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VOLUME:118 No.42, JANUARY 25, 2021

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FOUR SUSPENDED IN CARE HOME SCANDAL

Police called in to probe horrific child beatings which shocked nation

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FOUR female staff members at the Children’s Emergency Hostel have been “relieved of their duties” after shocking surveillance footage showed numerous children at the care home being severely beaten.

In addition to the suspensions officials have turned the matter over to police for a full-blown investigation.

Minister of Social Services Frankie Campbell said initial investigations conducted by the Child Protection Council (CPC) revealed there was

sufficient information to involve the Royal Bahamas Police Force, which will determine if more action is needed.

This comes less than a week after surveillance footage circulated on social media showing caretakers whipping a group of children with what appeared to be sticks.

Responding to the video last week, Mr Campbell told reporters that no stone will be left unturned in a full, impartial investigation held by the CPC. Giving an update during a press conference yesterday, he said preliminary SEE PAGE THREE

to have The Bahamas excluded from its tightened COVID-19 travel rules, adding the situation could prove worrisome for the country if officials are unsuccessful.

This comes after newly sworn-in US President Joe Biden signed an executive order requiring travellers to produce a negative COVID-19 test before arrival in the US as well as then having to go into quarantine.

The new COVID-19 testing policy was announced

by US officials earlier this month and will be enforced beginning January 26.

SEE PAGE THREE

MORTICIAN’S FUNERAL ‘DID NOT’ RECEIVE OPM SIGN-OFF

THE OFFICE of the Prime Minister said it did not give organisers special permission to host a large funeral procession for a well-known mortician last Saturday.

Over the weekend, videos of the homegoing celebration for the late funeral director, Ted Sweeting, made their rounds on social media after users observed that the people attending the event outnumbered the 20-person limit outlined in the latest amendment of the Emergency Powers Order.

When The Tribune reached out to the Office of the Prime Minister for comment yesterday, a representative said: “OPM did not give special permission for the funeral service. As a reminder, funeral services in New Providence may take place at the graveside only with a maximum of 20 people, not including officiant and mortuary workers, as outlined in the most recent Emergency Powers Order.”

However, a video of Sweeting’s lodge procession and escort, posted by St Agnes Anglican Church on social media, assured SEE PAGE FOUR

EX-BRITISH POLITICIAN DIES DIVING IN EXUMAS

PINDER WARNS QUARANTINE RULE BY US WILL COST JOBS

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

LABOUR Director John Pinder yesterday warned that there could be more layoffs in the country’s hotel sector if The Bahamas does not seek exemption from the US on its new travel quarantine requirement.

It’s a move he said that could potentially cause the nation’s unemployment rate to further skyrocket.

Mr Pinder told The Tribune yesterday government officials as well as tourism stakeholders will have to get creative in trying to persuade US authorities

HO&USE

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1

MINISTER of Social Services Frankie Campbell speaking to the media yesterday.

Photo: Terrell W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

COVID TAKES TOLL ON LUCAYAN DEAL

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS are still reviewing a proposed postCOVID deal by Royal Caribbean and the ITM Group for the sale of the Grand Lucayan resort, according to State Minister for Finance Kwasi Thompson who lamented that the terms are “not as favourable as before”.

THE GRAND Lucayan Resort.

Meanwhile, he said a final decision on whether the resort in Grand Bahama

will reopen next month will be made shortly.

Mr Thompson, who is also minister of state for Grand Bahama, indicated that the inactivity at the Grand Lucayan hotel and the cruise port in Grand Bahama remains a challenge for the island.

While providing an update on the hotel on Saturday at a press briefing

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

SEE PAGE THREE

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

FORMER British politician Robert Rowland died after a diving accident near his home in Exuma over the weekend.

The former Brexit Party European Member of Parliament is thought to have drowned after he failed to resurface while spearfishing near Highbourne Cay, Exuma on Saturday.

According to police reports sometime around 1pm, a party of six left New Providence on a 39-foot vessel en route to the Exuma Cays on a fishing excursion.

SEE PAGE FIVE

INSIGHT IS THIS HOW WE TREAT PEOPLE ASKING FOR OUR PROTECTION?

PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Monday, January 25, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Bridge ‘just one of many projects’ says PM

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE OPENING ceremony for the London Creek Bridge in Andros on Friday.

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis officially opened the London Creek Bridge in Andros during a special ceremony on Friday, saying the development is just one of many infrastructural projects lined up to better improve the island.

At Friday’s opening ceremony, Dr Minnis explained that it was important for his administration to construct the bridge to help preserve the Andros’ ecosystem after road infrastructure had severely affected the London Creek.

Other creeks also affected include Staniard Creek, with construction for a new bridge in that area already underway.

“There are a number of natural creek ecosystems in Andros which have become blocked due to the construction of roads across them,” Dr Minnis said.

“Such blockages cause severe damage to the natural aquatic ecosystem, including increased sedimentation in the creeks, modification of the mangroves and a decrease to the fish larvae export of the lagoon.

“The creeks in Andros that have had the most severe impact include London Creek and Staniard Creek. Because the existing infrastructure is negatively affecting the health of the creeks, works have become necessary. This includes Staniard Creek, where work is currently being undertaken.”

With the completion of the London Creek Bridge, Dr Minnis said it is

expected that the move will serve as a catalyst for ecotourism in Andros.

He added: “The London Creek project is important for the surrounding area as it will help to regenerate the natural flora and fauna of the creek system. This will provide a catalyst for ecotourism in Andros by providing residents and visitors with the opportunity to have an up-close experience of the beauty of the natural creeks ecosystems in Andros.”

Noting that the government is committed to the full economic development of all Family Islands, Dr Minis also told Androsians that they can expect to see more infrastructural projects being completed in the months ahead.

This includes major repairs to the Red Bays Road, he added.

He said: “I wish to note that there are other infrastructure improvements slated for Andros and I want to say that the government has embarked on an aggressive and progressive five to seven years infrastructural crusade repair and development.

“This is to ensure that every island in The Bahamas will have proper roads, proper light, proper water.

Can you imagine Cat Island for the first time is receiving potable water? For each island, proper water, bridges, docks, healthcare facilities and Andros you know that in 2008 we started here, the telemedicine programme which was successful.”

He continued: “I can assure you that we will aggressively move towards expanding and redeveloping our telemedicine

programme throughout the Family Islands so you will no longer have to be transported by air ambulance, but you can be seen by the doctor in New Providence without having to leave and if you need radiological investigation or ultrasound, that can likewise be done here and interpreted by the (physician) in Nassau or Grand Bahama.

“The design is that at the end of seven years, every island in The Bahamas would have all the infrastructure up to par that is necessary so that there will be no difference in quality of care or life between any Family Islands. The entire Bahamas will be equal.”

His comments were echoed by Works Minister Desmond Bannister who told reporters that officials had plans to complete three more bridges in Andros.

Mr Bannister said: “We’re going to open one in Staniard Creek on the 18th of March and then we’re currently designing two bridges. You’ll see them as we go along. The infrastructure for our country has been abandoned for a long time and we are seeking to rejuvenate that infrastructure.”

During Friday’s ceremony, Dr Minnis also thanked Androsians for their adherence to the COVID-19 protocols and also urged them to continue practising the health guidelines.

“Androsians, I want to thank you very much for the discipline you are displaying throughout the entire pandemic and have assisted us in keeping this pandemic at a very minimal level here in The Bahamas,” he said.

MAN IN HOSPITAL AFTER BEING SHOT IN LEG A NEW Providence man is in hospital after he was shot in the leg on Friday.

Police said the shooting took place shortly after 7pm when a man was standing

outside a bar on West Street. A man approached him with a firearm and shot him in his left leg.

The suspect fled the scene in an unknown direction,

police said.

The victim was taken to hospital in a private vehicle.

He is in stable condition.

An investigation is ongoing.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 25, 2021, PAGE 3

Four suspended in care home scandal from page one

findings showed that more investigation was needed by the RBPF. “The matter has been referred to the Royal Bahamas Police Force for an investigation,” Mr Campbell said. “I can advise that persons who were directly involved have been relieved of their duties pending the investigation.

“I can advise that I’ve been in communications with the chairman of the board of directors of the Children’s Emergency Hostel and they are fully apprised of what has transpired and where we are at this point.

“I give you the assurance myself as the minister, the ministry and the assurance of the board that we in no way form or fashion approval of any form of abuse of the children in our homes throughout The Bahamas.”

He said some 24 children are expected to receive counselling as a result of the incident, which is believed to have transpired sometime late last year.

He also suggested that more staff members could

MINISTER of Social Services Frankie Campbell. be terminated pending the outcome of the RBPF’s investigations.

“We know that there are four persons relieved of duty. At this point, we won’t venture to say that there won’t be more, but at this point four persons have been relieved of duty pending further investigation,” he noted.

“The children at the home, there are about 24 children at the home. “The independent counselling as we speak up may commence as early as tomorrow (Monday). We have the

undertaking of the Ministry of Education.

“We’re seeking to use their counselling department. It is within the remit of the government, but it is independent of the Ministry of Social Services. I would also say that we have been offered some funding for private counselling, but we haven’t worked out the details of that so I’m unable to say if that is something that we would accept because the terms and conditions have not been discussed as yet.”

The minister could not

say whether officials have uncovered similar incidents that took place in the past at children’s homes, only telling reporters that police will conclude the matter.

However, he admitted that the situation has forced the agency to review protocols to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

“We are very much displeased of where we are with this investigation, but we believe that this is an opportunity for us to continue the work that we’ve been doing – putting together a management agreement for all of our homes which has a component of discipline in it,” he added.

“But this is an opportunity for us to review our protocols and to ensure that there are no additional loopholes that would in the future allow for anything like this to happen. I’m satisfied that based on what we would’ve received from the National Child Protection Council that there is commission and omission, and we will await the report coming from the Royal Bahamas Police Force.”

Asked if anyone could face prosecution, he said

that is up to the police to decide.

The Children’s Emergency Hostel is a quasi-government short term residential childcare facility that houses minors between the ages of 12 months and 12 years old.

According to the minister, it is one of three homes that is government-owned.

Yesterday, Mr Campbell explained that only the administrator “has the authority to issue corporal punishment” at the home as a last resort.

However last week, child’s rights attorney Tavarrie Smith highlighted Section 27 of the Residential Care Establishments Act, which outlines how people in residential care are to be treated.

The section reads: “(1) No person shall inflict corporal punishment on a resident in a residential care establishment.” It also states that “no person shall physically restrain another person for the purposes of inflicting punishment on that person in a residential care establishment.”

The definition of “residential care establishment” provided for in the definition of the act is “any charitable or

non-charitable establishment for the provision of residential care services for children and young persons.”

Discussions on corporal punishment on children have been reignited since the alarming videos surfaced online, with many calling for an end to the archaic practice in schools.

Asked about the ministry’s thoughts on the issue, Mr Campbell refrained from giving his position but only said a committee is reviewing disciplinary practices in children’s homes.

“I won’t give a definitive position at this point, but I would’ve indicated earlier that there is an ongoing committee that is discussing the entire question of a management agreement for all of our homes and there is a component in that agreement which will cover discipline and a position will be taken and I’m satisfied.”

Last week, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd told this newspaper that officials are having a “vigorous conversation” about whether corporal punishment should still be allowed in schools, but noted that there are some who are opposed to phasing out the practice.

COVID TAKES TOLL ON LUCAYAN DEAL from page one

at the Office of the Prime Minister in Grand Bahama, Mr Thompson said the government must ensure that whatever deal is made leaves Grand Bahama better off than it is now.

Royal Caribbean and the ITM Group have proposed a post-COVID deal/ plan to purchase the Grand Lucayan Resort and redevelopment of Freeport Harbour.

Mr Thompson said the government is continuing its assessments of those proposed post-Covid plans.

A Heads of Agreement was previously signed with the group to develop the hotel and cruise port, however, the group submitted altered plans due to the pandemic.

“It is not the same deal it was before,” he said on Saturday. “It is a post-COVID deal and the terms are not as favourable as it was before.”

Mr Thompson said the government is required to do a full assessment of the plans.

“We did do a full assessment, and we are continuing the process of doing an assessment. Once completed, we would have further discussions with RCL and with ITM with respect to those plans, and we would be able to complete this long awaiting hotel and cruise port deal,” he said.

“We are confident that this is the right direction for us to go into and continue to do our best to get the right deal for the Bahamian

people. It is a situation that is hugely important for us.

The hotel development and cruise port development are needed now more than ever before post COVID. We believe it would play an important role in the continuing rebuilding of GB,” he said.

The hotel property has been closed for the past 18 months and has affected the tourism sector, resulting in high unemployment here on the island.

The Grand Lucayan’s board has been contemplating a February 2021 reopening as an option while it awaits the results of the KPMG probe into the merits of the revised ITM Group/Royal Caribbean deal, according to Tribune Business.

When asked about a

possible February reopening, Mr Thompson said that it is under consideration.

“The hotel board provided the policymakers with a proposal to have it open, but we are reviewing that now, and the board should be announcing a final decision shortly,” he stated.

“The government is now reviewing the report by KPMG, and we are now in discussions with a BPI Group with respect to it. It is not the same deal it was before. It is a post-COVID deal, and the terms are not as favourable as it was before. And, that is why we have to take a good look at the deal as it is now.

And, one of the things we are very focused on now is ensuring that whatever deal becomes of it, at the end of

the day it will fully benefit the people of GB. “One of the challenges right now is the hotel is in a state where it is not moving forward, not being developed. Our cruise port is not being developed. And so, we have to look at where you are now and ensuring that whatever it is you do, it is better than where you are now. And that is one of the things we have been focused on.

“That really is why it has taken the amount of time it has taken because we want to ensure that whatever decision is made it is in the best interest of the people of GB, and that it provides as much economic activity as much as possible. And it is one of those things we have to continually press and

continue to be focused on.”

He said the government is still in discussions with the group and could not provide details of the proposed plan.

On another note, Senator Thompson indicated that the opening of fast ferry service to Grand Bahama is a very “positive step” for residents and getting visitors back on the island.

“We are pleased that we have seen the opening of Balearia in GB. It is positive not just for residents who wish to travel, but positive in providing another avenue for visitors and tourists to be able to come and visit the island of GB,” he said. Mr Thompson believes this will encourage the other small hotel properties to open.

PINDER WARNS QUARANTINE RULE BY US WILL COST JOBS from page one

However, it is not clear when the quarantine requirement will take effect nor how many days people will be required to quarantine.

Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar has already expressed a desire for the US to forgo the rule for the English-speaking Caribbean, saying the policies could be a devastating blow to the Bahamian economy.

He suggested to The Tribune last week that officials will seek an exemption for quarantine requirements similar to the one sought for the impending testing policy.

This comes after local resorts and hotels reopened last month – buoyed by the stable COVID-19 situation in the country.

But with the new impediments to travel, Mr Pinder conceded that hotel properties could find it difficult to remain open and keep staff employed, dashing any lingering hopes of a swift tourism recovery.

Atlantis welcomed 2,500 employees back last month but has since furloughed some workers after experiencing lower than expected occupancy levels.

“I know that if we don’t get that exemption, it’s going to really cause more hotel properties to start to probably release staff who are already on

LABOUR Director John Pinder. extended leave because they’re already depending on the booking numbers to increase,” he said.

“By extension, these are the very same local workers who once they start to make some money from the hotel properties will then start to actually spend monies in other local areas who depend on persons to patronise their business.”

Mr Pinder added: “But.. if we can’t get 50 to 60 percent bookings going on, we’re going to be in some added stress. I see it really being a conundrum we may find ourselves in.

“How will we get out of it? I don’t know but we certainly will have to now encourage Bahamians to

look at domestic travels depending on if the airlines can still do some level of business. But this would really be very, very tough on hotel properties to remain open if they cannot get any bookings.”

Mr Pinder also said the new US quarantine requirement couldn’t have come at a worse time as officials were expecting an increase in tourism arrivals for next month.

The situation could also affect the country’s unemployment rate, which is already estimated to be between 38 percent to 42 percent, he added.

He said: “I believe the unemployment rate will definitely increase because again, a lot of properties will not be able to sustain the little reopening we had.

The new restriction will certainly cause the bookings to drop.

“February is normally a good tourism month and I believe a lot of hotels were expecting bookings in the second week of February and that was supposed to swell with the numbers, but I don’t know if persons have now cancelled their bookings as a result of these new protocols.”

He continued: “So, if we can’t get off only 50 percent bookings, then we will have some serious challenges with the hotel properties in order to remain open.

So, we will have to do some serious advertisement.

“I believe that it is incumbent upon us even the hotel operators to put their own advertisement out there in social media, they will have to be creative and think out of the box how do they get to persuade the United States and have some serious talks with the United States Embassy to give some tours of their properties to prove to them that we have some special protocols in place that if persons come it won’t be high risk.

“I think that will help us and I think we need to have some talks with the United States to show them that we’ve done everything that we can to ensure that persons remain safe to travel to the Bahamas.”

However, if such talks fail, the labour director said the Minnis administration may have to capitalise on the domestic travel market.

“I think we gon’ have to try to capitalise on the domestic market for the time being because if they’re able to encourage some Bahamians to do some travel then at least you can keep the airline business going for a while until the (US) protocols can get relaxed a bit or some exemption on these (policies) as it relates to people coming to The Bahamas.”

Last year, The Bahamas briefly required all travellers entering the country to quarantine for 14 days

upon arrival. That policy was later changed, and travellers now must have a negative PCR test to enter

the country, a travel health visa and if staying more than five days, must take an antigen test on day five.

PAGE 4, Monday, January 25, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

MORTICIAN’S FUNERAL ‘DID NOT’ RECEIVE OPM SIGN-OFF from page one viewers that the competent authority had granted them permission to carry out the event.

All attempts to contact the organisation were unsuccessful up to press time.

In one livestream capturing the event, several people could be seen

making their way down a street in a mini-Junkanoo rushout, led by lodge members carrying Sweeting’s casket.

As the procession made its way to the grave site, the large group of people assembled together as they played their instruments and danced along to the music. Bystanders could also be seen flocking to the

sides of the road to watch and record.

At one point, one man could be heard stating: “This ain’t Minnis country, this our country. We ain’t going to let him tell us how to bury our people, this our country.”

The sizable group continued to play their instruments as they entered the graveyard.

When the cemetery ceremony

began, the overflow from the crowd could also be observed lingering in the road, where they gathered together to converse.

Those inside the graveyard, however, were advised that the service was being held under the authority of the competent authority — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis — and were reminded to socially

distance themselves and keep their masks on.

It is unclear whether the matter will be investigated or not.

Last week, the Office of the Prime announced relaxed restrictions related to funeral services, weddings and outdoor dining activities.

The statement noted: “Effective immediately, for the islands of

New Providence, Abaco, mainland Eleuthera and mainland Exuma funeral services may now have a maximum of 20 people at the graveside only, not including the officiant and mortuary workers. “...Funeral repasts and wedding receptions remain prohibited on the islands of New Providence, Abaco, mainland Eleuthera and mainland Exuma.”

Davis: Show us the plan to prevent a third wave

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

WITH several new infectious COVID-19 strains already spreading in some parts of the world, Progressive Liberal Party leader Phillip “Brave” Davis is urging the government to release a plan that allows for more virus testing and isolation to help prevent a third wave of COVID-19 in the country.

In a statement released yesterday, Mr Davis said the Minnis administration needed to act now before it is too late to safeguard the country against the new, more contagious COVID-19 strains. He said the country could not afford to return to lockdowns, which will only further damage the nation’s economy.

More than 50 countries, including the US, have already detected a COVID19 mutation, which was first spotted in the UK. Another strain out of South Africa is also said to have spread to some 23 countries. Meanwhile, in Brazil, a new coronavirus variant has also been detected there.

The new strains come amid emerging reports that some of the new variants — particularly the one identified in the United Kingdom — may be both more infectious and more deadly than the original one. This report, however, has not been confirmed and the British government has not presented any evidence to substantiate this.

“We are all ready for this pandemic to be over, but we can’t afford to ignore the dangers to The Bahamas associated with these new strains,” Mr Davis said yesterday, urging the government to be more proactive in its COVID-19 response.

“If the government has a plan to protect Bahamians, they have not announced it. They have a history of taking premature victory laps and a pattern, across all policy areas, of failing to plan ahead.

“The increased

transmissibility of these new variants mean we need increased vigilance and more rigorous implementation of mitigation measures.

It’s critical that the government acts now, instead of doing what they usually do, which is wait for a crisis to develop and then react.”

The Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP also pointed to the recommendations made by the PLP COVID-19 taskforce as strategies the government could implement to better protect the country against the new threats.

Recommendations made by the group include the government widely consulting with the medical and business communities on the new strains, revising the current travel protocols as necessary to reduce the likelihood of imported cases, increased testing and ensuring that local hospitals are prepared to isolate any potential cases of the new strain among other things.

“The government has said that they now have the ‘formula’ to beat COVID. But their ‘formula’ of lockdowns and curfews resulted in devastating, knockout blows to many businesses.

Lockdowns are not a plan,” Mr Davis added.

“I’m very confident that Bahamians are united in wanting the government to move proactively and to produce a plan in which lockdowns are the last resort, not the first step.”

“If just a handful of people come into our country with one of the more transmissible strains, a few cases could quickly turn into many thousands. Let’s do whatever we need to in order to ensure that doesn’t happen.”

The Bahamas does not have the capacity for the genomic sequencing that is necessary to determine if more infectious COVID19 variants found in the United Kingdom and South Africa are present in the country.

Positive COVID-19 samples will have to be sent to an internationally accredited lab to verify the strain

TOTAL CASES

TOTAL DEATHS

8,127 175

NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES SATURDAY 17 CASES NEW PROVIDENCE GRAND BAHAMA ABACO

FRIDAY

13 2 2

9 CASES

NEW PROVIDENCE GRAND BAHAMA PENDING

THURSDAY

5 3 1

13 CASES

NEW PROVIDENCE ABACO

TOTAL TESTS

58,448 of the virus present in a sample, according to Dr Indira Martin, Director of the National Reference Laboratory.

However, Health Minister Renward Wells has

12 1

HOSPITALISED

CASES IN ICU

previously said the government is currently looking at ways to secure the tools needed to do so.

“We are looking at that but, in any event, if we need to, we are able to send

samples abroad and get the results back very, very quickly,” he said.

“We are testing for COVID-19 (strains) if we see a circumstance that they saw in the UK where

11

1

RECOVERED

6,720 the virus was spreading at a particular rate that was unusual in regard to its normal spread then the government of The Bahamas will take normal steps to be able to test.”

17 NEW COVID CASES ON SATURDAY THE Ministry of Health confirmed 17 cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing the nation’s toll to 8,127.

Thirteen of those cases

are in New Providence, while there were two each in Grand Bahama and Abaco.

Twelve people are in the hospital. While 11 of them

are listed as moderately ill, one case is in intensive care.

On Friday, nine cases were recorded.

The country’s death toll remains at 175.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 25, 2021, PAGE 5

Bannister promises movement ‘soon’ on Andros shanty homes

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

WORKS Minister Desmond Bannister on Friday pledged that the government will take the necessary action to deal with unregulated developments on Andros, saying Bahamians can expect to see “definite movement” on the matter soon.

“Cabinet has made some decisions on the shanty towns in Andros,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Andros.

“You’re going to see some definite movement. There is someone who knows the areas well and who’s going to be appointed to explore all of the areas where the shanty towns are and someone who has the skills to demolish old buildings, so in Andros, Cabinet has dealt with the issue.”

Last year, Mr Bannister – along with members on his team – visited Andros to assess the communities for themselves to see what was actually happening on the ground.

The assessment came after concerns were raised by Andros residents about the communities, with some telling this newspaper that the illegal structures were reportedly being built on Crown land.

Last February, the government issued eviction notices to Andros residents living in illegal structures, a move estimated to possibly displace some 1,800 people.

The notices expired in March 2020. It is not clear how many residents are still living in unregulated communities in Andros.

However, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard told reporters last October that the number of

shanty town dwellers has since “dwindled”, though he could not say to what extent.

At the time, he also revealed his ministry’s plans to restore government Crown land on Andros for its intended purpose, which is farming.

Mr Pintard said: “The committee continues to work within the guidelines set by the Office of the Attorney General while the numbers of illegal immigrants in the unregulated development have dwindled, we are still pressing ahead to eliminate unregulated development that have persons of different nationalities, inclusive of Bahamians, and we intend to restore agriculture land for the purpose it was intended and that is farming by registered and approved farmers.”

Meanwhile, as it relates to shantytowns on Abaco, the deputy prime minister told reporters on Friday that he and officials planned to visit the island next month to assess the situation there.

This comes after new aerial surveillance, circulated online this week, shows new construction taking place in the Farm Road area located in the Treasure Cay community.

Residents there have been sounding the alarm about the issue for months, noting that the issue, if not dealt with soon, could mirror the pre-Dorian situation which saw several large unregulated shanty towns on the island.

Chairman of Treasure Cay local government Stephanie Hield had previously told The Tribune that she estimated that some 400 illegal structures have been constructed in the Farm Road shanty town since Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

MINISTER of Public Works Desmond Bannister.

DISASTER AUTHORITY REPAIRS SCHEME TO RESUME ‘IN A MATTER OF WEEKS’ SAYS LEWIS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Disaster Reconstruction Authority’s Small Homes Repair programme will resume in a matter of weeks, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management, and Reconstruction Iram Lewis announced on Saturday in Grand Bahama.

This is “good news” for the 4,000-plus frustrated homeowners in Grand Bahama and Abaco registered with the Small Homes Repair programme.

The programme was suspended in September after the suppliers did not receive payments from the time the initiative was launched by the agency to assist with the repair of homes destroyed

during Hurricane Dorian.

During a press briefing on Saturday at the Office of the Prime Minister in Freeport, Mr Lewis said that the funds have been released.

He said: “The good news is that the Small Homes Repair programme will commence in short order.

The funds have been released, so we will be going into the second phase.

“The DRA will make a further announcement, but early in the next two weeks that programme will resume, and that speaks well for persons who have been waiting for a long time and who received a portion of the down payment.

“We do not have all of the funding we would like, but we are seeking more funding in short order to ensure that everyone we committed

to with respect to home repair will be honoured and satisfied,” he said.

The assistance programme has 4,559 registered homeowners and 3,686 approved homeowners. Some $11m has been spent towards the initiative to date.

Mr Lewis has said that $13m was needed to complete the programme.

On the rebuilding of Rand Memorial Hospital, Mr Lewis said there would be a phased opening of the public health institution very soon.

He reported that there has been “great progress,” particularly in the lobby area, pharmacy, the female ward, the children’s area, and the operating theatre, which will be the first phase of the opening of RMH.

Once those works are completed, Mr Lewis said the planning of the hospital’s extension would begin.

“We are aggressively working along with our architects and planners with respect to the extension,” he added.

He noted that the multistoried extension would be higher than the ground level of the existing hospital.

RMH sustained severe flood damage during Hurricane Dorian. A nearby tent hospital was later set up

by Samaritan’s Purse while remediation work was carried out at the facility.

Mr Lewis explained that the government believes in a ‘building back better” concept concerning all capital works projects underway on Grand Bahama.

“We take that concept

EX-BRITISH POLITICIAN DIES DIVING IN EXUMAS from page one

“While in the area of Highbourne Cay, Exuma around 2.30pm, the vessel anchored and some of the crew went spearfishing,” police said.

“Moments later, crew members became concerned when one of the males did not resurface. A diver went overboard in search of their colleague and found him lying on the seabed. He was brought to the surface; however, he was unresponsive”.

Police said even though the crew immediately made their way to Norman’s Cay to charter a plane, their efforts to do so proved unsuccessful. They said the party eventually returned to the capital where they were met by medical personnel who examined the victim and pronounced him dead.

ROBERT ROWLAND Officials are awaiting an autopsy report to determine the exact cause of death. Investigations into the matter are continuing.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Brexit Party leader, Nigel Farage, confirmed

Rowland’s death and expressed his condolences to the loved ones the former politician left behind.

“It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of Robert Rowland, after a diving accident near his home in The Bahamas,” he stated.

“Following a successful career in the city, Robert was an enthusiastic Brexit Party MEP and larger than life character. He leaves a wife, Lisa Marie, and four children. On behalf of myself, and all those who were involved with the Brexit Party, I extend our sincerest condolences to his family.”

David Bull, another former Brexit Party MEP, also told the Daily Express he was “absolutely devastated” after hearing the news of Mr Rowland’s death.

“Robert was the kindest, most gentle, thoughtful

friend,” he told the British publication.

“He was deliciously funny, dry, intelligent, erudite and compassionate. He was a huge support to me in the European Parliament and when I was campaigning in the general election.

He was a true team player.

We started as colleagues and ended up as the closest of friends.”

Rowland, 54, served as a Brexit Party member of the European Parliament for South East England from 2019 until the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union in 2020.

He was also a member of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and served as a substitute on the Committee for Industry, Research and Energy.

He leaves behind his wife, Lisa Marie Rowland, along with three sons and a daughter.

seriously, and if you look at the Fishing Hole Road causeway where Dorian exposed weaknesses in design and construction, we redesigned it and built it better,” he said.

He said that the same was done at the courthouse building and the public schools. He noted an additional $5 million was spent to ensure improvements in the construction

process and management of the school repairs and construction.

Mr Lewis also mentioned the Smith’s Point seawall project and the road work projects undertaken in East and West Grand Bahama.

“While persons are frustrated because of timelines, we want to ensure that these capital projects are planned properly and build back better.”

PAGE 6, Monday, January 25, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

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Ensure all our children are protected AFTER the outrage, the action.

We applaud Minister of Social Services Frankie Campbell for the quick move to relieve staff members of their duties at the Children’s Emergency Hostel after video emerged of children being beaten in the home.

The police are now involved, and the case will proceed. Children are also to receive counselling, which may start as soon as today.

Perhaps the most promising thing from Mr Campbell’s statement is that he says officials “are very much displeased of where we are with this investigation”.

So they should be. If the video had not emerged, would we even be having this conversation at all? Would, in fact, children still be being beaten but with no intervention, no staff members suspended, no counselling and no hope of anything changing?

Not being happy with the state of things is a good way to be – as long as you follow through and change that state of things.

Mr Campbell talks of the prospect of putting a management agreement in place for all homes that addresses discipline, and shutting down loopholes to stop this from happening in the future.

Agreements are one thing, the law is another. You don’t need agreements on discipline if you ensure the law of the land prevents such unacceptable behaviour. Then you just need evidence and the courts.

The agreements should ensure monitoring – camera footage being reviewed for instances of such behaviour, regular visits, interviews with the children on the nature of their care, and so on.

Mr Campbell fell short of giving his position on the issue of corporal punishment, however, and that is disappointing. Perhaps he doesn’t want to influence ongoing investigations or negotiations, but there should be no need to hesitate in calling out brutality.

More firmly, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd has said officials are having a “vigorous conversation” about whether corporal punishment should still be allowed in schools.

It is that wider discussion that needs to be had now. With the staff suspended and police involved in this incident, it will proceed to wherever the probe winds up – perhaps the courts, perhaps not. The children in this home have people to talk to, and the focus is on their safety.

What we need to talk about now is

why were there conditions in place in this home that encouraged such beatings – and where else is this happening?

This must not be about one incident – it must be about our attitude to violence against children, and ensuring it is not happening in other homes, other facilities.

Mr Campbell is absolutely right when he says there is an opportunity here – it is an opportunity to change, for the sake of all our children.

Jobs at risk

If the devastating blow from President Joe Biden’s introduction of a quarantine period for travellers to the US wasn’t clear before, then Labour Director John Pinder makes it clear in today’s Tribune: More jobs could go.

Mr Pinder warned there could be more layoffs in the hotel sector if we do not secure an exemption from the US, and the unemployment rate – already soaring – to rise even further.

With the prospect of going into quarantine after a trip to The Bahamas, more travellers are going to be put off the idea of coming here. That will mean empty rooms, and there’s only so long hotels can stay open before that turns into closed doors.

Refreshingly honest, Mr Pinder says he doesn’t know a way we can get out of it, although he urged Bahamians to consider domestic travel. That will only get us so far. It’s effectively trying to lift the bucket while we’re still standing in it. We need that outside income to swell our economy.

So what can we do in the meantime?

We can make ourselves as safe as possible. It’s hard to tell the US it’s safe for visitors to come here when we still have curfews because we say it’s not safe to have people out late at night. It’s hard to reassure the US on our testing regime when about half of those supposed to be taking the day five antigen test are missing out. It’s hard to reassure about our vaccine rollout plans when we don’t have any that have been revealed.

We need to get our side in order so we can make the best case possible to the US, and we also need to target markets other than the US as much as possible – ramp up our marketing to Canada, for example, to offer a little winter sun.

But let’s be clear – this decision means hard times ahead, and we need to be prepared for those too.

How the world works EDITOR, The Tribune.

HOW the world works - I would like if possible to address various issues of relevance at this moment in time.

Oil exploration in the Bahamas.

Money runs this world, due to the present crisis the coffers in the Treasury are bare so if oil is found be assured nothing will stop the flow.

The naivety of the various pressure groups, environmentalists and the likes whilst being charming and possibly correct are utterly futile if oil is found.

All we can hope for is the politicians make the best possible financial deal for the Bahamas. Bearing in mind the infamous reputation of oil companies to sweeten the deal with politicians - good luck on that one.

Money and power drive

this world and justice is meted out very much via social strata.

I noted in your paper the case of some employees of Fresh Market, Old Fort Bay possibly purloining less than $2000.

Can I assure those poor souls the full might of the judicial system will ensure future incarnation for this relatively trivial sum.

There are two laws one for the rich and powerful and one for the rest of us.

These unfortunates will do hard time, however if they were politicians who almost by magic made a few million disappear from the Treasury no consequences will follow. This is because the establishment look after their own.

A politician earns $1700 a week yet lives like a king and every person in the community knows why.

Yet when they get into a court room for their

obvious crimes the verdict is equally obvious not guilty.

If anyone needs to see how justice is not blind watch Jeffrey Epstein, Filthy Rich the Netflix documentary.

Epstein counted Presidents and Princes as his confidants.

He was a lifelong paedophile and even that moral champion Donald Trump commented: “Jeffrey liked them young.”

Yet without the Me Too Movement he would still be moving 14 year old girls around in his private jets.

So in conclusion I have great empathy for these employees of Fresh Market it’s just a pity you are not filthy rich because these hypocrites are coming for you.

THE REALIST Nassau, January 20, 2021.

D’Aguilar knee-jerk reaction EDITOR, The Tribune.

INTO his fourth year as Minister of Tourism and Aviation, one would have hoped that the Hon Dionisio D’Aguilar would have more fully taken onboard some rudimentary lessons about statecraft and governance.

Among these lessons are to take a deep breath, marshal as many facts as possible, assemble the best advice and, above all, demonstrate restraint, calm and measured thinking, especially in times of potential crisis.

One would have hoped that he had learned to exercise better judgment and care in his public statements.

But last week, as he has many times before, D’Aguilar had an episode of verbal diarrhea and a terrible knee-jerk reaction, ailments for which there are remedies, including a little humility.

As reported in The Nassau Guardian: “Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar said an executive order signed yesterday

by US President Joe Biden, which requires everyone travelling to the United States to quarantine upon arrival, will likely be devastating for tourism in The Bahamas.”

In one fell swoop he caused widespread panic in the country and embarrassed his cabinet colleagues. It is often better to say nothing or to be very careful until one is better prepared to speak based on greater reflection.

Minister D’Aguilar should have taken the course of the president of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, Robert “Sandy” Sands, who was measured and

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net stated, according to The Nassau Guardian: “We are reviewing the executive order and ancillary documentation in detail and are engaged in discussions with relevant government representatives, regional partners and tourism stakeholders.

“We will work immediately and assiduously with all relevant entities to clarify the specifications contained in the executive order and the subsequent potential ramifications on tourism for The Bahamas, and the region. We will continue to communicate with you, our industry partners and members.”

On its website, Condé Nast Traveler reported: “The official details around the quarantine after international travel – including when it will go into effect – are under review by a number of federal agencies that deal with air travel and public health.”

There appears to be room for discussion with the Biden Administration about the proposed new measures.

Instead of acting impetuously like Henny-penny in Chicken Little, who said after a nut fell on her head, “Good gracious me, the sky’s a-going to fall”, Minister D’Aguilar should have shown more competence and policy and political judgment.

This is especially so given the sensitivity of the matter at hand and his leadership of one of the more critical ministries of government.

Moreover, given the

tremendous public relations and marketing expertise within Tourism and the many public and private sector officials at his disposal, domestically and internationally, the Minister should have been more judicious and sound and less impulsive.

Minister D’Aguilar should have consulted widely with regional counterparts.

Unfortunately, it appears that his legendary arrogance and seeming need to pander to some reporters got the better of him. One does not need to be a media darling.

Over the next few weeks, tourism and foreign affairs officials should use their combined lobbying efforts to work with the international and American travel industry, business officials and others in the United States and around the world to lobby and to help revise and/or counter the proposals.

While the new measures may prove more burdensome, the best course is to see how The Bahamas can work with others to significantly cause them to be revised or mitigate them.

When someone acts as a one-man band, thinking they are smarter than everyone else, they usually buck-up and stub their whole foot, not just their big toe.

Arrogance often gets in the way of common sense and intelligent thinking.

Wealth does not determine either of these traits, and pandering to elites in enclaves and certain foreign opinion can lead one down a wrong road that can be a dead end.

TINGUM Nassau, January 23, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 25, 2021, PAGE 7

BTVI ‘trying to silence workers’ claims union

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

DANIEL Thompson, president of the Union of Tertiary Educators of the Bahamas, yesterday accused Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the government of trying to silence workers who have voiced their concerns about the school’s “inefficiencies”.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Thompson expressed dismay at the state of labour relations at BTVI. He said president Dr Robert Roberston recently sent an email to faculty and staff addressing open communication, which the union leader sees as a “threat” to the group’s request for recognition as the bargaining agent for BTVI faculty.

In the email last week, which was obtained by The Tribune, Dr Robertson reminded employees they should use “established policies and procedures to voice concerns and seek

resolution to issues”.

The president also highlighted a policy outlined in the institution’s General and Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual, which states: “Any employee who wilfully creates or distributes anonymous documents, letters, and phone calls, etc, containing libellous, slanderous, defamatory, erroneous, scandalous or unfounded information and is disruptive to the mission, administration, students and educational environment of the institute shall be subject to disciplinary action, inclusive of summary dismissal for extreme violation of the policy.”

On Sunday, Mr Thompson said “while BTVI and The Bahamas government have failed to address the request for recognition by UTEB”, it appears as if they are seeking to “silence the voices of workers” through the email.

“While we await the determination of recognition by the minister with

responsibility for labour, Senator Dion Foulkes, UTEB will continue to advocate and proclaim on behalf of workers at this national institute of higher learning,” he said.

He claimed the government-owned tertiary institution has treated its faculty and non-faculty workers with “disdain” and said the union was calling on BTVI’s board members to address several of their workers’ concerns.

These include a lack of a clear career path; the need for an academic vice president; haphazard pay scales; no support for faculty working from home; alleged violation of contracts for overdue payments to adjunct faculty; a disruptive grade submission online portal which existed pre-COVID-19 and an unsecured personnel filing system.

“We will not be silenced or intimidated,” Mr Thompson said. “As we have done in the past, we will continue to highlight the inefficiencies and

maladies in the organisational structure of the institute, the confusion in the chain of command and the array of communication dissonance in the communication channels.”

Mr Thompson said the union is also calling on BTVI’s board to hold Mr Robertson accountable for the “dismal situation” at the institute and “demand improvement as a matter of national priority”.

“BTVI’s attempt to silence criticism of its obvious mismanagement, mistreatment, and marginalisation of workers, inclusive of faculty, is not acceptable,” he insisted.

“Censorship is only a band aid approach and antithetical to effectively addressing festering underlying administrative and operational decay.”

Yesterday, when The Tribune reached out to Education Minister Jeff Lloyd for comment, he told this newspaper: “If UTEB wishes to bring something to my attention, they know how to reach me.”

DR Robert W Robertson, president of BTVI. Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

Armed robbery MAN FINED FOR FAKE LICENCE accused ‘even took man’s gold teeth’

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A 27-YEAR-OLD man was charged on Friday with robbing a man of cash and gold teeth.

Police said Devardo Gardiner used a handgun to rob a man of $600 cash and an envelope containing five gold teeth worth $850 on January 17.

The prosecution said Gardiner used an unlicensed firearm to carry out the indictable offence and alleged that 14 rounds of .40 ammunition were found in the weapon.

Due to the nature of the charges, the accused was not required to enter a plea during his arraignment before Magistrate Samuel McKinney.

As a result, the case was adjourned to March 30 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Gardiner, who is represented by attorney Bjorn Ferguson, was remanded into custody until that time.

Meanwhile in a separate hearing, a 35-year-old man, who last year shattered another’s man’s car windshield while he was under the influence of alcohol, was given a fine and ordered to compensate the man for his damaged property.

Wilton Armbrister was arrested after he caused $850 worth of damage to a man’s Honda Accord on December 11.

He pleaded guilty to one count of damage during a hearing before Assistant

Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain.

The court was told that Armbrister, who appeared to be drunk at the time, approached the complainant’s car and smashed his windshield. After the police were called, Armbrister was arrested and taken to a nearby station.

In an interview with officers there, he admitted the offence.

After owning up to his actions, Armbrister was fined $300 or three months in prison. Magistrate Swain further ordered the accused to compensate the complainant $850 to replace his damaged windshield. She warned Armbrister that if he failed to do so, he would be sentenced to an additional 30 days in prison.

MAN FINED FOR FAKE LICENCE

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A MAN who presented a fake driver’s licence to Road Traffic Department officials was fined $300 on Friday.

Jonathan Wells was arrested after he was accused of being in possession of a fraudulent driver’s licence on January 20.

He admitted to the offence during a hearing before Magistrate Samuel McKinney.

The court was told that the incident took place around 9am at the Road Traffic Department when Wells presented a driver’s licence bearing his name and image to a clerk.

The prosecution said when checks were made in the system for the card, it was discovered that the government issued ID the defendant presented was forged.

As a result, the clerk contacted police and reported the matter.

When officers arrived, they arrested Wells and confiscated the fraudulent card. He was then taken to

the Central Detective Unit where he declined to comment during an interview with police.

During the hearing, Wells’ attorney told the magistrate that her client was extremely remorseful for his lapse in judgement.

She also said Wells was under the impression that the card was valid as he had received it from someone he trusted.

As a result, Magistrate McKinney fined the accused $300 or one month behind bars.

EIGHT Haitian men who were caught residing in the country without the required legal documents were each fined $300 on Friday.

Ellison Auguste, 34; Johnson Auguste, 40; Kervens Odeus, 29; Canavil Marceus, 36; Jean Metinor, 38; Vilsaint Jean, 35; Justin Louidor, 35; and Esner Tamas, 51, were arrested in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera after they were accused of entering the country without the leave of an immigration officer.

Each of the men pleaded guilty to one count of illegal landing when they

appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney.

The prosecution said immigration officials and police officers conducted an apprehension exercise in the Tarpum Bay and Rock Sound areas of Eleuthera on January 19. During their operation, the accused were approached by officers who asked them to show proof of their status in the country. When they could not, they were detained and taken to the island’s immigration office.

After a brief interview there, they were cautioned for the offence and transferred to New Providence to be charged.

On Friday, Auguste, speaking through an interpreter, told the magistrate he prayed to God that he

would not return to the country the same way he came in. Odeus also said he was sorry for coming to The Bahamas illegally and would not do it again.

All of the men said they hoped when they returned to Haiti, they would make better decisions so that they would be able to come back through legal means.

After listening to their comments, Magistrate McKinney fined them all $300 or one month at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. He said after the fines were paid or the sentences were completed, the men would be turned over to the director of immigration who would determine whether they would be deported or not.

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

Is this how we treat people asking for our protection?

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

TEN asylum seekers are seeking damages and an injunction preventing the government from deporting them after claiming in a lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court that they were falsely imprisoned and wrongfully deprived of their liberty.

The lawsuit seeks the immediate release of eight of them as well as compensatory and vindicatory damages for alleged loss of liberty, breach of constitutional rights, unlawful arrest and unlawful detention. Damages are also sought for two of the plaintiffs, a mother and her two-year-old daughter, “for the degrading and inhuman treatment” they experienced when they were separated.

The plaintiffs are seeking special damages, damages for pain, suffering and injury to feelings, aggravated damages, exemplary damages, assault and battery and an order giving them the “goods, papers, passports and money wrongfully withheld from them together with damages for the wrongful detention of property”.

The lawsuit, filed by Callenders & Co attorneys, claims the plaintiffs all have a “well-founded fear of prosecution by reason of their race and/or ethnicity and/or religion and/or because of their Anglophone social and political ties and/or their membership of political parties.”

“Notwithstanding the above, the plaintiffs have each been wrongfully detained, falsely imprisoned and deprived of their personal liberty,” the suit alleges.

Nine of the plaintiffs come from “the self-declared state of Ambazonia, a predominately Anglophone area of land also claimed by the Francophone government of the Republic of Cameroon,” the lawsuit says.

“Following the Ambazonian declaration of independence on 1 October 2017, the government of Cameroon declared war on the separatists and has subsequently imprisoned some of the Ambazonian leadership. The ongoing conflict has resulted in many people, including the 1st to 9th plaintiffs, fleeing the country.”

The tenth plaintiff is from Biafra in Nigeria and is a member of the marginalised ethnic group

YOUR

THE CARMICHAEL Road Detention Centre, where eight of the plaintiffs were taken.

Igbo “which he says are subject to persecution in Nigeria”.

The plaintiffs allegedly arrived in The Bahamas in May 2019 seeking political asylum and/or refugee status. The plaintiffs include a freelance creative director and social media blogger, a nurse, a businessman and teacher, a French teacher, an accounting student, a self-employed fashion designer, a seamstress, a mother and her two-year-old child and a businessman.

Their names have been withheld due to fear of retribution.

The lawsuit alleges that after arriving in The Bahamas “on or about 4 May 2019,” the plaintiffs told immigration officers they sought political asylum and handed over various papers, including job offer letters in The Bahamas.

The lawsuit said they were admitted as lawful visitors for three days.

While dealing with

CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

immigration officials, told them that a representathe plaintiffs allegedly tive in Nassau would assist encountered two men they them with their refugee believed were immigra- status.” tion officials or connected When the first plaintiff to immigration officials, explained what happened a Nigerian man called to TJ, an immigration “Goddy” and a Bahamian officer allegedly took his known as “TJ”. phone and deleted the mes“The plaintiffs went with sages between him and Goddy and TJ who found TJ. Immigration officers somewhere for them to then allegedly seized and stay in Nassau,” the lawsuit retained the phones of all claims. the plaintiffs.

“The plaintiffs stayed in The lawsuit claims eight Nassau for one night and of the plaintiffs were taken were then told by Goddy to the Detention Centre and TJ that in Nassau they should ‘They were where they return to the kept in a small were detained airport and fly against their to Freeport. cell with 37 will after they The plain- people. They were arrested tiffs travelled on May 18. had to defecate to Freeport, The mother and urinate in accompanied and daughter by Goddy, buckets for those were taken to a and on arrival detention facilwere accom- five days. They ity for women modated in two had nowhere and children apartments in adequate to sleep known as a safe a complex in house. as the cell was Freeport.

“The plain“TJ told the so crowded and tiffs were told plaintiffs that could only sleep by immigration he needed officers that money for standing up.’ they did not processing need to instruct fees, either to help them lawyers to help them, as the to obtain work permits in UNHCR would take care The Bahamas, or to help of everything,” the lawthem get to Miami, Florida suit says. “However, after by boat. The plaintiffs per- some months the plaintiffs suaded friends and relatives began to question what was to send money or gave what occurring and tried to get they had. messages to their friends “The plaintiffs collec- and family. tively paid approximately “From about February US$20,000 to TJ. Some 2020 the plaintiffs have money was paid in cash, but been prevented from commostly it was transferred municating with friends or by friends and relatives family outside the Detendirectly to bank accounts tion Centre or safe house. which TJ told them to send “In August 2019, some of it to. TJ then disappeared, the plaintiffs, including the leaving the plaintiffs in the 3rd and 5th plaintiffs, were Freeport apartment with no imprisoned for five days in food.

Fox Hill during the passage “Three days later, on or of hurricane Dorian. about 16 May 2019, immi“They were kept in a gration officers came to small cell with 37 people. the apartment. Their first They had to defecate and question was: ‘Did you pay urinate in buckets for the money?’ When they those five days. They had received the answer ‘Yes’, nowhere adequate to sleep the immigration officers as the cell was so crowded arrested the plaintiffs and and could only sleep

standing up.”

The lawsuit said the mother of the two-yearold girl has been physically separated from her child since January 2020 after she was transferred from the safe house to the Detention Centre and has had only rare telephone calls with her daughter since then.

Deneisha Moss-Balboni, a former assistant protection officer at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, interviewed the plaintiffs shortly after their detention, the lawsuit says.

Ms Moss, who has since left the UNHCR, allegedly met the plaintiffs in November 2019 and told them she was finished her investigation and passed the file to the government.

“More than 21 months since they were first detained, the plaintiffs are still waiting for the determination of their applications for asylum,” the lawsuit says.

“The government (in the person of one or more of the defendants) remains responsible for the lawful and timely processing of applications for asylum.

“Since the plaintiffs were first detained in May 2019 there has been more than sufficient time for the government to consider the plaintiffs’ applications for asylum, determine the outcome, and implement whatever further action is required.

“From the fact that the plaintiffs’ applications have still not been determined and/or the results of such determinations implemented, the plaintiffs infer that this failure to process asylum seekers in a timely manner is part of government policy.”

The lawsuit says four of the plaintiffs have been physically and verbally abused by immigration officers and others at the Detention Centre.

One of the plaintiffs has allegedly been assaulted

often and threatened with deportation while another “was slapped in the head by an immigration officer and has suffered an earache since.”

One plaintiff has allegedly not slept or eaten and “has been vomiting after her meals but was given vitamins rather than medical attention.”

Another plaintiff has allegedly “been called stupid by immigration officers and told to ‘get your African ass back to your (expletive) country.’”

The lawsuit says the sixth plaintiff developed complications with blood pressure and dizziness and, along with the seventh plaintiff, was released from the Detention Centre in September 2020 for medical reasons. They are required to sign in with the Department of Immigration once a month. The lawsuit says the sixth plaintiff is very ill and requires urgent medical attention.

The mother of the two-year-old is currently detained in the Department of Correctional Services remand centre after she was charged in November with assaulting a fellow detainee, the lawsuit says.

The plaintiffs, according to the lawsuit, have suffered pain, shock and mental distress along with sustained loss and damage.

“Further still, the defendants have shown by their acts of false imprisonment that they are willing to ignore the law in order to achieve their aim of deporting asylum seekers without even having to adjudicate on their claims,” the lawsuit says.

“In the circumstances the plaintiffs seek an injunction that they not be deported from The Bahamas, save on application to the court on at least 28 days’ notice, to ensure that the defendants do not further deprive the plaintiffs of their rights by deporting them without lawful authority.

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

INSIGHT

POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle speaking to the public during his presentation on crime statistics.

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021 PAGE 9

Photo: Terrell W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff

One man’s gaffe turns the spotlight on an issue we should be alert to

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

internally crying out for help – hardly know how to get the help they are desperate for. And rather than THE comments of Police being afforded the ability Commissioner Paul Rolle to know it is okay to ask during his presentation for help, someone in such a of crime data from 2020 high profile position within incensed many people the country – a leader of the across the country – but police force whose primary we have an opportunity to mandate is to protect and learn from this moment. serve Bahamians – makes The gaffe - Commissioner the blanket characterisaRolle referring to men who tion of hurting individuals committed suicide in 2020 as weak. as being “weak” because This level of our people they were unable to deal being ostracised is sadly a better with matter of reapdomestic issues ‘This isn’t a ing what we – is a problem sowed.

Paul Rolle that reaches This isn’t much farther problem. While a Paul Rolle than one man’s it is incredibly problem. While ignorance. it is incredibly disappointing On the disappointing contrary, it he serves as the he serves as the is indicative poster child poster child for of an incredBahamian socifor Bahamian ible degree of ety’s failure in low emotional society’s failure this regard, we intelligence, must not point in this regard, we insensitivity the finger solely towards others must not point at COP Rolle, and a total dis- the finger solely but rather look regard of the at COP Rolle, at ourselves. An toll poor mental honest moment health takes on but rather look of introspecpeople. at ourselves.’ tion is needed At the end of by each of us, the day, we’re just people. perhaps most importantly We’re not perfect. And no those in leadership. one is impervious to life Have we taken the time just becoming too much at to check in with our mental times. While we may pontif- health – that of our family, icate and offer uninformed friends and neighbours? judgments about other’s sit- What about our co-workuations, we ought to take a ers? Rather than gossiping step back and look at what or assuming we have the people in our country go answer to other people’s through on a daily basis. problems and oversimplifyLife in paradise is far from ing their solutions, have we it for the average Bahamian honestly taken the time to who lives hand-to-mouth, put ourselves in other peowas likely raised in an abu- ple’s shoes? sive broken home, only Empathy is what is left to perpetuate the cycle needed, friends – a simple of brokenness in a society dose of “today for you, where leaders do little to tomorrow for me”. reverse any of the negative When these conversations effects that are consequences escape from the offices of of our own inaction. Even in mental health professionsome homes where there are als and take place around two parents, societal norms the dinner table with our of sweet-hearting and emo- families, within Cabinet tionally absent paternal and throughout society with parenting creates a warped people-centred solutions as sense of manhood for our the focus, then we will be on youth – our young men in a path to progress. We must particular. foster an environment where Look no further than the conversations about mental murder rate, men being health are taken seriously. involved in gangs, inciPoor care of our mental dences of domestic violence, health is an invisible killer high rates of imprisonment that ripples throughout and the reported attempts society. of suicides to diagnose the A study done by US problem.

News & World Report and What’s worse is the fact the Aetna Foundation, in these individuals – who are determining the Healthiest

Communities rankings for 2020, discovered that poor mental health is as dangerous as diabetes and smoking to shortening our life spans. With linkages to overall poor health choices, stress is wearing down populations all over the world.

A good place to begin with is becoming more informed about how well our citizens are doing with their mental health. Government cannot merely want to save face during a time where it is obvious the pandemic has had significant impact on suicides. Thus Rolle’s tone, to this end, was also very problematic.

The realisation of the pandemic’s impact on mental health, as well as suicide, has been recognised in a number of jurisdictions, the US, Canada, Japan, Australia and the UK, to name a few. The major difference in these countries something is now being done to understand this is a problem.

Long before there was a pandemic, Bahamians have been stressed as a result of the rising cost of living and trying to make ends meet.

We’ve had to endure much without any real relief for a long time. We’ve been promised much by successive governments, only to end back up in the same place, left wanting and disappointed.

We still exist within the same society that essentially tells us we’re weak for being vulnerable – being human. Such abhorrent treatment may not result in an increase of suicides but ask yourselves this.

Should it require the act of someone taking their own life to prove the point that we all bear a burden of responsibility?

This issue is cultural.

It has been passed down through generations, and the only way to break the cycle is by each of us challenging ourselves to develop more empathy. It is really not much to ask.

I, for one, accept the apology given by the Commissioner. But I also issue a challenge. Let your actions speak loudly via policies within the police force that focus on sensitivity training.

Let the Bahamian people see you taking a real stance on this issue, truly protecting and serving society.

Memorial Service For

Ivan Dale Evans, 50 of Nicholls Town, Andros, Bahamas will be held on Thursday, January 28th, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Nicholl’s Town Gospel Chapel, Andros, Bahamas. Officiating will be Pastor Fred Russell Jr., assisted by Pastor Cardinal Woods. Interment will follow in Nicholl’s Town Public Cemetery, North Andros.

Left to cherish his memories are his mother: Merlean Evans; aunts: Evangelist Albertha (Reginal Dames) & Lucy Evans; four sisters: Lueanna Dawkins, Marion & Martha Evans, Sybliean Thompson; adopted sisters: Manvilla Kemp & family, Michelle & Daisy Bowleg, Bassiemae Storr & family, Nadia Jones (god sister); two brothers: Alfred (Audrey) Sands & Milton Evans; one adopted brother: Joseph Wallace; brother-in-law: Stanley Forbes; niece: Natasha & Floy Andrews, Christina (Demain) Poitier, Angel Thompson, Princess (Kirk) Hutchinson, Milandra Evans, Natasha Rolle Major, Alfreda, Latisha, Alissia, Angelette, Latoya, & Tina Rolle, Clarice) Malcolm Evans) & family, Elleanor Joseph; nephew: Nathan Thompson, Alfred Sands, Elvis Saunders, Collins Brooks, Alaskey Mackey, Claude Joseph; godmother: Sylvia Russell & family; grandnieces & nephews: Krystal Murphy, Latonya St’ Louis, Terrell Kerr, Stevette, Shaquel, D’shante, Ebonique Sands, Kuanda Collie, Terran Bethel, Fredrick Davis, Ashan Andrews, D’Angelo Swaby, La’nique & Zuran Andrews, Nevaeh Andrews, Bryanna Hutchinson, L’adorae & Joshua Poitier; cousins and other relatives and friends including: Ruthnell & Carol Dames-Smith, Orthnel, Daxon, & Rondell Dames & family, Delores, Tracy, Lorene, Kirk, Loftus Rolle & family, Idamae (Ormond Ramsey) & family, Lionel Evans, Basil, Selvin, & Kendrick Rolle, Jimmy Wallace, Shelia Rolle family, Helen Scott & family, Clara Evans & family, Rosynell Evans & family, Tammy Evans & family, Pastor Fred & Sylvia Russell Lawrence Paul & family, Bergie Jones/ Hutchinson & family, Vandyke Smith & family, Rose Pickstock & family, Helen Lord & family, Carlise Evans & family Bernard Evans Sr., & family, Anthony Rolle & family, Sandrill Evans & family, Ashwell Wilson & family, Dora Evans & family, Davie Woods & family, Cyntesish Walkes & family, Rodina Wilson & family, Mark Sturrup & family, Irene bar & family, Basil Wallace, Harcourt Wallace & family, Arlington Evans Frankie Evans, Calsey Strachan, Dotlyn Treco & family, ASP Timothy Wilson & family, Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle & family, the entire Nicholl’s Town Community and a host of other families an relatives too many to be mentioned.

Viewing will be held in the “Serenity Suite” at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Soldier Roads on Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

PAGE 10 MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

INSIGHT

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

THE COAL-fired Plant Scherer, one of the nation’s top carbon dioxide emitters, in Juliette, Georgia. World leaders breathed an audible sigh of relief that the United States under President Joe Biden is rejoining the global effort to curb climate change, a cause that his predecessor had shunned. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and French President Emmanuel Macron were among those welcoming Biden’s decision on Wednesday to rejoin the the Paris climate accord.

Photo: Branden Camp/AP

So what does it mean having the US back at the table?

THE United States helped bring the world into the Paris climate accord, the ground-breaking global agreement reached in 2015 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to slow climate change. Under Donald Trump, the US became the only country to withdraw.

Now, the US is coming back.

On his first day as President, Joe Biden formally started the 30-day process to rejoin the Paris Agreement, effective February 19.

We asked five scholars to describe what US involvement in the Paris Agreement means for the nation and the rest of the world, and for food security, safety and the future warming of the planet.

What rejoining Paris means for America’s place in the world.

Morgan Bazilian, Public Policy Professor and Director of the Payne Institute, Colorado School of Mines.

Amanda Gorman, the National Youth Poet Laureate, wrote in her poem for Biden’s inauguration, “When day comes we step out of the shade.” That’s a good articulation of why the United States is now rejoining the Paris Agreement.

In the short term, the benefits are primarily diplomatic. It’s no small thing to try to rebuild international standing for a country that helped bring the world into the Paris Agreement and then abruptly abandoned it. Humility, acknowledging the nation’s recent abysmal record and reconsidering both the need for a

US-hosted climate summit and the habit of “naming and shaming” other countries could go a long way.

The Paris Agreement took years to design and develop. It allows for considerable flexibility and is inherently “bottom up” – each country sets its own goals and determines how it will live up to them. I was a negotiator in the climate talks for several years.

The agreement was never a threat. Its removal by the Trump administration was theatre – or swagger.

There will be temptation to hearken back to the policies and approaches of the Obama era – many of Biden’s political appointees come from that shared experience.

Rejoining should be primarily used as an impetus for much more robust, stable, sustainable

and thoughtful national policy and regulation.

That’s the less glamorous stuff – the unfinished work.

Why US engagement matters for other countries Edward Carr, Professor and Director of International Development, Community and Environment, Clark University Just returning to the Paris Agreement as signed back in 2015 will not meet the world’s climate needs, nor will it restore the United States to a position of global leadership on climate change.

To gauge the seriousness of the Biden administration, other countries will be watching two things.

First, will the US strengthen its commitments to decarbonising the economy?

While the Trump administration worked to undermine global action on climate change, several states adopted aggressive targets, among them Washington, California and even states with Republican governors like Massachusetts.

With targets that are much more ambitious than those agreed to by the United States under the 2015 Paris Agreement, these states make it clear that the US can be much more aggressive in its national pledges without losing its global competitiveness.

Second, will the Biden administration invest heavily in adaptation at home and abroad?

A growing body of research shows that the worst impacts of climate change are borne by the poorest and most vulnerable people. Further, these impacts tend to exacerbate existing inequalities. The new administration has the tools. The world will have to see if its attention to justice and equality extends to the impacts of climate change.

A return to Paris is a good first step. But without additional steps, it will be seen as hollow and could further erode US credibility.

What the Paris accord means for food security Kristie Ebi, Professor of Global Health and Environment, University of Washington Food security will be a theme of this century, largely because of rising carbon dioxide concentrations and our changing climate.

Globally, nearly nine percent of the population is food insecure, with the numbers increasing over

the past few years. About 45 percent.

The harm to crops as global temperatures rise isn’t just about heat, floods and droughts. While carbon dioxide is necessary for plant growth, research shows that rising CO2 concentrations will reduce the nutrient density of the world’s two most important crops, wheat and rice, as well as other food sources.

These nutritional losses can have serious health effects, including impaired cognitive development and metabolism, obesity and diabetes.

Further, the climatic changes resulting from rising CO2 are reducing crop yields and the stability of the food supply.

The U.S. is the secondlargest CO2 emitter after China, and the largest historically. The Biden administration’s recommitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris climate agreement and advance research and development for solutions can help protect the health and well-being of families and future generations.

Why the Paris accord matters for vulnerable communities Deb Niemeier, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland In a valley once home to the Maidu tribes, local legend has it that a man stood on a ridge in the 1860s, escaping the heat of the central valley of California. Basking in the cool air, he was certain he had found paradise. For the next 50-some years, that ridge saw mining give way to timber mills and eventually the planting of fruit orchards. A small but sturdy town grew, along the way weathering many fires.

Over time, Paradise, California, became home to farmers, retired people and others just seeking a quieter life. The air was crisp and the vistas extraordinary.

The Camp Fire of 2018 destroyed nearly the entire town and devastated many of its farms. I was there afterward. The culprit was both aging infrastructure and extremely dry conditions that have become more common as the planet warms.

Rising temperatures have contributed to worsening wildfire conditions in the West. California and Colorado both saw their largest fires on record in 2020. Deb Niemeier, CC BY-ND The future of humanity has always been

intertwined with that of the natural world. Today, however, people have an outsize influence that comes in part from years of burning fossil fuels and other activities that influence the climate.

Coastal communities are facing more frequent flooding as sea level rises.

Western wildfire seasons are lasting longer. The National Climate Assessment has shown how extreme storms and healthand crop-harming heat waves will become more common as global temperatures rise.

Just fixing faulty power lines that can spark wildfires isn’t enough anymore.

The Paris Agreement motivates countries to start the hard work of reducing greenhouse gas emission to lower the underlying risk.

Walt Meier, Senior Research Scientist, National Snow and Ice Data Center, University of Colorado The importance of the Paris climate agreement is particularly evident in the Arctic, where sea ice is diminishing and permafrost is thawing. If you think about the implications for the entire planet, your imagination needs to expand threefold. That’s because the Arctic is warming nearly three times as fast as the global average.

A large part of the Arctic’s climate sits on a knife’s edge between freezing and melting. Even a small change can have big consequences. An increase of 2 degrees Fahrenheit in the midlatitudes, say from 70 F to 72 F, is not easily noticed.

But in the Arctic Ocean, a 2-degree change, from 31 F to 33 F, is the difference between ice skating and swimming.

That change from ice to ocean, and from snow to bare ground, is profound.

Ice and snow are white, which means they reflect most of the sun’s energy, keeping the Arctic cool.

Losing the ice and snow means more sunlight is absorbed, which further warms the Earth and causes even more melting.

So, every bit of greenhouse gas emitted has triple the punch in the Arctic that it does in lower latitudes.

This means that every bit of greenhouse gas that the Paris climate agreement can help countries avoid emitting saves it times three in the Arctic.

Our choices influence the fate of the Arctic … and the world.

Originally published on theconversation.com

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

INSIGHT

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021 PAGE 11

Caribbean-US relations: chance to merge might with right EVENTS in Washington on January 20 were a welcome relief and release for the world.

Once Joseph R Biden took the oath of office as President of the United States and the noon hour struck while Donald Trump arrived, as a private citizen, at his estate in Florida, leaders and ordinary citizens in every corner of the globe exhaled the collective breath of trepidation they had held for four troubling years.

In his first official acts – the signing of 17 Executive Orders – President Biden dramatically improved relations with the world, including the Caribbean, and gave reason for optimism about the future.

Importantly, the US will rejoin the 2015 Paris Climate Change agreement from which Trump withdrew. It should be recalled that the U.S. is one of the world’s greatest contributors to global pollution and the harmful effects of climate change.

Writing to Biden, just hours after his swearing-in as the 46th President of the US, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, as Chair of the 44-nation Alliance of Small Island States, welcomed the new US Government’s decision. Browne told Biden: “We are already failing to limit the global average temperature to an increase of 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It is urgent that: (i) the machinery for global financial flows, including through International Financial Institutions, be adjusted to ensure that every country is served in accordance with its needs; and (ii) resources be provided to allow the most vulnerable countries to adapt to the present alarming conditions and to prepare for future negative occurrences”.

This is work that must be an urgent item on the agenda of US-Caribbean discussions, including early contact with former US Secretary of State, John Kerry, who Biden has appointed as his Climate Envoy.

Particularly significant for Caribbean countries, in the devastating epoch of the COVID-19 pandemic, is that the US will not withdraw from the World Health Organization as Trump had intended.

Indeed, Biden is appointing the now renowned Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, to lead the US delegation. This should mean that the US will play a constructive leadership role.

The matter of making vaccines available to Caribbean countries, that

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS have been allocated numbers that equate to less than 10 percent of their populations, and an end to hoarding policies by the US and some other countries, are also top priorities for Caribbean-US discussion.

No country will be safe from the Coronavirus if it exists and thrives in any other. Therefore, it is as much in the interest of the US as it is for its neighbouring Caribbean for the minuscule number of vaccines, allocated to the region, to be reviewed and rectified.

President Biden has also mandated the wearing of masks on Federal Government property and installed a coronavirus response coordinator to oversee the efforts to distribute vaccines and medical supplies in the US. This is also vital to the Caribbean tourismreliant countries that need US citizens to be free of the coronavirus and ready to travel as soon as possible.

It is a hard task. The problem was allowed to grow out of control, bringing the US to its knees with high infection and death rates.

Every encouragement and support should be given to Biden’s efforts.

Domestically, the President is also pushing for economic relief including more money for unemployed workers and for safety net programmes, especially Medicaid and unemployment insurance. The revival of the US economy and restoration of employment levels are important to the Region because of tourism, US capacity to purchase Caribbean goods, and remittances from Caribbean nationals in the US, many of whom are hardest affected by unemployment.

Work on a border wall between Mexico and the US will also be halted. This is a symbolic acknowledgment that the world needs bridges, not walls. It is a rejection of Trump’s unilateralist and bullying posture in foreign policy.

On the practical side, since it is the US taxpayers who have been paying for the wall (despite Trump’s claims, Mexico did not pay a cent), that money can now be diverted to programmes that will help to stimulate the US economy.

A stronger US economy is good for the countries of the region for which the

US is their largest trading partner.

One other executive order is notable for the Caribbean. It is the fortification of the policy for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, that allows some individuals, unlawfully in the US having entered as children, to enjoy deferred action from deportation and to become eligible for a work permit. Trump’s administration had sought to undo those protections.

Caribbean nationals will benefit from Biden’s action.

President Biden is yet to elaborate fully a Latin American and Caribbean policy. In his many years as a Senator and Vice-President, he gained profound knowledge of the Region. He has a good understanding of its challenges and potential.

Trump’s Latin American and Caribbean policy was primarily directed at Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua as a sop to their dissidents in Florida whose support he needed for the US Presidential election. Caribbean countries were pawns in that game.

Biden’s policies will be broader, aimed at advancing democracy and human rights, but also economic advancement. He knows that without all these things, refugees will continue to gather at US borders.

All Caribbean countries should show willingness to work with Biden, including by trying to influence his Latin American and Caribbean policy at its formulation.

A new era has dawned, it calls for new approaches.

The US and the Caribbean might take as the guiding light for their future relations, a line from the gripping poem of the young, African American, Amanda Gorman, at Biden’s inauguration: “If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children’s birthright”.

• Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com.

The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own.

BIDEN is appointing Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, to lead the US delegation to the World Health Organization.

PAGE 12, Monday, January 25, 2021

BROADCAST LEGEND LARRY KING DIES, AGE 87 LOS ANGELES Associated Press

LARRY King, the suspenders-sporting everyman whose broadcast interviews helped define American conversation for a half-century, died on Saturday. He was 87.

King died at CedarsSinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his production company, Ora Media, tweeted. No cause of death was given, but a spokesperson said on January 4 that King had COVID-19, had received supplemental oxygen and had been moved out of intensive care.

His son Chance Armstrong also confirmed King’s death, CNN reported.

A longtime nationally syndicated radio host, from 1985 through 2010 he was a nightly fixture on CNN, where he won many honours.

With his celebrity interviews, political debates and topical discussions, King also set himself apart with the curiosity he brought to every interview, whether questioning the assault victim known as the Central Park jogger or billionaire industrialist Ross Perot, who in 1992 rocked the presidential contest by announcing his candidacy on King’s show.

SHOOTER TOLD DON’T TALK TO WHITE SUPREMACISTS AN 18-YEAR-OLD Illinois teen charged with fatally shooting two people during a protest in southeastern Wisconsin last year is prohibited from associating with known white supremacists under a judge’s recently modified bail conditions.

Kyle Rittenhouse was 17 during the August 25 demonstration in Kenosha, Wisconsin, as hundreds were protesting the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man. Rittenhouse has been charged with multiple counts.

A Wisconsin judge modified Rittenhouse’s conditions of release on Friday to note Rittenhouse “shall not knowingly have conduct with any person or group of persons known to harm, threaten, harass or menace others on the basis of their race, beliefs on the subject of religion, color, national origin, or gender”.

ONE TICKET WINS $1.05BN LOTTERY PRIZE SOMEONE in Michigan bought the winning ticket for the $1.05bn Mega Millions jackpot, the thirdlargest lottery prize in US history.

The winning numbers for Friday night’s drawing were 4, 26, 42, 50 and 60, with a Mega Ball of 24. The winning ticket was purchased at a Kroger store in the Detroit suburb of Novi, the Michigan Lottery said.

THE TRIBUNE

Biden’s immigration plan risk for Democrats WASHINGTON Associated Press PRESIDENT Joe Biden is confronting the political risk that comes with grand ambition.

As one of his first acts, Biden offered a sweeping immigration overhaul last week that would provide a path to US citizenship for the estimated 11 million people who are in the United States illegally. It would also codify provisions wiping out some of President Donald Trump’s signature hard-line policies, including trying to end existing, protected legal status for many immigrants brought to the US as children and crackdowns on asylum rules.

It’s precisely the type of measure that many Latino activists have longed for, particularly after the tough approach of the Trump era.

But it must compete with Biden’s other marquee legislative goals, including a $1.9 trillion plan to combat the coronavirus, an infrastructure package that promotes green energy initiatives and a “public option” to expand health insurance.

In the best of circumstances, enacting such a broad range of legislation would be difficult. But in a narrowly divided Congress, it could be impossible. And that has Latinos, the nation’s fastest growing voting bloc, worried that Biden and congressional leaders could cut deals that weaken the finished product too much — or fail to pass anything at all.

“This cannot be a situation where simply a visionary bill — a message bill — gets sent to Congress and nothing happens with it,” said Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, which advocates for lowincome immigrants. “There’s an expectation that they will deliver and that there is a mandate now for Biden to be unapologetically pro-immigrant and have a political imperative to do so, and the Democrats do as well.”

If Latinos ultimately feel betrayed, the political consequences for Democrats could be long-lasting. The 2020 election provided several warning signs that, despite Democratic efforts to build a multiracial coalition, Latino support could be at risk.

Biden already was viewed skeptically by some Latino activists for his association with former President Barack Obama, who was called the “deporter in chief” for the record number of immigrants who were removed from the country during his administration. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont defeated Biden in last year’s Nevada caucuses and California primary, which served as early barometers of the Latino vote.

In his race against Trump, Biden won the support of 63 percent of Latino voters compared with Trump’s 35 percent, according to

PRESIDENT Joe Biden departs after attending mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church yesterday in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington.

Photo: Patrick Semansky/AP AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 110,000 voters nationwide. But Trump narrowed the margin somewhat in some swing states such as Nevada and also got a bump from Latino men, 39 percent of whom backed him compared with 33 percent of Latino women.

Biden became the first Democratic presidential candidate since 1996 to carry Arizona, in part because of strong grassroots backing from Mexican American groups opposed to strict GOP immigration policies going back decades. But he lost Florida by underperforming in its largest Hispanic county, MiamiDade, where the Trump campaign’s anti-socialism message resonated with Cuban- and some Venezuelan Americans.

Biden also fell short in Texas even though running mate Kamala Harris devoted valuable, late campaign time there. The ticket lost some sparsely populated but heavily Mexican American counties along the Mexican border, where law enforcement agencies are major employers and the GOP’s zero-tolerance immigration policy resonated.

There were more warning signs for House Democrats, who lost four California seats and two in South Florida while failing to pick up any in Texas. Booming Hispanic populations reflected in new U.S. census figures may see Texas and Florida gain congressional districts before 2022’s midterm elections, which could make correcting the problem all the more pressing for Democrats.

The urgency isn’t lost on Biden.

He privately spent months telling immigration advocates that major overhauls would be at the top of his to-do list. As vice president, he watched while the Obama administration used larger congressional majorities to speed passage of a financial crisis stimulus bill and its signature health care law while letting an immigration overhaul languish.

“It means so much to us to have a new president propose bold, visionary immigration reform on Day 1.

Not Day 2. Not Day 3. Not a year later,” said New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, his chamber’s lead sponsor of the Biden package.

Menendez was part of a bipartisan immigration plan championed by the “Gang of Eight” senators that collapsed in 2013. Obama then resorted to executive action to offer legal status to millions of young immigrants. President George W. Bush also pushed an immigration package — with an eye toward boosting Latino support for Republicans before the 2008 election — only to see it fail in Congress.

Menendez acknowledged that the latest bill will have to find at least 10 Republican senators’ support to clear the 60-vote hurdle to reach the floor, and that he’s “under no illusions” how difficult that will be.

Former Rep Carlos Curbelo, a moderate Republican from Florida, said Biden may find some GOP support but probably will have to settle for far less than what’s in his original proposal.

“Many Republicans are worried about primary challenges,” Curbelo said, adding that Trump

and his supporters’ championing of immigration crackdowns means there’s “political peril there for Republicans.”

But he also said Democrats could alienate some of their own base by appearing to prioritize the needs of people in the country illegally over those of struggling US citizens and thus “appearing to overreach from the perspective of swing and independent voters”.

Indeed, Democrats haven’t always universally lined up behind an immigration overhaul, arguing that it could lead to an influx of cheap labour that hurts US workers. Some of the party’s senators joined Republicans in sinking Bush’s bill.

Still, Latinos haven’t forgotten past immigration failures and have often blamed Democrats more than Republicans.

Chuck Roca, head of Nuestro PAC, which spent $4m on ads boosting Biden in Arizona, said that while Hispanics have traditionally tended to support Democrats, he has begun to see trends in the past decade where more are registering as independent or without party affiliation. Those voters can still be won back, he said, but only if Latinos see real change on major issues such as immigration “even if it’s piecemeal”.

“They have to get something done if they want to start to turn around the loss of Latino voters,” said Rocha, who headed Latino voter outreach for Sanders’ presidential campaign. “They have to do everything in their power now to get Latinos back.”

MORE REPUBLICANS OPPOSE TRUMP IMPEACHMENT WASHINGTON Associated Press

A GROWING number of Republican senators say they oppose holding an impeachment trial, a sign of the dimming chances that former President Donald Trump will be convicted on the charge that he incited a siege of the US Capitol.

House Democrats, who will walk the impeachment charge of “incitement of insurrection” to the Senate on Monday evening, are hoping that strong Republican denunciations of Trump after the January 6 riot will translate into a conviction and a separate vote to bar Trump

from holding office again. But GOP passions appear to have cooled since the insurrection, and now that Trump’s presidency is over, Republican senators who will serve as jurors in the trial are rallying to his legal defense, as they did during his first impeachment trial last year.

“I think the trial is stupid, I think it’s counterproductive,” said Sen Marco Rubio, R-Fla. He said that “the first chance I get to vote to end this trial, I’ll do it” because he believes it would be bad for the country and further inflame partisan divisions.

Arguments in the Senate trial will begin the week of February 8. Leaders in both parties

agreed to the short delay to give Trump’s team and House prosecutors time to prepare and the Senate the chance to confirm some of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet nominees.

An early vote to dismiss the trial probably would not succeed, given that Democrats now control the Senate.

When the House impeached Trump on January 13, exactly one week after the siege, Sen Tom Cotton, R-Ark, said he didn’t believe the Senate had the constitutional authority to convict Trump after he had left office.

On Sunday, Cotton said “the more I talk to other Republican

senators, the more they’re beginning to line up” behind that argument.

“I think a lot of Americans are going to think it’s strange that the Senate is spending its time trying to convict and remove from office a man who left office a week ago,” Cotton said.

Democrats reject that argument, pointing to a 1876 impeachment of a secretary of war who had already resigned and to opinions by many legal scholars.

Sen Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said he believes there is a “preponderance of opinion” that an impeachment trial is appropriate after someone leaves office.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 25, 2021, PAGE 17

KORDA RALLIES TO BEAT KANG IN PLAYOFF AT LPGA OPENER

By JEFF BABINEAU Associated Press LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida (AP) — For Jessica Korda, the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions was all about her ability to just hang in there.

Trailing by three shots headed to the back nine at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando yesterday, she first caught Danielle Kang with a late four-birdie burst to shoot 5-under 66, then won with a curling 30-footer for birdie on the first playoff hole.

Kang shot 68. The leader after each of the first three rounds, she had a chance to extend the playoff, but missed her 18-foot birdie putt on the low side at the 185-yard 18th.

It was the sixth LPGA victory for the 27-year-old Korda, her last one coming nearly three years ago.

She and Kang finished at 24-under 260 to eclipse the previous tournament record by 10 shots. Korda, ranked 23rd in the world, also had to turn back her younger sister, Nelly Korda, 22, who at No. 4 in the world ranking was the top player in the elite winners-only field.

“I knew I was going to have to go low today,” said Jessica Korda. Half of her six victories have arrived at

season-opening events. “It was a crazy day ... A crazy two days. A crazy week!”

Nelly Korda started her round six shots back yesterday and shot a 64 –- which included a missed 3-footer for birdie at 16 –- that left her two shots out of the playoff.

Saturday, Jessica Korda became the sixth player in LPGA history to shoot 60 or better with her sparkling 11-under 60. A day later, she was slow to build any sort of momentum, playing her first 12 holes in 1 under.

At one point early in the opening nine, Kang had a 7-foot putt to stretch her lead to five shots, and she was threatening to leave the field way behind.

Jessica Korda had owned the back nine all week (she would play it in 21-under par despite her three closing bogeys Friday). Trailing by two shots while standing on the par-5 13th tee, and relaxed as she chatted to three celebrity players on the tee, she knew she needed to be more aggressive –- especially because Kang had yet to make a single bogey all week.

“When you’re chasing, you need to keep the pedal to the metal,” Korda said, “and I wasn’t doing that.”

Kang went 68 holes in the tournament without a bogey (and 84 holes overall,

JESSICA Korda kisses the championship trophy on the 18th green after winning in a one-hole playoff against Danielle Kang during the final round of the Tournament of Champions LPGA golf tournament yesterday.

(AP Photo/Phelan M Ebenhack)

dating to December’s CME Group Championship) her streak ending when she three-putted for bogey at the rugged 419-yard 15th.

She followed that with her loosest swing of the day, a driver flared right, into the trees and pine straw at the drivable par-4 16th. She did well to scramble for par.

Jessica Korda, meanwhile, made an easy birdie after hitting a drive onto the front apron, and with two holes to play, the pair

were tied at 23 under. Both birdied the par-5 17th.

Kang, also seeking her sixth LPGA victory, had spoken all week about not being able to prepare for the event as she normally would. That caught up to her down the stretch.

Though she never tested positive for COVID-19, she twice was exposed, and took six tests before getting on a plane from Las Vegas to Orlando, landing late Monday night.

Still, she’d played flawlessly. But when she needed to make clutch shots down the stretch, she discovered something was missing. “‘I’m not disappointed in that I didn’t win,” Kang said.

“It’s not about winning and losing for me.

“It’s about being able to execute when I want to –and having a feeling when I feel like I can’t do something is something I don’t like.”

In the Diamond Resorts’ 53-player celebrity division, tennis player Mardy Fish, captain of the US Davis Cup team, finished on top with 158 points, beating Chad Pfiefer, an inspirational former military serviceman who competes with a prosthetic leg.

With his victory Fish became the event’s first three-time winner. He also won the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe in July.

‘Buddy’ and Kings overcome late cold spell to beat Knicks 103-94

By MICHAEL WAGAMAN Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, California (AP) — Harrison Barnes had 21 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, and the Sacramento Kings overcame a cold shooting spell late in the fourth quarter to hold off the New York Knicks 103-94 on Friday night and end a fourgame losing streak.

Chavano “Buddy” Hield scored 11 points. He also had six rebounds, two assists, a steal and two turnovers in 29 minutes on the court.

The Kings made only three shots over the final six minutes but made up for it by going 7 of 8 on free throws down the stretch.

“I felt like they kind of pushed us around a little bit in the first half and we were able to respond in the second,” Sacramento coach Luke Walton said. “That’s one of the top defensive teams in the league. A good game to get a win and get one in that fashion where we had to fight, fight, fight the whole game.”

De’Aaron Fox added 22 points and seven assists for Sacramento, which had lost nine of its previous 11.

Richaun Holmes had 10 points, 14 rebounds and

matched his career high of six blocks.

The Kings ended their skid by getting steady play across the board offensively and an improved effort on the defensive end. Sacramento also matched New York’s physicality, which helped swing the momentum in the second half.

“What we have to understand is nobody’s coming to save us,” said Kings rookie Tyrese Haliburton, who had 16 points and four blocks.

“We have to put pressure on the opposing team and match the physicality and show that we’re not going to shy away.”

Julius Randle had 26 points and 15 rebounds for the Knicks, who had their three-game winning streak snapped. RJ Barrett added 21 points and seven rebounds. “This was a weird, weird game for us,” Randle said. “We started off slow, worked our way out of it and was up at the half. The third and fourth quarter was a little bit of a funk. I don’t even know what happened. The ball stuck a little bit.”

New York’s offence also iced up late in the fourth quarter. The Knicks missed six of their final nine attempts over the last five minutes. “Obviously we

CARIFTA from PAGE 20 to continuing the legacy.”

On Friday, in a letter to Donna Raynor, president of the Bermuda National Athletics Association (BNAA), NACAC general secretary Keith Joseph officially informed the host country of the decision to shift the CARIFTA dates. “The NACAC Council, at its meeting of Thursday 21 January 2021, unanimously approved the convening of the 49th edition of the annual CARIFTA Games in Bermuda during the period 2 – 4 July 2021, with arrival being on 30 June and departure on 5 July,” Joseph wrote.

“The NACAC Council also approved the retention of the

didn’t finish well,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “I did like the fight in the fourth quarter to come back, but we didn’t close it out. It’s hard to win on the road if you’re not doing all the little things. The games keep coming. We have to improve.”

TIP-INS Knicks: Alec Burks had nine points and five rebounds in 27 minutes in his second game back from an ankle injury that sidelined him for three weeks. … Thibodeau won a challenge in the third quarter to overturn a defensive foul call against guard Elfrid Payton. … New York went into the night averaging 96 points over its previous seven games.

Kings: Sacramento set a season high with 14 blocks. … The Kings held a 15-0 advantage in fast-break points. … Marvin Bagley III fouled out with 55 seconds left to play.

HELP WANTED Thibodeau noted that part of the problem came when the Kings doubleteamed Randle in the post and he had trouble finding an open teammate to pass to. Randle agreed. “In the post they were coming right away,” he said. “It was a hard aggressive trap.”

existing CARIFTA Games programme of events as well as team quotas.”

After watching the cancellation of the games last year, Raynor said they were prepared had the decision been made to delay this year’s event. “We created a position paper in which we stated that our preference was moving the Games to a later date. That first weekend in July is a good weekend for us,” Raynor stated.

“It fits in well with our calendar and our school system. School is out in July. It’s the perfect weekend, and the weather will be great in July, not as cold as in April.”

She further indicated that COVID-19 will dictate what happens, but from a preparation standpoint, the BNAA will be prepared.

SACRAMENTO Kings guard Buddy Hield, right, goes to the basket against New York Knicks forward Julius Randle during the second half in Sacramento, California, on Friday.

(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) SHOT CLOCK SNAFU The game was delayed six minutes due to a shot clock malfunction immediately following Fox’s jumper 28 seconds into the first quarter.

Players from both teams milled about the court during the delay, while Sacramento’s Buddy Hield chatted with the referees near the scorers table.

“As long as COVID-19 allows us, we will be ready to host the Games,” she summed up.

Joseph, in his letter to Raynor, said NACAC is mindful of the challenges with which Bermuda, their organisation and all of the Caribbean member federations and their athletes are confronted with.

But he said they are also confident of their collective resolve to overcome them as they have so often done in the past with other obstacles. “NACAC stands ready to work with the BNAA to ensure that Bermuda and all of the CARIFTA Family enjoy the benefit of another very successful edition of one of the world of athletics’ most exciting spectacles, the annual CARIFTA Games,” he concluded.

TRIBUTE TO HAMMERIN’ HANK A video tribute to baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron played during a timeout in the first half.

Aaron, the former home run king, died earlier in the day at the age of 86.

UP NEXT Knicks: Played the Trail Blazers in Portland on Sunday.

And Sands said the change in date could and or should have a very positive effect in that the extra time would give the athletes and coaches extended preparation time and also room for additional competition leading up to the CARIFTA Games.

So far, just over 10 athletes have qualified for the games from the Bahamas.

However, Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations President Drumeco Archer said they understood that a change was inevitable, considering that Bermuda and some other parts of the Caribbean are experiencing their third wave of the pandemic.

“We were expecting it and I always anticipated it being a summer event,” he said. “So I’m happy that we have more time,

Kings: Sacramento was scheduled to begin a six-game road trip with back-to-back games against the Grizzlies yesterday and today.

But those games have been postponed in accordance with the NBA’s Health and Safety protocols.

The Kings next game will be at Orlando on Wednesday.

I’m happy that we can plan a little better.

“There have been some interruptions in our training programme, not just in the Bahamas, but throughout the Caribbean and so I think this was a welcome relief for everyone.”

With very few meets on their calendar this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, Archer said they hope the conditions improve where they can have a successful event in July at the games.

“We are preparing our athletes, but obviously there are a lot of adjustments that need to be made in the training cycles,” Archer said.

“But coaches are aware and they are making the adjustments, so our athletes will be okay.”

PAGE 18, Monday, January 25, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Deandre Ayton has 4th straight double double

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net DEANDRE Ayton continued his streak of double doubles for the Phoenix Suns while Chavano “Buddy” Hield and the Sacramento Kings had their first game of the season postponed due to COVID19 protocols.

Ayton totalled 17 points, 13 rebounds and two blocked shots across 38 minutes in a 120-112 double-overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets at the Suns Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday.

It was his fourth straight double double. He shot 7-14 from the field, including 1-2 from beyond the arc, but fouled out in the first overtime period.

It was the Suns second overtime loss to the Nuggets in three days.

In the first matchup on Friday, January 22, Ayton finished with 26 points and 13 rebounds in a 130-126 overtime loss in Phoenix.

He shot 11-13 from the field.

In the four games since the Suns returned from three missed games due to COVID-19 protocols, Ayton has posted per-game averages of 22 points, 14.8 rebounds and two blocked shots.

Following a January 11 game against the Washington Wizards, the Suns had games against the Atlanta

Hawks, Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers postponed.

They returned on January 18 in a 108-104 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies where Ayton had 18 points and a previous season high 16 rebounds. He followed with 26 points, 17 rebounds - both season highs - and a career-high five blocks in a 109-103 win over the Houston Rockets Wednesday night at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. He shot an efficient 11-15 from the field and also added three assists.

Hield and the Kings were scheduled to open a six-game road trip with the first of back-to-back matchups against the Memphis Grizzlies. However, both games were postponed by the NBA due to COVID-19 protocols.

The Grizzlies had three games postponed “due to unavailable players for the Grizzlies and contact tracing for others players on their roster.”

It was the first Kings game to be postponed this season. The NBA has postponed 19 games this season due to COVID-19.

In their last appearance, the Kings ended a fourgame losing streak and won just their second game in January with a 103-93 win over the New York Knicks at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Hield finished with 11 points.

PHOENIX Suns centre Deandre Ayton (22) dunks during the second half against the Denver Nuggets on Friday in Phoenix. The Nuggets won 130-126.

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

NCAA from PAGE 20

LOS Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dunks the ball during the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder yesterday in Los Angeles.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

LEONARD, CLIPPERS BEAT THUNDER FOR THEIR 7TH STRAIGHT VICTORY LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Oklahoma City 108-101 yesterday for their seventh consecutive victory and second straight over the Thunder.

Serge Ibaka added 17 points.

At 13-4, the Clippers are tied with the Lakers for the best record in the NBA. Leonard also had nine rebounds and eight assists. He had 31 points in a 14-point victory over the Thunder on Friday night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points against his former team, and George Hill added 22 points. Oklahoma City has lost three in a row and five of six.

BUCKS 129, HAWKS 115 MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points and 14 rebounds and Milwaukee beat Atlanta to snap a two-game losing streak. Antetokounmpo had eight assists, finishing two shy of a

triple-double. Bobby Portis added 21 points, and Khris Middleton had 19 for Milwaukee.

De’Andre Hunter led Atlanta with a career-high 33 points. John Collins had 30 points, but the short-handed Hawks saw their three-game winning streak end.

They were without scoring leader Trae Young (back spasms) and centre Clint Capela (sore right hand).

CELTICS 141, CAVALIERS 103 BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 20 of his 33 points in the third quarter and Boston cruised past Cleveland to snap a threegame losing streak.

Kemba Walker added 21 points, Daniel Theis had 17, Carsen Edwards 15 and Marcus Smart 12 for Boston. Brown played just 19 minutes.

Collin Sexton led Cleveland with 13 points, far below his team-leading average of 26.8, The Cavaliers had won three in a row.

SPURS 121, WIZARDS 101 SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Patty Mills scored 21 points, Lonnie Walker IV added 16 and San Antonio beat Washington in the Wizards’ first game in two weeks.

The Wizards had their previous six games postponed because they did not have enough eligible players due to the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols. Washington was playing for the first time since January 11, when it beat visiting Phoenix.

The Wizards still had six players ineligible, and Washington faded down the stretch as coach Scott Brooks primarily used an eightman rotation. Bradley Beal scored 31 points, and Russell Westbrook had nine points, eight rebounds and six assists in 25 minutes.

RAPTORS 107, PACERS 102 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — OG Anunoby scored a season-high 30 points and made three free throws in the final minute to break a tie

and help surging Toronto beat Indiana.

The Raptors have won two straight and five of their last six, including this one without injured All-Stars Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam.

Myles Turner had 25 points and six blocks for Indiana. The Pacers have lost three of four.

HORNETS 107, MAGIC 104 ORLANDO, Florida (AP) — Gordon Hayward broke a tie with a layup with 0.7 seconds left and scored 39 points in Charlotte’s comeback victory over Orlando.

Hayward beat Evan Fournier off the dribble and made the left-handed layup after Orlando’s Terrence Ross tied it with a 3-pointer with 8.7 seconds to play.

The teams will meet again tonight in Orlando.

Nikola Vucevic topped 10,000 career points and finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds for Orlando.

seven assists and three rebounds in a 79-69 win.

A once sizeable lead was down to just five (68-63) with less than four minutes remaining, but FGCU responded with a 7-0 run over the next two minutes.

Miller hit a pair of free throws down the stretch.

In game two, Miller fouled out in just 14 minutes and scored four points on 2-7 shooting from the field in a 71-56 loss.

Charles Bain and the Robert Morris Colonials were swept in a pair of games by Northern Kentucky In game two, Bain finished with a season-high 12 points as one of five Colonials to score in double figures and also added two rebounds and three steals in a 79-74 overtime loss.

The Colonials hit their first eight shots from the field and raced out to a 24-7, just over seven minutes into the game. The run was capped by one of Bain’s two three-pointers.

He scored seven of his 12 in the first half.

Robert Morris lost their fourth consecutive game, and fell to 3-7 overall, including 2-5 in the Horizon League.

Ahmard Harvey and his Coastal Carolina Chanticleers improved to 11-3 after they swept the Troy Trojans.

In game one, Harvey tied his career high with 10 points in a 90-81 win.

“Have to applaud the play of Harvey and Williamson. They will make us better, and we just said, ‘now’s the time,” said Coastal head coach Cliff Ellis.

In game two, Coastal won 70-65.

Kai Jones and the Texas Longhorns had their second consecutive game postponed this weekend.

The Longhorns had last Wednesday’s game against Iowa State and Saturday’s game against TCU both postponed due to COVID19 related protocols.

Annya Moss and her Mississippi Valley State team had Saturday’s scheduled game against Prairie View A&M postponed due to COVID-19 related protocols.

Make-up games for either programme have yet to be determined.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, January 25, 2021, PAGE 19

Baptiste gets ready to suit up with Bengals

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net AFTER displaying her skills for St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine, Foxy Angels and the junior national team, talented point guard Karolyn Baptiste is now getting ready to compete for the University of Maine at Fort Kent.

Last week, she travelled to Maine with her parents, Wilfred and Raquel Baptiste, to enrol in her freshman season on an athletic and academic scholarship for the Bengals women’s basketball team.

“So far, I’ve been able to adjust,” said Baptiste, who is looking forward to the start of their practice on Tuesday when she will officially be introduced to the team, although she is rooming in the same suite with two roommates, both in their junior years.

The 2020 graduate of SAC, who intends to study biology with a minor in sports management - athletic injuries, said she settled on the University of Maine at Fort Kent because the athletic staff showed a lot of interest in her abilities to perform on and off the court as a student-athlete.

“I also felt like this was the place God wanted me to be for this time in my life,” she stated. “I expect to make a lasting impression at UMFK, not only on the court but academically wise.

“At the end of the day when my legs give out, I will only be able to rely on my degree. So overall, I hope to make the best of the situation that God has granted me and take full advantage of it because I can always be an example that through hard work, dedication and most importantly, my faith in God, I can accomplish anything that I put my mind to do.”

BAPTISTE The 18-year-old began playing basketball for about seven years when she started with the Big Red Machine’s junior girls team.

But she noted that she didn’t actually fall in love with the sport until she was in grade nine.

Now, as a 5-foot, 5-inch guard, who believes she can play like a six-footer, she said she’s eager to take on the challenges ahead of her with the Bengals.

“So far, the administration, faculty, athletic department and students have been really welcoming and very helpful in accommodating me,” she said.

“So far, I feel like this is definitely my home away from home, despite the climate, which I’m still adjusting to. I hope to make the best of the situation God has granted me and take full advantage of it.”

Without the support of her parents, whom she says supported, loved and nurtured her from birth, Baptiste said she would not be the person she has become and in the position that she is in right now.

She also expressed her gratitude to her grandparents Stephen and Carmen Clarke, siblings Shaunice and Stephen, aunt Stefanel, uncle Sammy, awesome Godparents, her extended family and her alma mater at St Augustine’s College.

Annie Sands, who coached Baptiste since she

enrolled at SAC in grade seven, said she watched as Karolyn made the transition to basketball. “She has certainly grown and matured and I’m very proud of her,” Sands said. “Sometimes you have to have patience with players like Karolyn.

“She’s one who is very fundamentally sound and she doesn’t let anything get to her. She always has a smile, even through the rough times. She’s persevered through it all and she was the life and backbone of her team-mates.”

Before she left for college and before the pandemic struck, Baptiste had the opportunity to play against Sands in the New Providence Women’s Basketball Association on the Foxy Angels, coached by Anthony Swaby and Diasti Delancy.

“I think putting that group of young ladies with Karolyn and all the other players who are off to school or going to school, gave them the greatest sense of confidence in their game more than any other aspect of their development,” Swaby said.

“It proved to them that with proper direction, they could play against anyone.

That was a young team that made it to the final in the women’s night league. So playing against the senior quality ball players night after night helped their confidence.”

He commended Delancy for preparing them to go off to school. He noted that he anticipates that the future is bright for her and the rest of her teammates.

To those student-athletes whom she has left behind in the Bahamas, Baptiste encouraged them to “believe in yourself and strengthen your faith in God and once you put in the work, your gift will make room for you as the Bible says.”

SPORTS PAGE 20

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2021

CARIFTA postponed

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

N

orth American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) President Mike Sands has confirmed that the 2021 CARIFTA Games has been moved from the traditional Easter holiday weekend until the summer.

The top junior regional track and field meet will remain in Bermuda, but is now set to be held from July 2-4. This comes on the heels of the cancellation of the 2020 games in Bermuda because of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which drastically affected sports worldwide.

Sands, a former public relations officer and a past president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, stated over the weekend that NACAC made the decision at a Council meeting on Thursday night.

The decision by NACAC, in consultation with the Bermuda National Athletics Association (BNAA), came as a result of the current challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Time is running out, and the situation is not

SEE PAGE 17

HEATING UP: NCAA DIVISION I WEEKEND STANDOUTS

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Top junior regional track and field meet July 2-4 improving globally. The NACAC family, the CARIFTA family is affected,” Sands said.

“We took a decision at Council level to do a survey with membership to determine the best course of action. There were several options for a date change and we ultimately decided on July 2nd to 4th.”

Sands, however, said he’s optimistic, but cautiously optimistic that what eventually happens will be dictated by the turn of events.

“I’m confident the Games will go on,” he stressed. “I’m happy we’ve arrived at a point where we have definitive dates. This is the pre-eminent junior championship meet in the region, and arguably the world. I’m looking forward

SEE PAGE 15

MONSTER DOUBLE DOUBLES: Phoenix Suns centre Deandre Ayton dribbles during the first half against the Denver Nuggets in Phoenix. Ayton continues his streak of double doubles for the Suns. He totalled 17 points, 13 rebounds and two blocked shots across 38 minutes in a 120-112 double-overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets at the Suns Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday.

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) SEE THE FULL STORY ON PAGE 18

THE weekend of NCAA Division I featured several Bahamian players in rescheduled double headers, standout performances on the court and postponed games due to COVID-19.

Ole Miss Rebels senior point guard Valerie Nesbitt was the top performer on the weekend, but coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s team continues to struggle in the Southeastern Conference.

Nesbitt finished with 18 points and seven assists in the Rebels’ 78-68 loss to the Florida Gators yesterday at The Pavillion in Oxford, Mississippi. It was Nesbitt’s most efficient game of the season with 8-12 shooting from the field and just one turnover. The Rebels fell to 7-5 overall, 1-5 in the SEC and are mired in a four-game losing streak in conference play.

Franco Miller Jr and his Florida Gulf Coast Eagles split their weekend series against the Lipscomb Bison and are now 6-5 on the season.

In game one, Miller finished with eight points,

SEE PAGE 18