through. He acknowledged that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean were likely to adopt a “wait and see” approach to those investments once the COVID-19 pandemic eases due to the major financial blow they have suffered. And, disclosing that the government “hasn’t heard anything yet” on either development, the minister said his “whole arms are crossed” in the hope both

cruise lines will eventually proceed - albeit with some delay to construction and opening schedules - once the global health crisis has abated. The minister conceded he was “scared” to inquire as to Carnival and Royal Caribbean’s plans, and said then: “My whole arms are crossed. I’m on my knees hoping they come through. I’m scared to call them. It’s very, very unfortunate. “We haven’t heard anything on the projects in Grand Bahama, but what I predict - and what I presume - is they’ll probably want to wait and see how their business comes back before they undertake any major international capital projects. “The best case scenario is no delay and they go forward, but we don’t know how long COVID-19 is going to last in its current form. We’re in the middle of the surge and there’s no cure, so we don’t know

LEGAL NOTICE

N O T I C E MM SHIPPING LTD. Creditors having debts or claims against the above-named Company are required to send particulars thereof to the undersigned c/o P.O. Box N-624, Nassau, Bahamas on or before 3rd day of June A.D., 2020. In default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made by the Liquidator. Dated the 12th day of May, A.D., 2020. Ann-Marie Astrom Liquidator c/o Shirley House 253 Shirley Street Nassau, Bahamas

how that will change travel patterns for every mode of transportation. We’re in uncharted territory. It’s a huge uphill battle.” And K Peter Turnquest, deputy prime minister, expressed similar sentiments in a Zoom conference with Old Fort Bay Rotary members. “As we understand it, today those projects are still on although admittedly delayed, and we just hope they come through and we come to the bottom of this economic challenge relatively quickly,” he said. “We’re hanging on by our finger nails, in my opinion, The Bahamas generally and the government, as far as the hotel is concerned,” they said. “They [Royal Caribbean/ITM] won’t be ready to do that for 12 months at least. They won’t be making money for at least that period. They’re going to lose billions as a result of this pandemic.”

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394 CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE CHILDREN AT RANFURLY

he Ranfurly Homes for Children has been a safe haven for thousands of Bahamian children since 1956. The Home provides a safe, structured environment for children who have been orphaned, abused, neglected or abandoned.

MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES Individuals, Families & Corporate Sponsors Children Helping Children - $5 (Individual children from ages 6 - 18) Individuals Helping Children - $50 (Individual adults 18 years and over) Families Helping Children - $100

YOU can make a difference in the lives of the children at Ranfurly. With your support children can have nutritious food, warm beds and a safe environment where they can discover the joy of being children. For years the children living and learning at Ranfurly have made great social and academic strides.

CIRCLE of FRIENDS Silver: $1,500 - $2,499 Gold: $2,500 - $4,999 Platinum: $5,000 plus

OPPORTUNITIES

Their further development requires additional support in the form of a Transitional Home, planned for construction on the Ranfurly property. This residence will cater to teenagers and young adults who are beyond school age, but need accommodation while they find work and gain independence from the Home. We look forward to your continued support in this worthwhile endeavour.

• • • •

Invitations to Ranfurly events Assist with fundraising events Involvement with special activities Adults are eligible to join the Board after three months • Stay in touch with Ranfurly through website and newsletters

BENEFITS

• Personal fulfillment in knowing you are impacting lives • Ranfurly children’s appreciation and positive response • Continued support provides stability and constant care

For more information visit: www.ranfurlyhome.org Please “Like” us on Facebook Ranfurly Home for Children, Mackey Street P.O. Box 1413 Nassau, Bahamas 242-393-3115

LEGAL NOTICE

N O T I C E

HM SHIPPING LTD

AM SHIPPING LTD

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) HM SHIPPING LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(a) AM SHIPPING LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 29th day of April 2020 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

Dated the 12th day of May, 2020

HARRY B. SANDS, LOBOSKY MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company

LEGAL NOTICE

N O T I C E

SM SHIPPING LTD

GM SHIPPING LTD.

Creditors having debts or claims against the above-named Company are required to send particulars thereof to the undersigned c/o P.O. Box N-624, Nassau, Bahamas on or before 3rd day of June, A.D., 2020. In default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made by the Liquidator.

(a) SM SHIPPING LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

Dated the 12th day of May, A.D., 2020.

Ann-Marie Astrom Liquidator c/o Shirley House 253 Shirley Street Nassau, Bahamas

LEGAL NOTICE

N O T I C E SM SHIPPING LTD N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 29th day of April 2020 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

Dated the 12th day of May, 2020 HARRY B. SANDS, LOBOSKY MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 12, 2020, PAGE 7

Paris awakens slowly after 2-month slumber to world it lost

CARS drive on the Champs Elysee avenue, with Arc de Triomphe in background yesterday in Paris. The French began leaving their homes and apartments for the first time in two months without permission slips as the country cautiously lifted its lockdown. Clothing stores, coiffures and other businesses large and small were reopening yesterday - with strict precautions to keep the coronavirus at bay. Photo: Francois Mori/AP PARIS Associated Press AFTER a two-month freeze, Paris slowly awakened yesterday to the world it had lost under lockdown as hairdressers, florists, nail salons and some other businesses reopened - but under mandatory social distancing requirements. Like a just-awakened sleeping beauty, the City of Light needed to rub its eyes on the first day of relaxed home confinement rules. Shopkeepers trying to recover losses may need to wait days for Parisians to rediscover the daily habits from before the coronavirus halted most public life. “It’s a bit an act of faith today,” said Edouard Lefebvre, who heads the business district on the Champs-Elysees Avenue, packed with crowds of locals and foreign tourists in normal times. Only half of the avenue’s shops were open yesterday, Lefebvre said, reflecting the extensive preparations needed to safely receive customers and the hesitant steps many people took toward pre-pandemic routines. “Clients won’t come back in day one. It takes time to get used to coming back to the Champs-Elysees, to come back to Paris,” Lefebvre said in an interview with the Associated Press. Vehicles began filling streets again, but there were no traffic jams reported, and numerous people used bicycles to get around. Restaurants and bars - at the heart of France’s proverbial joie de vivre - are still waiting to learn when they will be back in business and cafe life can resume under the French government’s phased-in lifting of restrictions it imposed to stem the country’s coronavirus outbreak. Some Parisians couldn’t resist the temptations of their newly-recovered freedom, and conviviality was accompanied by wine or beer. As the sun set over the picturesque Canal Saint Martin, youths gathered for conversation, standing shoulder-to-shoulder or sitting knee-to-knee on the ground, — until police moved in with a megaphone to disburse the crowd. The Paris police chief later issued a ban on consumption of alcoholic drinks along the banks of the Seine river, saying he “deplored” having to take action to ensure distancing on the first day of de-confinement.

France was hit hard by COVID-19, recording more than 26,600 virus-related deaths as of last night. The virus still is circulating. Authorities, trying to strike a balance between public health and boosting the economy as cases plateaued, reopened numerous sectors around the country. They will reassess the situation in three weeks, wary of a second wave. Parisians grown used to hearing birds and smelling clean air from windows during lockdown may find some aspects of deconfinement unpleasant, like motorists honking their horns and the heavy equipment at the capital’s thousands of construction sites, a source of inconvenient detours and noise that drowns out the sounds of nature. A construction worker on a Left Bank residential project that’s been in the works for two years said it was a pleasure to be back on the job after a period of home confinement that got a bit long. To guard against exposure to the virus, masks are obligatory for workers, hand sanitizer dispensers are in place around the huge site, and crews use one-way routes to move from floor to floor to maintain social distancing. Parisians donned heavy coats against a blustering wind and colder weather to stroll through their neighbourhoods without the permission slips they needed to venture out for just a few permitted purposes: food shopping, short jogs and imperative business. Now, the French can travel legally within a radius of 100 kilometers (60 miles) from their homes. For many shopkeepers, survival may depend on quickly enchanting everyone again, a special challenge with distancing rules that keep some waiting at the door to enter. “It will be a return, but slowly,” said florist Iswar Boodhoo whose shop is located on a strategic corner of the Montparnasse area, a Left Bank entertainment haunt. “People haven’t been working. They have lots of problems and flowers are a luxury,” he said. Lefebvre, of the Champs-Elysees business district, bemoaned what he said has been an 18-month-long economic “disaster” for Paris, from the weekly demonstrations by yellow vests

movement protesters, to a major transportation strike over pension reform and then the coronavirus crisis. “Despite this, we are opening full of hope, even if it will take a long time to reconquer,” he said. “It’s important for a city like Paris to live again.”

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

(242) 323-2330

MONDAY, 11 MAY 2020

(242) 323-2320

ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE: 2,142.69 | CHG: 6.36 | %CHG: 0.30 | YTD: -88.91 | YTD%: -3.98 BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 4.45 22.65 7.00 6.75 2.60 2.00 5.47 12.77 6.17 4.50 10.30 3.64 5.10 10.88 8.15 16.99 9.40 4.25 15.21

52WK LOW 3.35 20.91 5.50 5.39 1.78 0.67 2.00 10.21 5.60 3.62 5.41 2.53 1.85 8.00 6.63 13.04 6.98 3.14 13.90

SECURITY AML Foods Limited APD Limited Bahamas Property Fund Bahamas Waste Bank of Bahamas Benchmark Cable Bahamas CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank Colina Holdings Commonwealth Bank Commonwealth Brewery Consolidated Water BDRs Doctor's Hospital Emera Incorporated Famguard Fidelity Bank Finco Focol J. S. Johnson

SYMBOL AML APD BPF BWL BOB BBL CAB CIB CHL CBL CBB CWCB DHS EMAB FAM FBB FIN FCL JSJ

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 8 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Cable Bahamas Series 10 Colina Holdings Class A Fidelity Bank Class A Focol Class B

CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA FBBA FCLB

PREFERENCE SHARES

1.00 10.00 1.00

CORPORATE DEBT - (percentage pricing) 52WK HI 100.00

52WK LOW 100.00

115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

SECURITY Fidelity Bank Note 22 (Series B) +

SYMBOL FBB22

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2015-1-3Y BGS: 2014-12-5Y BGS: 2015-1-5Y BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-3Y BGS: 2015-6-5Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-3Y BGS: 2015-10-5Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y

BAH29 BG0203 BG0105 BG0205 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0303 BG0305 BG0307 BG0330 BG0403 BG0405 BG0407

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing)

LAST CLOSE 3.55 17.43 6.00 6.68 1.78 1.62 2.99 11.26 6.00 4.00 6.01 2.86 5.10 9.55 8.15 14.50 8.97 4.00 15.20

CLOSE 3.55 17.43 6.00 6.68 1.78 1.62 2.99 11.26 6.00 4.03 6.01 2.86 5.10 9.70 8.15 14.50 8.97 4.05 15.20

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.15 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

CLOSE 100.00

CHANGE 0.00

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

LAST SALE 100.00 107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

VOLUME

19,963 1,500

2,000

VOLUME

EPS$ 0.239 0.932 1.760 0.369 0.070 0.000 -0.438 0.722 0.449 0.184 0.140 0.102 0.467 0.646 0.728 0.816 0.939 0.203 0.631

DIV$ 0.170 1.260 0.000 0.260 0.000 0.020 0.000 0.720 0.220 0.120 0.000 0.434 0.060 0.328 0.240 0.540 0.200 0.120 0.610

P/E 14.9 18.7 N/M 18.1 N/M N/M -6.8 15.6 13.4 21.9 42.9 28.0 10.9 15.0 11.2 17.8 9.6 20.0 24.1

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

YIELD 4.79% 7.23% 0.00% 3.89% 0.00% 1.23% 0.00% 6.39% 3.67% 2.98% 0.00% 15.17% 1.18% 3.38% 2.94% 3.72% 2.23% 2.96% 4.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

INTEREST Prime + 1.75%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2022

6.95% 4.00% 4.25% 4.25% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.00% 4.25% 4.50% 6.25% 3.50% 3.88% 4.25%

20-Nov-2029 30-Jul-2018 16-Dec-2019 30-Jul-2020 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2018 26-Jun-2020 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2018 15-Oct-2020 15-Oct-2022

YTD% 12 MTH% 0.37% 3.81% 0.24% 4.38% 0.23% 2.75% 5.76% 5.76% 12.81% 12.81% 0.94% 3.72% -3.46% 2.09% -0.11% 3.43% -3.33% 1.53% -0.32% 10.20% -1.58% 15.37% 0.88% 5.22% -4.91% 10.77% 1.89% 6.75% -1.95% 0.38% N/A N/A -10.90% -4.30% -18.80% -12.00%

NAV Date 31-Jan-2020 31-Jan-2020 31-Jan-2020 31-Dec-2019 31-Dec-2019 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.30 4.38 2.09 195.13 166.73 1.67 1.85 1.76 1.24 8.34 10.26 7.00 12.15 12.58 10.81 10.00 8.98 11.79

52WK LOW 1.67 3.30 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.61 1.75 1.70 1.14 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57 9.88 8.45 11.20

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund Leno Preferred Income Fund Leno Growth Fund Leno Diversified Fund Leno Global USD Bond Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - High Yield Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Alternative Strategies Fund Colonial Bahamas Fund Class D Colonial Bahamas Fund Class E Colonial Bahamas Fund Class F

NAV 2.30 4.38 2.09 195.13 166.73 1.67 1.79 1.75 1.16 8.31 10.07 7.00 11.42 12.58 10.52 N/A 8.31 10.01

MARKET TERMS

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX - 19 Dec 02 = 1,000.00 52wk-Hi - Highest closing price in last 52 weeks 52wk-Low - Lowest closing price in last 52 weeks Previous Close - Previous day's weighted price for daily volume Today's Close - Current day's weighted price for daily volume Change - Change in closing price from day to day Daily Vol. - Number of total shares traded today DIV $ - Dividends per share paid in the last 12 months P/E - Closing price divided by the last 12 month earnings

YIELD - last 12 month dividends divided by closing price Bid $ - Buying price of Colina and Fidelity Ask $ - Selling price of Colina and fidelity Last Price - Last traded over-the-counter price Weekly Vol. - Trading volume of the prior week EPS $ - A company's reported earnings per share for the last 12 mths NAV - Net Asset Value N/M - Not Meaningful

TO TRADE CALL: CFAL 242-502-7010 | ROYALFIDELITY 242-356-7764 | COLONIAL 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225 | BENCHMARK 242-326-7333

31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020

PAGE 8, Tuesday, May 12, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

BODY AND MIND

Blood is still needed! Procedures in place to keep donors safe

Communicators Toastmaster Club 7178, the Friends of the Blood Bank, and the Princess Margaret Hospital Blood Bank. During that joint blood drive at the Mall at Marathon, some 90 individuals showed up to give blood. “Rotaract clubs across the Bahamas have hosted blood drives over the years and they have become known for their efficient donation process and their fellowship opportunities. Blood drives are also a relevantly unique opportunity to interact with service-oriented young professionals and the Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset’s Blood Drives are no exception. Donors are usually able to leave within 25 to 20 minutes, but usually end up taking

the time to interact with Rotaractors,” said Ms Curtis. She said the organisation’s 2020 blood drive was initially scheduled for the month of June, however, they have made the decision to postpone until later on in the year and continue to encourage people to donate at the local blood banks. “We are facing a global pandemic, but this does not negate the consistent need for our blood banks to be replenished. Some examples of patients who may need blood are cancer patients, patients with anaemia, mothers experiencing labour complications, and people involved in an accident,” she said. “The donation process remains the same. However, individuals must wear a mask in order to be granted access to a blood bank. Upon entry, your temperature is taken. If your temperature is too high, you will not be allowed to donate blood. Once your temperature is at the approved level, you register for donation as normal. Hand sanitisers are available for regular use. People can donate at the Princess Margaret Hospital Blood Bank as well as the Doctors Hospital Blood Bank during their regular operating hours. With all precautions and preliminary testing procedures accounted for, you can be in and out in half an hour, with the blood donation itself taking less than 10 minutes.” She advised to remember the following considerations when planning to donate blood: If you do not feel well, do not visit the blood banks. Eat within two hours of attempting to donate blood; your iron and blood pressure levels will be tested prior to donation to access your suitability for donation, and plan to refrain from rigorous physical activity for 24 hours after donation.

sure to contact them very often,” she said. ‘We communicate almost daily, and we are seeing a common theme of anxiety, trouble sleeping and the desire for more mindfulness come up often. We created the group to support the Bahamian community. Each week we aim to have an informative seminar/discussion that we feel will be insightful and helpful for what we are going through now as a nation.”

Ms Eldon said the live events as well as the community on social media have gone a long way in helping people. “If the live video can be useful or beneficial for just one person, I feel that is a success. There is so much information out there and sometimes we can get so distracted by all the noise. The hope of the group is to channel useful information and focus on controlling what we can control during this time. In this group we do not want to focus on things that are happening outside in the world that we cannot do much about. We want to act with everyday activities that we can complete day by day that can also have a positive effect on how we feel such as exercise, nutrition, meditation, mindfulness, and stress relief,” she said. So far in its live discussions, Happy Hour CrossFit has highlighted nutrition, stress relief, yoga and its benefits, and of course dealing with feelings of anxiety. Plans to further highlight beneficial tools for staying healthy - such as setting a schedule and why it is important, meal planning, family nutrition - are also in the works. “We will periodically host pop-up exercises that all can join in on from the comfort of their own home with limited equipment. We also have a free downloadable e-book available within the group titled ‘Top 10 Things You Can Control During COVID-19’,” she said.

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

AS the coronavirus continues to stretch healthcare services and communities worldwide beyond their limits, events continue to be postponed and cancelled to keep populations safe. Blood drives were not immune to such cancellations. Robyn A Curtis, president of the Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset said the local blood banks rely heavily on private blood drives for the replenishing of their supplies. Even if gatherings weren’t heavily restricted, she said many Bahamians may not want to give blood out of fear of visiting the hospitals and becoming exposed COVID-19. “The fear is definitely understandable. However, I would encourage persons that are healthy to make contact with the blood bank by phone and arrange a donation during their regular operating hours. Blood donations are always needed,” said Ms Curtis. “Blood donations are critical in healthcare systems. Studies have proven that in some cases one out of every six persons admitted into a given hospital needs blood. Medical journals relay the fact that ‘blood is needed every two seconds.’ Blood cannot be manufactured. This means that

donation by able donors is the only way to give blood to those who need it.” Ms Curtis personally experienced how critical blood donations are when one of her best friends was in hospital in dire need of blood four years ago. Trying to get people to donate blood for her friend, she said, was one of the most stressful things she has ever had to do. “Most persons verbally committed and unfortunately did not donate as they said they would. (My friend’s) health depended on donations and thankfully she received just enough donations and she is alive to tell her story. It was then that I vowed that I would donate regularly, every eight weeks, and if I was sent a

blood donation request, I would donate as long as the time frame allowed me to do so,” she said. And through Rotaract, as well as her sorority, she has been able to do even more. “I am privileged to have been directly responsible for the organisation of several blood drives through my being a volunteer with the Friends of the Blood Bank, the president of the Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset, and being a member of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated,” said Ms Curtis. Her latest efforts resulted in a very successful partnership between the Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset, the Rotary Club of Nassau Sunrise, the Healing

Stay healthy, Bahamas! New online sessions to focus on mental and physical well-being Responding to clients who are having trouble sleeping or are experiencing feelings of anxiety, Happy Hour CrossFit decided to build an online community for support and to offer informative virtual sessions. With the understanding that the fitness industry has dramatically changed since the lockdown, owner of Happy Hour CrossFit Karen Eldon said they knew it was time to switch to online events to help Bahamians stay focused on their health. Today, for example, Happy Hour CrossFit will be a hosting a live pop-up Pilates session by instructor Jennifer Treco at 5.15pm. “We also intend to add another informative seminar to this week’s line-up, but nothing has been confirmed yet. We invite all to join the group as that is where we post updates and keep everyone up to date with what is happening next, as our plan is to have at least one live session per week. Throughout the week we also post exercise routines, recipes and other health

and wellness tips and tricks,” said Ms Eldon. Live events will become a common event for Happy Hour CrossFit. Last Saturday, they hosted a discussion on mental health. The live event featured insight from psychotherapist and marriage and family therapist Christina Claure. She spoke about “gaining back your power by understanding the difference between anxiety and panic.” Ms Eldon said she felt it was important to help people through

the emotional lows of the pandemic. And to do that, Happy Hour CrossFit launched an online community, “Stay Healthy Bahamas”, and enlisted experts to share advice on a variety of health matters through live discussions. “As a fitness facility, we also focus on health, wellness and nutrition. Now during this pandemic, we have shifted to complete virtual coaching. This means we no longer get to see our members face to face anymore, so we are now specifically making

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 12, 2020, PAGE 9

‘Far too many men dying needlessly from prostate cancer’

Many management options available Bahamian men are predominately of African ancestry and have a disproportionately high rate of obesity; both of which are risk factors for developing a more aggressive form of prostate cancer and a greater risk of suffering from prostate cancer at an earlier age. Bahamian men also have a high prevalence of the gene mutations for the BRCA 2 gene, which is a risk factor for developing prostate cancer. The Bahamas has the 14th highest per capita incidence of prostate cancer in the world. Sadly, hundreds of Bahamian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at an advanced stage and they are not candidates for cure. Early diagnosis to prostate cancer leads to excellent cancer specific survival rates of 99 percent at five years and as high as 98 percent at ten years. Therefore, for the successful curative treatment of prostate cancer, early diagnosis is the key. Prostate cancer must be detected when the prostate cancer is low volume and confined to the prostate; for the best chance of cure. Advanced prostate cancer can lead to multiple negative heath consequences, such as spread of the cancer to bone, the spine and organs; kidney obstruction that could cause acute or chronic kidney dysfunction; spinal cord compression that could potentially lead to lower limb weakness, or even paraplegia, loss of function of both legs. Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms, therefore prostate cancer surveillance is imperative in order to treat prostate cancer for cure. At age 40 years of age, every Bahamian male should commence having yearly prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests and clinical exams as warranted. Men with a strong family history of prostate cancer, whereby two or more first degree relatives were diagnosed with prostate cancer at an age less than 50 years old, should start PSA blood test screening at the age of 35 years old. It is important to compare the PSA routine blood results for an individual from one year to the next as a high PSA Velocity, a large increase in PSA blood value over time requires further investigations, even if the PSA value is still in the normal range. The normal range for PSA values is below four nanogrammes per millilitre, with values between four to 10 ng/ml being considered a grey area that requires further investigations such as the free PSA percentage and calculating the PSA density. A PSA value can be elevated by factors other than prostate cancer, for example having a very large non-cancerous benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), having an infection of the prostate, prostatitis, or having incomplete bladder emptying. Medications such as Avodart/ Dutasteride and Proscar/Finasteride that are commonly

prescribed to manage the urinary symptoms of BPH, artificially halve the PSA values after these medications are taken for five months or more. Men taking Avodart or Proscar should have their PSA values doubled so that the prostate cancer screening exercise remains accurate for men taking these five alpha reductase inhibitor medications. There are multiple curative treatment options for prostate cancer. The key again is early diagnosis and the detection of prostate cancer when the disease is organ confined. Surgery is not a necessity to cure prostate cancer. Curative management options for prostate cancer include:

1. Active surveillance

Prostate cancer that is localised, early-stage and low-volume and organ-confined, may be actively surveilled with curative management delayed until the disease upstages or increases in volume, if specific requirements for active surveillance. All prostate cancer curative treatments have some risk of future negative side effects such as a reduction in erectile function and possible stress urinary incontinence, leaking urine with exertion. Active surveillance for men with the required prostate cancer disease parameters, can allow for the delay in the curative treatment for prostate cancer, for in some cases for a period of eight, 10 or even 12 years. A patient is actively surveilled with scheduled clinical exams, repeat PSA blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate and/or repeat image guided prostate biopsies usually at one, three and seven year marks. Any upstaging in the prostate cancer disease in terms of clinical findings, PSA values, volume or grade of disease, will prompt the implementation of curative management of the prostate cancer. Some men find it too stressful to be on the active surveillance pathway as they prefer that even the presence of clinically insignificant prostate cancer be treated immediately. There is a recognized fear that men on active surveillance face when anticipating routine follow up with PSA blood tests. ‘PSAdynia’ is a term used to describe the emotional stress and anxiety experienced by men on active surveillance following up with active surveillance protocols, with the sometimes-overwhelming fear of the need to commence treatment of the prostate cancer. Prostate cancer active surveillance candidates must fulfill not just the strict prostate cancer parameters but they also must be willing to follow up with the required follow up regime and they must have the required emotional fortitude.

2. Surgery

Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the entire prostate gland and seminal vesicles as a curative form of treatment for prostate cancer. The surgery may also require the excision of related lymph nodes. The surgery may be done by an open surgical technique or minimally invasive with the assistance of the da Vinci robot or laparoscopically. The surgery may be done with attempted nerve sparing so that erectile function is maintained. A relatively common complication of radical prostate curative surgery is stress urinary

THE UROLOGY DOCTOR IS IN...

Dr Greggory Pinto

incontinence that often resolves overtime, particularly with the aid of postoperative pelvic floor physiotherapy.

3. Radiation therapy

External beam radiation therapy is a curative treatment option for prostate cancer. A focus of radiation is directed towards the prostate cancer under the care of a radiation oncologist. There are several forms of radiation therapy for prostate cancer, including using conformal radiation therapy (CRT) that utilises computers to precisely map out the area of prostate cancer and direct radiation only to that afflicted area, so that healthy surrounding tissue is not damaged by radiation. Hypofractionated radiation therapy implements the use of higher doses of radiation but for shorter periods, to cure prostate cancer. The higher doses of radiation therapy used however may lead to a higher risk of side effects from the radiation. Intensity–modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is another form of external beam radiation used in the curative management of prostate cancer. This treatment modality uses CAT scan images to create a three-dimensional representation of the prostate cancer so that the dosage of radiation required to destroy the prostate cancer may be calculated; which allows for the use of higher doses of radiation without damage to adjacent healthy tissue. Proton beam therapy uses proton rays instead of X-rays to destroy prostate cancer cells. It is more expensive and not as readily

With great challenges come great opportunities Use what you have to get the results you want Like so many people around the world, we have been thrown into this bizarro world where there are queues to get into the food store, the pharmacy and even the gas station; where it is criminal offence to leave your house at certain times. so we are working, living and entertaining ourselves in the same space day after day. It’s a lot! But with great challenges come great opportunities. I can truly say that this social distancing has

forced me to become extremely creative with my training. First, the gym was closed. So this meant that my training programme had to change because I had no heavy weights for training. So I switched up my workout, taking it to the streets, and it gave me give me what I needed. I would drive to the locations like the PI bridge and the Queen’s Staircase to get my workouts in. I was determined. Then the announcement came that we can’t drive anywhere to exercise. No problem; I can walk, jog and run on the streets, because the streets are always open. I enjoyed my little routine and actually started walking with my wife. This was a fun and refreshing change. Just as I was getting in my groove they took that away from me. I can now only exercise in my yard. I immediately asked myself the question, ‘How can I still burn my 1,000 calories per workout (a challenge I gave myself

ETHAN QUANT

HEALTH COACH

available as tradition radiation therapy.

4. Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy that involves the placement of either low dose or high dose radiation seeds into the prostate to destroy only prostate cancer cells and leave healthy prostate cells intact. Brachytherapy may be used with other treatment modalities such as with external beam radiation therapy or androgen deprivation therapy. Men with high risk prostate cancer may be receive external beam radiation therapy, androgen deprivation therapy, and either a low dose or high dose of brachytherapy. For low risk and lower risk prostate cancer, several studies have shown that the prostate cancer specific survival is equal to or superior to curative rates with the da Vinci robot assisted radical prostate cancer surgery, and with a lower side effect profile.

5. High intensity focused ultrasound

HIFU therapy that is a form of localised curative focal therapy for prostate cancer. An ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum and sound waves are directed towards the cancer within the prostate gland. This localized treatment allows limited damage to healthy prostate tissue and adjacent structures. The US Food and Drug Administration approved HIFU for prostate cancer curative treatment in 2015, but this modality has been used extensively throughout Europe and other parts of the world for more than fifteen years.

6. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is also referred to as cryoablation or cryosurgery, that uses freezing gas to destroy prostate cancer cells, while leaving the prostate gland intact. The term cryotherapy is misleading as it is not a form of surgery. Cryotherapy was FDA approved for prostate cancer treatment in the year 2000. It has been used in the past 20 years as an effective, minimally invasive management option for prostate cancer. How does cryotherapy destroy prostate cancer? Living tissue and cells of the body and prostate cannot tolerate pre- COVID-19) with what I have in my house?’ I took an inventory; I have me (body weight), my wife’s pink Barbie bands (a set of mini loop bands) and a pair of 30-pound dumbbells. Not the extensive equipment list that I am used to, but it’s what I had so I had to make it work. I also got really creative incorporating everyday things like my stairs and clothes line (that I never use) in my workout. So now I am just doing a variety of movements, some made up, some I got from YouTube. At one point I literally was just bouncing around with the dumbbells in my hands. The thing is, I actually burned more calories in a shorter time. The moral of the story is this: don’t complain about what you don’t have. Look around and figure out how you can use what you do have to get what you want. This is here is an opportunity, so let’s get healthier. Let’s decide that we will use this time to get our lives in order, and set the goal of getting healthier and fit using whatever it is that we have access to. If you want help, reach out to me; let me know what you have access to and let’s figure out how

extremely cold temperatures. Nitrogen or argon gas infused into the prostate gland rapidly extracts heat from the prostate gland. Ice crystals are formed as the heat is drawn out of the prostate gland, which causes rupture of the prostate cancer cells and cell death. Following death of the prostate cancer cells, white blood cells clean up the dead cells and the body’s immune system attacks and destroys any remaining prostate cancer cells.

7. Androgen deprivation therapy

This is a form of hormonal blockage by which the male hormone testosterone is lowered to slow down the progression of the prostate cancer. ADT may be used in several prostate cancer treatment scenarios such as palliative therapy for advanced metastatic prostate cancer, treatment for prostate cancer recurrence, treatment of locally advanced prostate cancer or for curative intent to be implemented with other treatment modalities. ADT unfortunately often has many negative side effects that impact the quality of life and this treatment also increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. The treatment options for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer is a future article in itself. Prostate cancer has excellent cure rates for early detected disease. Bahamian men can live another potential 20 or30 years of good quality life if they have prostate cancer detected at an early stage and the appropriate management is used. Far too many men are dying needlessly from prostate cancer because of late diagnosis with advanced prostate cancer. Seek confidential, compassionate and comprehensive prostate cancer therapy • Dr Greggory Pinto is a board certified Bahamian urologist and laparoscopic surgeon. He has trained in Germany, South Africa and France, and is a member of the European Association of Urology. He can be contacted at The Surgical Suite, Centreville Medical Centre, #68 Collins Avenue/Sixth Terrace; telephone: 326-1929. to get you on a track to a healthier life. The last thing we want on top of this pandemic is to come back to society in worse health than we left because all we did was eat, sleep and watch Netflix, and oh yeah, work. Come on people, we are better than that and I know we want this process to make us better. Remember, it takes an extreme amount of pressure to turn coal into a diamond. And a caterpillar goes into a cocoon and emerges as a butterfly. This is going to be a defining time in all of our lives. You have the power to choose how it defines yours. I love you, fellow Bahamians, and am sending you strength and positivity. And remember, if you want help with this or any other aspect of your health, wellness and fitness goals, please feel free to reach out to me directly. • Health coach Ethan Quant, of Elite Wellness Solutions, has succeeded in his weight loss journey and now wants to share his methods with the Bahamas in an effort to foster a culture of wellness and conquer the obesity epidemic.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, May 12, 2020

How spas and salons should prepare for reopening More than two months ago I wrote an article in The Tribune newspaper outlining what spa and salons needed to be doing to prepare for this COVID-19 pandemic and how it would impact this industry. It has been almost two months of lockdown and still no clear timeline as to when this industry will be fully reopened. It’s beyond devastating for many of us in this business, whether we are employers, employees, or just self-employed. Despite the very thick gloom that hangs over us, we have to believe that the sun will shine one day again. Optimism is para- A NAIL technician worksbehind a protective plastic window to protect against mount at this time. the coronavirus as she works on a client during a manicure in her beauty salon Are you an industry leader, in Italy. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) salon, or spa professional feeling helpless, hopeless, and with no sure direction as to what to do? This meeting may provide you If you are feeling like this, please continue to read on for some sug- with further ideas that can be gestions to assist you in a strategy included in your reopening plans. moving forward.

Define sanitation standards

It’s important to clearly define new and enhanced sanitation and safety measures for all staff and clients. Once you have defined those standards, hold virtual staff meetings to discuss to ensure they are comfortable with the new protocols, and help them to understand step by step how it will affect business going forward. Use this meeting as an opportunity to answer questions and addressed concerns.

Training of staff

Industry professionals were taught in school the universal precaution to treat all patrons as if they have an infection. However, this is not the time to assume everyone knows what to do. Put a training action plan in place to reinforce and to remind your staff of how to properly sanitise and disinfect when dealing with a pandemic of this sort, the training should also include how to properly use PPEs (personal protective euqipment). Ensure your training is up to date with the Ministry

Kenya MortimerMckenzie

of Health and CDC standards. Employee training should include communication with clients who have questions. It may be good to provide scripts for your staff to assist them with proper communication. Suggest any cleaning certifications, for example theBARBICIDE COVID-19 certification course. This course is free and it’s designed to present the most current information that is pertinent to the professional, and it can equip your team before reopening and help give them the necessary confidence.

Sanitising your establishment

After being locked down for an extended period your establishment must be thoroughly sanitised and disinfected to protect the health of your clients and staff. Hard surfaces, soft surfaces (carpet, furniture and drapes), electronics, retail shelves tools and implements must be properly cleaned and disinfected Consider restricting the following temporary: • Magazines, newspapers and price list brochures that are frequently touched • Candy dishes Testers from the retail area and only bring out when requested • Waiting areas unless you can be adequately social distanced, clients can wait outside or in car

THE TRIBUNE

• Showers, wet rooms, and saunas. Revise service protocols where necessary. • Water coolers or altering beverage and food amenities • Congregating in the break room and lunch rooms Ensure you have adequate personal protective equipment. Please consider which PPE will be suitable for your business • Masks • Gloves (some persons are allergic to latex, so have nitrile or vinyl gloves on hand) • Gowns (clean uniform daily, can consider having an extra uniform on hand at work) • Eye Protection (e.g face shields, goggles) • Plexiglass dividers Communicate with clients your new cleaning standards before reopening and outline your new protocol for those who would be coming into your establishment. Posts these reminders on your entrance door. Remember to stock up on retail and professional products, sanitisers, and approved disinfectants. The few weeks of opening would be your busiest with social distancing guidelines but you have to be ready also for another possible lockdown. • Kenya Mortimer-McKenzie is an anti-aging skin care specialist at the Baha Retreat Anti-Aging Spa. Visit www.baharetreat.com or e-mail kenya@baharetreat. com.

Why people post ‘couple photos’ as their social media profile pictures By AMANDA L FOREST, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY AND KORI KRUEGER, PHD STUDENT IN PSYCHOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURG (THE CONVERSATION) - As you scroll through your Facebook news feed, you see it: Your friend has posted a new profile picture. But instead of a picture of just your friend, it’s a couple photo – a picture of your friend and their romantic partner. “Why would someone choose that as their profile picture?” you wonder. We are social psychology researchers interested in understanding people’s behaviour in close relationships and on social media. Our research and that of other scholars provides insight into why people use these types of “I’m part of a couple!” displays on social media. Choosing profile photos that include their romantic partner, posting their relationship status and mentioning their partner in their updates can all be signs of how people feel in their relationship – and may send an important message to potential rivals.

Who does this?

What we social psychologists call “dyadic displays” are relatively common. In a recent study that we conducted, 29 percent of romantically involved Facebook users had a “couple” photo as their current profile picture. Seventy percent had a dyadic relationship status posted – such as “In a relationship” or “Married.”

And participants mentioned their romantic partner in 15 percent of their recent Facebook updates. Certain people are more likely to use these dyadic displays than others. People who are very satisfied with or committed to their romantic relationship are more likely to post couple profile photos or represent their relationships on social media in other ways. The more in love a coupled-up person is, and the more jealousy they report, the more likely they are to post their relationship status publicly on Facebook. People who have an anxious attachment style – who worry about their partner rejecting or abandoning them – are also more likely to use a dyadic profile photo and post a dyadic relationship status on Facebook. In contrast, people who have an avoidant attachment style – who are uncomfortable depending on others and who prioritize maintaining their independence – are unlikely to showcase their couplehood in these ways. Whether someone underscores their romantic status online can also change according to how a person is feeling at a given time. People are more likely to post relationship-relevant information on Facebook on days when they feel more insecure about their partner’s feelings for them than they typically do and on days when they feel more satisfied with their relationship.

Why display couplehood this way? One possible reason, proposed by other scholars, is that these displays accurately represent

Sink or swim? The way we think affects what we think, and although that may be a statement of the obvious, it is important to understand the process because how we learn to address problems or challenges at any time, not just now, is important. It will determine our personal future and maybe that of others. This particular situation of curfews and restrictions is new to us and uncomfortable and a challenge to handle over the long haul, but the fact is, life throws unexpected curves at us as individuals and communities all the time. We need to learn the skills, if we don’t already have them, that will help us overcome the negative thinking which often arises in what we perceive to be threatening circumstances. When those situations arise the first thought must be: “Am I going to sink or swim?” None of us want to drown so to extend the analogy further, if we haven’t yet learned how to swim, we must start. It won’t matter whether we become proficient enough to challenge Olympic swimming

champion Michael Phelps or can only manage the dog-paddle, we will stay afloat, and that’s the goal. It’s not complicated to learn how to swim - or in this instance, learn new ways to adjust to a stressful situation. There are tricks, as I call them, although really they are habits, which help us overcome and understand our anxieties and fears, all of which are perfectly normal responses to difficult times. I just read an article in “Thrive Global” in which readers were asked how they overcome negative thinking. I am going to summarise one or two of them, some of which correspond to things I have learned to do in my life and which I have found to be really useful. As a young teenager with a difficult home life, which sometimes felt overwhelming like being caught up in a tangled ball of string, I first figured out that I had to learn how to untangle my particular circumstances. Even today I sometimes still need to get a grip on my thoughts. I do this by literally saying “Stop”

attached people want their Facebook friends to be able to tell that they are in a relationship – and why avoidantly attached people don’t.

How do others interpret these displays?

how many romantically involved people see themselves. People in close relationships often include their partner in their self-concept – they see their partner as part of themselves. People may display their couplehood on social media, then, because doing so accurately represents how they see themselves: as intertwined with their partner. Our recent survey of 236 romantically involved adult Facebook users supported this idea. We found that people – especially those who are very satisfied with their relationships – use dyadic displays partly because they see their partner as part of who they are. We also found another, more strategic reason that people perform these displays: They’re motivated to protect their relationships from threats that exist on social media. Using Facebook, Twitter and all the rest exposes people to a variety of things that could potentially harm their relationship, including ex-partners, alternative partners they could start a relationship with and

Life lines

Victoria Sarne out loud (luckily I live alone) and giving myself a pep talk or if you’re used to computer language hit the “delete” button to banish the thought. I have written other pieces on how important positive self-talk is and how helpful it can be in getting us to a better place in our heads. We can tell ourselves that panicking won’t help change anything - all it does is make us feel unhappy, frightened or out

romantic rivals who could attempt to steal their current sweethearts. Outside of social media, research has shown that committed people engage in a host of behaviours to defend their relationships against threats posed by alternative partners and romantic rivals. Mentioning their partner or relationship is one way people may try to ward off these potential troublemakers. We found that people who were more motivated to protect their relationships from these kinds of threats were more likely to use dyadic displays. Wanting to keep the good thing they had going was one reason why highly satisfied and committed people were particularly likely to feature their partner on their social media profiles. Other researchers have found that some people feature their partner and relationship in their social media profiles because having other people know that they are in a relationship gives them a self-esteem boost. This motive to feel good about themselves is one reason why anxiously

of control; but trying to become calm, taking deep breaths and taking a step back will help us think and see things differently. We can tell ourselves that we have survived other poor situations and yet are still here to tell the story. We can alter our expectations by not assuming that there is one solution or a magic bullet that will be the instant resolution by adjusting our thinking to solving the puzzle one piece at a time. We can pace ourselves, take a break from whatever is bothering us and do something completely different to distract us from our thoughts - it can be physical: go for a walk, exercise, clean the house, do the laundry - or it can mean taking time to watch a silly movie, cook a meal, to laugh, to message friends - any distraction will work to settle us. We can focus on the other positive things we can still do or see; talking with family or friends whom we think can be supportive although it’s important to have the mindset that we are looking for a solution or a way out and not just to wallow in a ‘poor me’ attitude. We are all “poor me’s” at some stage or other in our lives and deserving of help and sympathy,

Interestingly, viewers tend to form fairly accurate impressions of others based on their social media profiles and posts. In experiments, researchers have manipulated social media profiles to investigate the consequences of advertising your coupledom in these ways. Posting couple photos and using other dyadic displays leads other people to perceive the profile owner as more likable and as more likely to be in a satisfying and committed relationship. These dyadic displays not only communicate commitment, but also suggest that the profile owner is unlikely to be receptive to romantic advances from other people. This may discourage others from trying to get closer to the profile owner, perhaps protecting the relationship. If you’ve never done it, it may seem surprising that people would choose a “couple photo” as their profile picture. But doing so has the potential to produce positive outcomes for that person and their relationship. • This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Read the original article here:https://theconversation.com.

but then we have to think our way forward. Our mental and emotional health affects our physical health. The mind/body connection is real and if we have learned anything from this coronavirus challenge it is that our basic state of wellness is the key to how we fight off this virus or illness of any kind. Prevention is actually the ‘cure’ we should all be looking for and it is mostly within our own capabilities to achieve that. We control our own lifestyle, what we do or don’t eat or drink; how we manage our time so that we are not on the run as if life is controlling us and not the other way round, which means taking time out to relax, whether alone or with someone. None of this is selfish, this is developing healthy and helpful habits. I don’t want you to sink, so grab your water-wings and let’s go swimming. • Victoria Sarne is an entrepreneur and writer. She headed a team to establish a shelter for abused women and children in Canada and was its first chairwoman. You can reach her at victoria.conversations@gmail. com, visit lifelineswritingservice. com, or call 467-1178.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 12, 2020, PAGE 11

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 66° F/19° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

A t‑storm in spots in the morning

Partly cloudy with winds subsiding

A couple of showers and a t‑storm

Strong winds gradu‑ ally subsiding

A couple of showers and a t‑storm

Rather cloudy, a t‑storm possible

High: 84°

Low: 74°

High: 83° Low: 73°

High: 83° Low: 72°

High: 84° Low: 72°

AccuWeather RealFeel

86° F

75° F

88°-74° F

86°-73° F

88°-75° F

90°-76° F

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 68° F/20° C

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

almanac

ABACO

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 74° F/23° C

12‑25 knots

WEST PALM BEACH High: 82° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

12‑25 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

FREEPORT

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 73° F/23° C

MIAMI

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 75° F/24° C

8‑16 knots

KEY WEST

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 73° F/23° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 74° F/23° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 76° F/24° C

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

tiDes For nassau Low

Ht.(ft.)

12:15 a.m. 12:44 p.m.

High

3.0 2.2

6:50 a.m. 6:47 p.m.

0.0 0.1

Wednesday 1:11 a.m. 1:44 p.m.

2.8 2.1

7:47 a.m. 7:47 p.m.

0.2 0.4

Thursday

2:08 a.m. 2:46 p.m.

2.6 2.1

8:44 a.m. 8:50 p.m.

0.3 0.6

Friday

3:06 a.m. 3:46 p.m.

2.5 2.2

9:40 a.m. 9:52 p.m.

0.4 0.6

Saturday

4:02 a.m. 4:40 p.m.

2.4 2.3

10:30 a.m. 0.4 10:50 p.m. 0.6

Sunday

4:53 a.m. 5:28 p.m.

2.3 2.4

11:15 a.m. 0.3 11:42 p.m. 0.5

Monday

5:40 a.m. 6:12 p.m.

2.3 2.5

11:56 a.m. 0.2 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Today

Ht.(ft.)

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:27 a.m. 7:46 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

12:21 a.m. 11:12 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

May 14

May 22

May 29

Jun. 5

CAT ISLAND

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 76° F/24° C

12‑25 knots

10‑20 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 81° F/27° C Low .................................................... 73° F/23° C Normal high ....................................... 84° F/29° C Normal low ........................................ 71° F/21° C Last year’s high ................................. 89° F/31° C Last year’s low ................................... 75° F/24° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 1.58” Year to date ................................................. 7.83” Normal year to date ..................................... 7.01”

uV inDex toDay

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

12‑25 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 83° F/28° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C

8‑16 knots

4‑8 knots

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

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

WINDS NE at 12‑25 Knots ENE at 15‑25 Knots NE at 12‑25 Knots ENE at 15‑25 Knots NE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 12‑25 Knots NE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots NE at 12‑25 Knots ENE at 15‑25 Knots NE at 12‑25 Knots ENE at 15‑25 Knots NE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 12‑25 Knots NW at 4‑8 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots NE at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots NE at 15‑25 Knots ENE at 20‑30 Knots NE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots NE at 12‑25 Knots ENE at 12‑25 Knots

WAVES 4‑7 Feet 5‑9 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 4‑7 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 4‑7 Feet 5‑9 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑6 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑6 Feet

To advertise ALL your LEGAL NOTICES, call The Tribune’s Sales Department

502-2394

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SECTION B

TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020

Bahamian jazz singer lives through pandemic in China By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

UNLIKE many here at home who have been quarantining for the past two months, Bahamian jazz singer Akia Knowles has had to live her life in lockdown since the start of the year. She was a resident singer at the Langham Hotel in Shanghai, China when the pandemic began. And although she has been living in lockdown for the last five months, and has had to move back and forth between China and the Bahamas, she said there is definitely a silver lining to all this for her. “The lockdown began from January, and from January until I finally left March 3 I was on lockdown. Once I left China on March 3 I came home and had to go into quarantine...which was two weeks,” she told Tribune Woman. However, immediately after being released from quarantine an opportunity presented itself for the Akia to move to Hong Kong to take a singing job there. “And then I was in quarantine again for another 14 days. I finally got out of quarantine April 2, but the country was on lockdown. I was still limited,” she said. “Moving to Hong Kong was so unplanned. My plan was to leave China and move back home, hence the quarantine at home. However, an opportunity to come to Hong Kong came along and I decided to take it. As a matter of fact, I am so happy that I took it because it turned out to be such a beautiful experience that I will never forget,” she said. The pandemic has been a time of doom and gloom for many Bahamians, but for Akia, it brings her great joy to still be able to share her talents with others, especially during a time when many of her peers are currently out of work. “This global pandemic has been a real eye-opener. It has given me a new appreciation for the small things. For example, I appreciate the sunshine and the ability to walk outside so much right now,” she said. “But despite the last five months being uncomfortable, my number one thought was ‘better safe than sorry’. Remaining safe and taking precautions while being among others was my top priority. I am still doing what I love, which is singing, but I am extremely cautious. For example, I sing with a mask on. As a matter of fact, I am constantly wearing masks regardless of where I am.”

Akia describes herself as an extremely independent person who constantly seeks out new experiences and opportunities. But this pandemic has put a damper on things and changed her outlook somewhat. “This pandemic has me extremely homesick and I want to be around my family. Moving to a new country during this time has been lonely and difficult, because it is almost impossible to meet people or make new friends. But it has allowed me the opportunity to develop my prayer life and deepen my relationship with God,” she said.

“Living in the midst of this can take a toll on a person mentally.” “Even though I am a bit homesick, I’m happy that I took the opportunity to stay abroad at this time. Opportunities and experiences do not happen all the time

JAZZ singer Akia Knowles and this is going to be one heck of a story to tell someday. Can you imagine years from now, I’m telling future generations about me being in the country where the pandemic started? Come on, I could not pay for a better story.” But work, singing and sharing her musical talent are what have been keeping her going.

“I have been fortunate and blessed, because I am still able to work, whereas many of my friends and fellow musicians are without work right now. It is a difficult time for people in my field, because of the lockdowns and social distancing and clearly bands must be in proximity to perform,” she said.

Akia has been doing her best to stay positive and she encourages her fellow Bahamians to do the same. “Living in the midst of this can take a toll on a person mentally. Don’t despise the quarantines, lockdowns and social distancing – they can save your life,” she said.

Dr Melisa Hall helps Bahamians reset their personal economy Free Facebook sessions designed for times of crisis By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

With a passion for helping women discover their purpose, develop their leadership abilities and maximise their wealth potential, Dr Melisa Hall would not let the current COVID-19 pandemic and resultant lockdown stop her. She has launched her “Reset Your Personal Economy: Succeeding in Times of Crisis” quarantine series. Even before this crisis, Dr Hall offered an online women’s leadership training course. In total, she has trained nearly 200 women. “With COVID-19, I found myself expanding and pivoting back into my financial planning expertise with a

DR Melisa Hall different perspective on financial planning,” she told Tribune Woman. Describing herself as a “creative infopreneur” with more than 15 years of experience under her belt, the wife and mother-of-three

said she has always been passionate about helping others win in life. Inspired by what she calls a “nudge” by God, she said she felt compelled to share her own personal experience with dealing with crises during this time when so many people are suffering financially. In addition to opening herself up to others during the series, she also featured the stories of those who she helped in the past and how they eventually overcame. “I took the leap of faith and decided to speak my truth about how I handled crises. I knew it was needed because so many persons had lost their jobs, and if not all, some income. God spoke to me and reminded be about the devastation I experienced when I lost my job. He said to me that He allowed me to be a forerunner so that I could help others now. I decided that I would take the leap and get on Facebook live and share how to get through a crisis and the importance of resetting your personal economy,” she said. “I have always (helped others), but this time it was different. I would be allowing others to get to know me and my journey in a different light.” Dr Hall, a financial planner and John Maxwell certified leadership coach, decided to prepare for her new series by reaching out to

one of her coaching clients from the United States whom she had helped out of a financial crisis several years ago. She decided to interview this client and share her experience on the series. Then, over the next seven days she interviewed others on how they overcame their troubles and took a look at how they are doing now. “I am of the view that experience is not the best teacher unless you learn from it. I have had several experiences that have taught me how to live purposefully, resourcefully and peacefully. Taking control of my destiny and peace has been truly one of the best things I could have ever done. Sometimes we become so distracted from our life’s assignments because of crisis and circumstances that we often forget that we have the power to choose and change our direction. John Maxwell said the toughest person to lead is yourself, and for me learning how to master me, personal leadership, and living by faith has been one of the greatest ways I have grown. I determined many years ago that I did not want to be a public success and private failure, and I live my life accordingly,” said Dr Hall. Her new online series touched on topics like how to use a crisis to tap into your creative side; the importance of having and

revising your vision and budget as needed to make the necessary adjustments, and being resourceful by using what you have in your hands. “(This is) to encourage others to shift their system; freeing themselves from a system that confines them and embracing a system that liberates them. Don’t put your full reliance on your job, the government or anyone else to help sustain you, because it is clear that all of these systems have limitations. Rather, build your faith and follow the system that God created that encourages us to have faith in Him, and to also maximise our potential. Be productive, and dominate an industry by using your natural gifts and talents. Get creative and innovative by effectively managing the resources that you have to get the most out of what you need. For example, economise making the most out of the little you have. We cannot control what’s going on in the world’s economy, but we can control what’s happening in our personal economy,” she said. Dr Hall said she feels gratified by the feedback she has received so far, including a response from a married couple who told her she gave them the strength to soldier on during these trying times. She said the series will continue on Facebook Live once a week via on personal page, Dr Melisa Hall.