02122021 NEWS AND SPORT

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‘SELL NYGARD CAY TO PAY HIS DEBTS’

Courts ask to bring in receivers to recover moneys tycoon owes

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ENVIRONMENTAL activists are urging the Supreme Court to permit a receiver to seize possession of Nygard Cay, which was last valued at $14m, and sell it to satisfy its owner’s Bahamian legal debts.

Save the Bays, in court documents, is seeking court orders “for delivery-up of vacant possession” and the property’s subsequent sale to settle $412,000 in legal costs and certificates of taxation awarded in its favour and against Peter Nygard.

The unpaid debts stem from successful Judicial

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DUE to the low number of COVID-19 cases on Grand Bahama, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has revealed that by this weekend residents can start to see a relaxation of the curfew.

SECURITY GUARD SHOT IN ROBBERY

DAVIS AIMS TO MOVE QUICKLY ON OVERSIGHT

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

He indicated that Grand Bahama’s curfew may be pushed ahead one hour to 11pm.

“GB could come out of COVID problems as we are seeing now,” Dr Minnis told reporters in Grand Bahama yesterday.

“GB has been doing SEE PAGE TWO

SEE PAGE EIGHT

A SECURITY guard was shot during an attempted armed robbery at a money transfer company yesterday.

Police said shortly after 3pm, officers were called to the scene of an attempted armed robbery, which occurred at Cash and Go on Rosetta Street.

On their arrival, investigations revealed that a lone gunman entered the building and accosted two security officers. A struggle followed and as a result one of the guards was shot in the right hand.

SEE PAGE TWO

Review challenges to Nygard Cay’s “illegal expansion”, which the Canadian fashion designer undertook over several decades in doubling his property’s size despite not possessing the necessary approvals and permits from the Government.

Fred Smith QC, Save the Bays’ legal director, said the environmental group had been forced into litigation yet again after Mr Nygard - who is still languishing in a Canadian jail as he fights extradition to the US on sex trafficking and other abuserelated charges - failed to respond to their “civil” requests for payment.

PM POINTS TO EASING RESTRICTIONS ON GB

IT’S LOVE AND LAUGHS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

FANTASTIC

DURANDA Minus has turned her love of travel and Africa into a passion for fashion, creating hand fans that serve as vibrant accessories. See Weekend section for the full story.

FUSION CUT OFF OVER $500K ARREARS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Fusion Superplex was yesterday locked in urgent negotiations with Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) after its electricity was cut-off over a $506,000 debt despite fully complying with a payment plan.

Carlos Foulkes, the cinema and entertainment complex’s chief executive, told Tribune Business it had pulled off the

FUSION SUPERPLEX “remarkable achievement” of staying current with its electricity bills for the past five months despite revenues being reduced to the bare

minimum by the COVID19 enforced closure of most outlets.

He argued, though, it was now “untenable” for BPL to demand it cover more than half a million dollars in prior arrears given that the utility’s 100 percent owner, the government, was responsible for its inability to pay by refusing to allow it to re-open more than 11 months since the first pandemic-related lockdown.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

OFFICIAL opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis says there are “a lot of issues” surrounding how public funds have been spent during the Minnis administration’s term in office that need a closer look.

Mr Davis, who is the Public Accounts Committee’s chairman, said he had been waiting for House Speaker Halson Moultrie to rule in a manner that favoured the group.

SEE PAGE FIVE

TELL ME WHY THIS IS ALLOWED TO HAPPEN

SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Friday, February 12, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

PM POINTS TO EASING RESTRICTIONS ON GB from page one extremely well, I discussed with health officials. And I know curfew in GB is at 10pm, and sometime this weekend or this week we should be able to move GB to 11pm, and I think that would be very helpful, especially for the restaurants.”

Dr Minnis noted that Grand Bahama will continue as is with its COVID-19 protocols. “I expect that GB will be freed up even more; I won’t care to say at this particular time in terms of liberalisation for GB, but there will be some more liberalisation given GB.” In terms of COVID, he is optimistic that Grand Bahama will continue to do well.

“So, GB is on the move and I feel it will be ready for the post-COVID-era,” he said. “We anticipate that once we come out of the post COVID era, the economy will start to boom. I expect not only GB but also New Providence and the Family Islands.

“I am grateful during the COVID-era how the Family Islands have

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis in West Grand Bahama yesterday. performed. People tend to select the Family Islands,

and the Family Islands have remained basically

COVID-free and the tourist product was still

Photo: Yontalay Bowe/BIS functioning. So, the Family Islands are really doing

their part with the entire Bahamian economy,” Dr Minnis said.

The Baleària was expected to resume passenger ferry services to Freeport today. The vessel has been currently operating cargo services only to the island between Fort Lauderdale and Grand Bahama.

State Minister for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson previously reported that the vessel would soon begin services bringing visitors back to the island .

Baleària Caribbean had initially planned to resume sailing to Grand Bahama from its Fort Lauderdale base on November 5.

The ferry’s seating, social distancing, and other COVID-19 health-related protocols had all been assessed by Bahamian health personnel and other government officials.

Bahamian passengers returning from trips to Florida on the ferry were previously identified as a major source of this nation’s COVID-19 “second wave”, which began last July when Grand Bahama saw a surge in COVID-19 infections.

‘WE’RE GETTING BEST PRICE POSSIBLE FOR GRAND LUCAYAN’

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is satisfied his government is getting “the best price possible” for the Grand Lucayan hotel on Grand Bahama, adding negotiations are progressing well.

He also revealed the final paperwork is complete for the purchase of the Grand Bahama International Airport and will be put to Cabinet for deliberation on Tuesday.

“I know GB is concerned about the airport and they are concerned about the

Lucayan hotel,” he said while in Grand Bahama yesterday to tour various major capital works projects that are still ongoing.

After viewing all the projects in West Grand Bahama and Freeport, Dr Minnis spoke with the press at the Pelican Bay Resort, where he also shared news about the Grand Lucayan, the airport and a new multistory hospital addition.

Dr Minnis expressed optimism about the hotel negotiation but said he could not provide a date at this time on the sale and opening.

Grand Bahamians are

very disheartened about the protracted closure of the hotel property in Lucaya, which has significantly impacted the island’s tourism sector.

The PM said: “There have been some ongoing discussions with Our Lucaya and some are disappointed that Our Lucaya has not opened yet, but unfortunately we were affected with COVID just like the rest of the world.

And once Bahamians open their eyes and see that the disaster is not just in GB, but the entire world and hotels throughout the world have been closed down. So,

we were caught with that also.

“But, in spite of that, there have been ongoing discussions. We had professionals come in and review the agreements that we’re negotiating and moving towards, to ensure that they are compliant with international standards and that we are getting the best price that we possibly can at this particular point in time.

“I am satisfied that we have; we have professionals reviewing that,” said Dr Minnis. “And my understanding is that it is progressing really well. I can’t give a date at this particular point in time, but what I can say is that as we come out of this COVID era, the hotels will be ready and the airlines will return and the airport and everything will be ready. And so, GB will be ready for this rebound coming out of COVID.” Last month, State Minister for Finance Kwasi Thompson said the terms for a proposed postCOVID deal by Royal Caribbean and the ITM Group for the sale of the Grand Lucayan resort are “not as favourable as before”.

Asked about this, Dr Minnis said: “We had professionals who reviewed

THE SCENE of the shooting.

terms throughout the world and when you take the devastation COVID caused to the world economy, what you may have gotten pre-Covid you may not necessarily get post-Covid.

So, we are caught with the world dilemma, and we are satisfied we are getting the best available price considering where we are today.”

On the matter of the airport, the PM indicated that the government is moving towards taking that over soon.

The government has been in negotiations with the Grand Bahama Port Authority and Hutchison Port Holdings to acquire GBIA, which sustained severe hurricane damage during Dorian in September 2019.

“The airport - my understanding is that all the paperwork is all completed and that will be brought to Cabinet on Tuesday at which time Cabinet will deliberate on it.

“We are prepared at this time to take over and move the management team in place; once the management is in place, then we will take over,” he said.

The airport needs major redevelopment, and the government plans to enter into a public-private partnership with a foreign

investor.

Dr Minnis also commented on the progress of Rand Memorial Hospital repair and plans for a new multi-story addition at the hospital that is being designed by the Beck Group.

“Grand Bahamians have been complaining quite a bit about the hospital. The hospital is progressing very rapidly; my understanding is that it would be a question of where we go from there. The Beck Group, which designed the Critical Care Block when I was Minister of Health in New Providence, is the same company designing the new hospital here in GB - and that’s a four-story complex.

But it would be designed in such a way as the population continues to grow it would be able to move to the fifth and sixth floor as it is necessary.”

Yesterday, Dr Minnis also toured West End Dock, the new Holmes Rock School, the new Administrator Complex Building at Eight Mile Rock, Rand Memorial Hospital, among other sites.

He also stopped at Hugh Campbell Primary School and Eight Mile Rock High.

He also went into East Grand Bahama, where he also toured various government capital projects.

Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

SECURITY GUARD SHOT IN ROBBERY from page one The suspect then left the establishment and ran in

a western direction along Rosetta Street. The injured security guard was taken to the hospital and is listed in stable condition. An

investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information can contact the 24-hour TIP hotline by calling 376-TIPS (8477).

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 12, 2021, PAGE 3

Abaco residents: We need someone to fight for us

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net CENTRAL and South Abaco MP James Albury’s decision to not run again in the upcoming election did not disappoint some of his constituents, who told The Tribune they need a representative who will fight for them and better serve their needs.

Their comments came after Mr Albury, 27, confirmed on Monday he planned to step back from frontline politics and instead focus on family.

He insisted the decision was a personal one and not one the Free National Movement forced him to make.

When The Tribune contacted several members in his constituency to seek their reaction, many said they were were not disappointed he was stepping down.

“No one was happy with him,” said one constituent, who asked to remain anonymous.

“Some people felt he wasn’t available, he wasn’t here and first of all, he was one of the ones who had the worst record for not showing up to Parliament. I think he was just completely overwhelmed when we first put him in there.

“We wanted someone young. I really wanted someone who had been in local government for a while but he got in and it was just more than he could

JAMES ALBURY, Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister in Abaco and MP for Central and South Abaco.

Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff However, sources told updates on the island’s reshandle. You have to realise that we had (Hurricane) this newspaper that one toration efforts.

Dorian and (I feel that) person rumoured to be the She is also known the government completely party’s top pick is Vandea throughout the commuignored Abaco, completely. Stuart, an Abaco resident nity for her inspirational The Member of Parliament who originally hails from messages on social media, (for South Abaco) really North Andros. which encourages locals to The 42-year-old business- keep rebuilding and pressshould’ve been kicking up woman relocated to Abaco ing on despite adversity and for us.”

Since the announcement, from Grand Bahama more challenges faced since the there has been speculation than ten years ago and has storm hit. among Abaco residents as been a strong advocate for When contacted by The to who will be nominated to the community since Hur- Tribune this week, Ms run on the party’s ticket for ricane Dorian, often taking Stuart refused to confirm to social media to provide or deny that she is being the area.

A NEW HOME AT LAST A YEAR after losing everything to Hurricane Dorian, Abaco resident Bernice Brown can now live comfortably in her new home thanks to Good Samaritans.

The 82-year-old was given the keys to her new one-bedroom home during a special dedication ceremony on the island last Friday. She is among thousands who were negatively affected by the powerful Category Five storm in 2019.

Building materials for the home were donated by Palm Beach

$250,000 TO HELP SCHOOLS SCHOOLS throughout the Abacos were the beneficiaries of $250,000 from the Chantal and Tommy Bagwell Foundation.

The Bagwells, who are Rotarians from Georgia and frequent visitors to Abaco and The Bahamas, made this generous donation to help rebuild schools in Abaco that were destroyed by Hurricane Dorian.

Rotary Bahamas

matched those funds and have additional donations from two other sources so that its total school programme will be $570,000.

Receiving the funds on behalf of Rotary Bahamas Disaster Relief were Rotarians (from left): Peter Goudie; past Rotary International president Barry Rassin and Joanne Smith.

The funds which are earmarked for furniture, books

and school supplies, are timely as the Ministry of Education plans to reopen in-person schooling across Abaco on February 22. The Disaster Relief Committee continues to work in Abaco and Grand Bahama, rebuilding the communities in part because of international support from organisations like the Chantal and Tommy Bagwell Foundation and the Rotary Foundation.

Lakes Church of Christ, other Church of Christ branches and Healing Hands International.

They also paid for the labour costs.

Ms Brown, who had tears in her eyes during the handover ceremony, said she was extremely grateful for the generous donations.

She also gave thanks to God for allowing her to survive the storm and witness the special moment.

“I am so happy for all the help given. It’s been rough, but God kept me and I am grateful. Thank you all,” she said.

considered for a run in the Central and South Abaco constituency.

If ratified, however, this will be the first time the Abaco resident will be participating in frontline politics.

“I don’t come from a political background, but I’ve always been an FNM supporter,” she told this newspaper.

“I’ve voted FNM all my life and in the last election, I campaigned with them really hard as far as conducting a lot of speeches on the campaign trail whether it was Moore’s Island, Crossing Rocks I was there, being a speaker on behalf of the FNM. “I’m a former Torchbearer and I don’t really put it out there but people really knew the last election that I was doing a lot of speaking on behalf of the FNM and whatever but pretty much I’m well known throughout the community.”

Despite her well-known support for the FNM party, Ms Stuart made it clear that her contribution to the Abaco society is not politically motivated, insisting that her work comes from her heart.

She said: “I never thought about running but to be frank with you my motive was always to help people. Because personally I know what it is to go through struggle and not to have…but whatever I had, if I knew even someone was hurting or someone

was needing assistance, I always tried my best to help.”

Asked about her thoughts on Mr Albury’s performance in the community, Ms Stuart said she thought he did his best given the challenges he faced while in office.

She told The Tribune: “I would say that I felt he did his best considering all of the circumstances. It definitely was a challenging time with the hurricane and with COVID and all and I do know that he was very responsive with sharing information on social media and keeping people updated as it relates to what was going whether there was a power outage. He would always keep everyone informed.”

Earlier this month, the FNM ratified 17 candidates, including some newcomers and 11 incumbents, to contest the next general election.

The ratified candidates include the following incumbents: Marathon MP Romauld Ferreira, Free Town MP Dionisio D’Aguilar, Tall Pines MP Donald Saunders, South Beach MP Jeffrey Lloyd, Mount Moriah MP Marvin Dames and Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells.

Other ratified incumbents are Yamacraw MP Elsworth Johnson, MICAL MP Miriam Emmanuel, Golden Gates MP Michael Foulkes, North Abaco MP Darren Henfield and Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson.

PAGE 4, Friday, February 12, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Bahamian stuck in Canada after flights to Bahamas stop

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN Todd Eldon is stuck in Canada and trying to get back home.

He is currently living in a hotel with plans to stay there until May, but said his funds are running low.

He was set to leave Canada and return home when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last month that the country’s main airlines (Air Canada, WestJet, and Sunwing) were cancelling all services to Caribbean destinations and Mexico until April 30.

The frustrated 44-yearold told The Tribune he contacted both the

Bahamas High Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but “nothing changed”. He called the Bahamas government “absolutely worthless” when contacted for an update on his troubles.

“They made it sound like they was gonna do something ….they wouldn’t return my call until I started just saying ‘Well why don’t you tell me (explicit) off,” he said over the phone yesterday.

“I’m trying to get home coming through Panama and only two flights going into The Bahamas and out of The Bahamas are coming from America. Nothing coming from Europe. I was gonna fly to London and then fly back to The Bahamas and they stop

that. Ain’t no flights coming from London no more.

“They worried about every American coming to that island and every other (persons) coming to that island. They don’t care about Bahamians and they definitely don’t care about you if ain’t in The Bahamas.

That’s abundantly clear.”

He arrived in Canada 15 months ago and was going through an immigration process there. Mr Eldon’s wife is a Canadian citizen.

He explained during an earlier interview: “I was going for permanent residency and then COVID just screw everything up.

It was supposed to take three months. It just never happened.

“We were on our way moving back to The

Bahamas. We got rid of our apartment, our car, my spouse resigned her job and we were about to go to Vancouver to take her COVID test to come back to Nassau and then they cancelled all the flights.

“After today I’m homeless, without a car, in Canada in minus 15 degree celsius temperature. Now I gotta move into a hotel and pray to God now something happens quickly because without having a source of income, our funds are getting depleted at a rapid state.”

When asked what his communication was like with the Bahamas High Commission, he recalled speaking to a man who gave him advice.

“His advice was to try to get a visa from the US

consulate in Vancouver and so I tried to do that and the earliest appointment that I could get to try to get a visa was like August 20 towards the end of this year and, of course, that’s not going to help me any seeing that it’s February,” he said.

Then Mr Eldon called an emergency number and was then put in touch with someone, who he believes is to deal with these situations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The individual was trying to get him a transit visa.

But the issue is still unsettled, he said yesterday. He is outraged at the little help he has received.

“I have no idea what I’m gonna, but I’m going to have to do (it),” he said, when asked how he would

find the money he needs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a previous statement that it had no reports of Bahamians being stuck in Canada after airlines’ cancelled all Caribbean flights.

However, the Nassauborn Spanish Wells resident claimed he knew other Bahamians in the same situation.

“There are two more people from Spanish Wells, well they got their children in school, and they got the same problem and a friend of mine got three friends from Nassau who have the same problems,” he said.

Attempts were made by this newspaper to call the High Commission in Canada during business hours, but a recording said the office was closed.

$100,000 TO BUY COOLERS FOR VACCINES

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Renward Wells said the government will spend about $100,000 for a number of ultra-cold coolers that could store Pfizer vaccines even though there are no plans to acquire those vaccines at the moment.

Pfizer vaccines must be stored at -70 degree temperature, making them a suboptimal choice for rural areas and developing countries.

Although there are no current plans to get the Pfizer vaccine, Mr Wells said the Cabinet approved the purchase of the coolers.

“I’m of the view it’s always better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it,” he said.

“You’re looking at around $100,000 for all of the coolers. I believe it’s about ten coolers.”

At a press conference last week, Dr

Merceline Dahl-Regis, head of the COVID-19 Vaccine National Consultative Committee, said of the three prominent global vaccines – Oxford/ AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna – the Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine is the one officials preferred.

She suggested Pfizer was the least attractive of the options.

“We were quite amenable to receiving Moderna but because of the ultracold requirements of Pfizer we recognise that would have been a challenge for portability, particularly throughout the archipelago,” she said.

Officials anticipate that 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine will arrive in the country sometime between now and the end of the second quarter of the year through the World Health Organisation’s COVAX facility.

Meanwhile, some countries in the region have sought access to vaccines through other channels.

TOTAL CASES

HEALTH Minister Renward Wells.

Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

According to international reports, Dominica and Barbados this week received vaccines made in India.

On Wednesday, the Office of the Prime Minister announced that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will be given to all people over the age of 18 after the WHO endorsed its use for people over 65.

Health officials have formed three “priority groups”, a characterisation that will determine who gets the vaccine and when.

Group one includes healthcare workers, uniform branch workers and elder care providers.

Group two includes people with disabilities, people living in congregate settings, critical workers in high-risk settings, other essential service workers, people with co-morbidities and underlying chronic conditions and sea, air and ground personnel.

Group three will include all other adults.

TOTAL DEATHS

8,311 178

NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES WEDNESDAY 9 CASES NEW PROVIDENCE GRAND BAHAMA

TOTAL TESTS

63,374

8 1

HOSPITALISED

19

CASES IN ICU

1

RECOVERED

6,931

NINE NEW COVID CASES CONFIRMED NINE new cases of COVID-19 were recorded on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Health.

Eight of the cases are in

New Providence while one is in Grand Bahama.

Twenty cases are in hospital, with one patient in the ICU.

One hundred and seventy-eight people have died from the disease while 16 deaths are under investigation.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 12, 2021, PAGE 5

Davis aims to move quickly on oversight from page one Asked if he believed the Parliamentary body has sufficient time to properly delve into matters of interest, Mr Davis said: “Time matters not but there are a lot of issues relating to the (expenditure) of public funds and to whom it may have been expended to.

This includes the choices in respect to expenditure that we need to look at.

“We intend to work until and before (the next election) and we’ll be able to uncover, and we’ll be able to report on anything that we found curious or otherwise unorthodox and take it from there.”

Mr Davis said he hoped to call a meeting next week with a view to set the PAC’s agenda.

“We have been waiting on that ruling for quite a while,” he also said yesterday. “We propose to put some things together.

Hopefully, I’ll call a meeting next week.

“I haven’t fixed a date and time yet for the purpose of setting an agenda going forward.”

The PAC is Parliament’s most powerful committee.

Speaker of the House of Assembly Halson Moultrie, in his first ruling as an independent, overturned a controversial ruling that his predecessor had made that restricted the powers of the PAC. Former Speaker Dr Kendal Major ruled in 2015 that the PAC could only examine documents that have been tabled in Parliament and could only send for persons, papers or records if a parliamentary resolution permits it to do so.

The consequence of this ruling has been that access to documents sought this session by the oppositionled PAC have been denied.

Previously, Speaker Moultrie said the opposition’s claims that the committee’s hands are tied were “misleading”.

On Wednesday, however, he said his first act as an independent speaker would be to connect the legislative branch to one of its key functions: to provide oversight of the executive. “(I will) proceed to bring the legislative branch of government that is perceived to have under Article 72 of the constitution of the Commonwealth

of The Bahamas,” he said.

“The legislative branch of the government has basically three functions. It has a representative function; it has a legislative function, and it has an oversight function.

“The oversight function of the legislative branch has been diluted and diminished over the years by principally two areas. Number one, it has been negatively and adversely affected by the decision that was made on the 13 of May 2015 by the speaker of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

“And secondly, it is being negatively impacted by the fact that for a series of administrations now, administrations have refused to be answerable to the legislature.”

Calling this “undemocratic and unconstitutional,” Speaker Moultrie said: “It is the ruling of this chair with respect to the decision made by former Speaker Dr the Hon Kendal Major on the scope and powers of the Public Accounts Committee made on the 13 May 2015, it is the ruling of this chair that that decision is now overturned and set aside.”

PLP leader Philip “Brave” Davis.

UNION WANTS PLAN ON SCHOOL REOPENING

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Union of Teachers is again calling on education officials to release a clear plan on new school health and safety procedures that will allow for a safe return to the classrooms on islands that are still practising virtual learning.

The appeal came after Education Minister Jeff Lloyd told reporters on Wednesday his ministry is now eyeing February 22 for the resumption of faceto-face instruction in public schools across several islands still engaging in the virtual learning method.

Those include public schools on New Providence, Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera.

“Our position is that we have to do it in a phased reopening,” Mr Lloyd said.

“Some schools are going to be ready earlier than others, some as early as next week might be, some later and that’s on a number of factors, faculty readiness in terms of the environment as well as the repairs of the school.”

Yesterday, BUT president Belinda Wilson told The Tribune that union officials had already been informed that schools on the aforementioned islands will be reopening with faceto-face instruction soon.

However, she said the

union was told that schools will actually re-open on February 23, a day after mid-term break is set to end.

Mrs Wilson also said that while the union supports the move, it wants to ensure proper procedures are in place. Saying the union needs more clarity, Mrs Wilson pointed to several safety protocols the union would like to see implemented to protect both students and faculty against the COVID-19 threat.

“What we are asking for are basic fundamental things to be done for us to return safely,” she said. “So, we’re asking for the desks in the classrooms to be no less than three feet apart.

We’re asking for a barrier to be placed around teachers’ desks or workstations.

“What we’re also asking is once the students have been placed in each class, where will the overflow or additional students be placed? We want the schools to be cleaned, sanitized and disinfected.

We’re asking for signage at the schools that are children friendly or school age appropriate.

“We need to know for sure what is the protocol on the use of masks at school and have the provisions been made as yet? Are the PPEs, hand sanitizers, gloves, gowns are they presently at the schools? We need to know if there is a new schedule for breaks.

BAHAMAS Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson.

“Do all of the classrooms now have proper ventilation? Have provisions been made for students who are in special schools? Have thermometers been placed in the schools for the checking of temperatures? Has every school identified an area to be utilised as a sick bay?

“All of these things need clear procedures. We are over a week away from supposedly opening schools but parents, teachers and students, the union is not in possession of timely and clear information so everyone is still wondering what are the plans and how should the process and procedures work?”

The union also questioned the ministry’s plan for the blended learning method, a model that officials said will be adopted for some schools that have large student enrollment.

“We are still uncertain as to which schools that have adequate internet access that will be able to accommodate teaching and

learning while you’re on the hybrid method or mode,” Mrs Wilson said.

In-person classes ended in March 2020 after the country recorded its first COVID-19 case. Although several Family Islands have since resumed face to face classes, public school students in New Providence, Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera are still restricted to virtual lessons.

The Tribune understands that some Abaco teachers are not anxious to return to the classroom due to COVID19 fears. Basic necessities like consistent running water and power continues to be an issue for residents in the community, who are still recovering from Hurricane Dorian a year later.

As of Wednesday, the island has recorded a total of 222 infections, but it is not clear how many of those cases are still active.

Yesterday, the BUT president told The Tribune that the union is aware of the teachers’ concerns.

Mrs Wilson said: “They

SCHOLAR SEARCH TO OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS WINDSOR School Million Dollar Scholar Search was launched yesterday which aims to provide full scholarship learning for Bahamian students currently in 8th, 9th or 10th Grades.

The scholarship search will award ten deserving Bahamians – five girls and five boys – with up to a four-year scholarship to Windsor School at Albany, which includes full tuition, uniforms, daily lunch, books and an iPad. The competition will combine an interview portion along with a talent performance and several challenges, designed to identify the country’s most talented students in various areas, including general academics, music, art & design,

marine biology or business. Forty students from around the country will be selected to participate in the competition and will be evaluated by a panel of judges featuring prominent leaders in The Bahamas and internationally.

“This competition is an opportunity to provide a phenomenal education and experience to the best and the brightest in our country,” said founder of Windsor Schools, Lisa SawyerMcCartney. “It will provide a pathway to a bright future for young Bahamians who deserve it most.”

The competition, held over several days at Windsor School’s Albany campus, will air on television in May, at which time the ten winners will be announced.

The application portal is now open at www.windsormilliondollarsearch. com and applications will be accepted through March 7.

“Windsor School is about building the excellence within each student and creating early opportunities to chase greatness,” said Windsor School’s middle and upper school head of school, Dr Mark Ott. “We want to develop and promote our country’s very best resources, which (are) our bright students, and this competition provides us with an amazing opportunity to do so.”

Windsor School is a private, college preparatory school from pre-reception through Grade 12 providing students with a strong, foundational education.

are concerned about the rising numbers of COVID cases over the last few weeks so at present they are working from home. I’ve already communicated with the district superintendent.

“It is a matter that the district superintendent and

the persons of the union and education will watch closely. So, if it’s coming closer to the time when schools are to reopen face to face, then there will have to be other arrangements made because safety is first and foremost for us.”

TEMPLE CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

ENTRANCE EXAMINATION 2021-2022 Temple Christian High School will hold its Entrance Examination on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the school on Shirley Street from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon for students wishing to enter grades 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Application forms are available at the High School Office. The application fee is twentyfive dollars ($25). Application forms should be completed and returned to the school by Friday, February 12, 2021.

For further information, please call telephone number: 394-4481/394-4484.

PAGE 6, Friday, February 12, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

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EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

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PAC is a tool that can bring better government THE Public Accounts Committee has new powers – and Opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis is determined to use them.

Back in 2015, then House Speaker Dr Kendal Major ruled that the PAC could only examine documents that had been tabled in Parliament and could only send for persons, papers or records if a parliamentary resolution permits it to do so.

Mr Davis didn’t speak up then, back when he was Deputy Prime Minister under the PLP administration, but now he’s keen as can be to use the powers.

For what it’s worth, we think Halson Moultrie is right to overturn the previous ruling that left the PAC hamstrung and unable to carry out the free-roaming examination of government that it should be able to do. Now it’s a matter of seeing how Mr Davis will use it.

If there are areas of waste, of inappropriate spending, even of corruption, then absolutely it should be exposed.

We hope it is used that way and not used in the run-up to the election to cast aspersions on individuals without significant evidence. There is no indication so far that it will be used that way – and nor do we wish to see any hint that it shall.

As for Mr Davis, he said that the PLP had been “waiting on that ruling for quite a while” despite an absence of protest when it was first made.

Equally, under the PLP, party members rarely seemed to show up for PAC hearings when they were chaired by the then Opposition FNM. It would be nice to think that both sides of the political aisle could respect the importance of the PAC, and the necessity to ensure meetings are held regularly and business conducted in an orderly manner.

It shouldn’t be the case that the party in power diminishes the importance of the PAC only to rediscover how useful it is when in Opposition.

The PAC is a tool which, used the right way, can make our government better, calling it to account when necessary.

If there are deals which need to be probed, or departments not running

as they should, it is important that the Bahamian people has a way in which those can be investigated.

The PAC can do that – and now that it has its powers restored, we hope it will.

Signs of hope

Those paying attention to the daily COVID-19 statistics will have seen the numbers of new cases in Grand Bahama dropping away.

Now, the island is getting the rewards for residents doing all they can to minimise the transmission of the virus, with restrictions being eased.

It seems such a far away time now when there was the prospect of sitting in restaurants with friends, but Grand Bahama is a step closer to that again now.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis suggested a relaxation of the curfew is imminent – and the Balearia ferry is expected to resume services to Freeport today.

For those of us in New Providence, it is a good sign too – as changes in Grand Bahama have tended to follow here, for good or for ill. We too, if things keep improving, might see a further easing of restrictions.

And one more piece of good news – this time further afield. US President Joe Biden yesterday announced the purchase of enough vaccine to treat every American. That’s 300 million doses, and there is the prospect of every US citizen being vaccinated by the summer.

If we can open our tourism more to people who have had their vaccinations, it gives our economy the chance to bounce back perhaps a little sooner than anticipated.

Dr Minnis was optimistic too, saying that “once we come out of the post COVID era, the economy will start to boom”.

And that, for those of us able to gather in restaurants when it is safe to do so, will be something to raise a glass to indeed.

The future of the Republicans EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Republican Party is at a crossroads. This is the party of Lincoln and grand sweeping ideas. Impeachment of Trump is a battle for the soul of the GOP. Trump’s whole political philosophy is one of extreme narrow mindedness. Appeal to people’s fears.

Barely hiding his racism he appealed to what is the worst in us.

Declaring Mexicans as drug dealers, criminals and racists.

Defending racists and Klansmen at Charlotesville as “good people”.

White America is steeped in endemic racism and he played the racist card at every opportunity.

He then riled up his base to attack the very core of America’s democracy

jamaaltheartist@gmail.com

killing five human beings with the capital riots and I bet Trump did not lose a minutes sleep over that as he is incapable of normal human empathy.

Five families struggling with the unnecessary deaths of loved ones.

Is the GOP now Trump’s party? If so what is the GOP’s future? Will white America see through the ruse? His base generally is with elderly whites and non college educated whites, the rednecks. Does the GOP think in the long term it can win elections on a dwindling base?

The percentage of nonwhites in the USA rises every year so the racist card will turn them away in droves.

Mitch McConnell and moderate Republicans must dislike everything Trump stands for, but they

are between a rock and a hard place.

If they do the decent thing and vote to impeach they may well lose their seats at selection to the rabid violent Trump base, they may actually be in harms way.

Let’s not forget during the riots in the Senate the mob were chanting “hang Mike Pence”.

The USA is a shining beacon of healthy democracy and the battle for the soul of the GOP is so important for all of us in the long term.

We can only hope the GOP reinvents itself from the fascist direction that Trump had them on.

THE REALIST Nassau, February 11, 2021.

Jamaal Rolle is on holiday

Political candidates for election EDITOR, The Tribune I HAVE known and supported the Hon Leslie Osborne Miller all of our lives. He has served the nation well in the political and community areas.

Miller has compassion; empathy and a heart for the unwashed masses and may well be some of the reasons why he is referred to as ‘Pot Cake’ A good family man, he has successfully raised his children and established several businesses, such as Sun Burst Coatings & Paints and Mario’s Bowling Alley & Family Entertainment Centre.

Leslie has also represented the former Blue Hills constituency and Tall Pines up to 2017 when the old PLP, led by brother Christie was wiped out.

He was not rejected by the good residents down there.

Christie fatigue had set in in most constituencies and he, Christie, had to go. In going he took a dray load of PLPs down with him in flames, inclusive of Miller.

As we approach another general election, both of the major parties will be hard pressed to vet and select credible and hard working potential candidates. The ruling FNM would appear to be on the ropes. The opposition New Deal PLP, led by an uncompromised; focused and visionary leader in the form of the Hon Philip Brave Davis, QC (PLPCat Island) is poised to recapture the government if Minnis were so much as to sneeze the wrong way.

The DNA could play a crucial role in the outcome of the generals but will have

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net to ramp up its efforts. The time for playing doll house is passed.

The upcoming general elections will determine the future of our wonderful nation. Business as usual will no longer cut it. The time for talking shaving cream is over and Bahamians are not looking for that party and leader who will take them, finally, into the long awaited and anticipated Promised Land.

After forty-eight years of wandering in the wilderness, eight years longer than the ancient Israelites, it is time to move over the Red Seas (FNM?) and into the fabled land of milk and honey.

The FNM is stuck in a time warp and the Minnis era, if there ever was one, is rapidly coming to an inglorious end while the legacy of the Rt Hon Hubert A Ingraham lives on and will continue into posterity.

The New Deal PLP could bounce back, but to do so it will have to be careful as to who it sends to represent critical constituencies such as Tall Pines. The current incumbent is, in my view, a political chameleon of the highest order and is perceived as being politically vulnerable and dead weak.

Should the New Deal PLP send Leslie back or should it ratify Senator Michael Darville, a former MP from Grand Bahama and Minister of Health within the Christie administration? Leslie is my long time friend and sometimes

benefactor. The realities on the ground, however, would seem to indicate that a candidacy by him would be fraught with all sorts of unnecessary distractions and issues which would have nothing to do with the New Deal PLP. Like brother Peter Turnquest (FNM-East End) Leslie has issues in the public domain which must be successfully disposed off before he can or should return to front line politics. I, of course, wish him well but the PLP must put in place a candidate in Tall Pines who comes with no apparent baggage. In the circumstances, I would recommend to the Candidates Committee of the New Deal PLP that Senator Michael Darville be ratified for Tall Pines. Once back in office, the incoming Prime Minister could/ should reappoint Leslie to the Executive Chairmanship at BPL & the Energy Corporation.

Yes, Leslie has served the party well and with distinction but in the best interest of the party and the tens of thousands of Bahamians who support it, it is Darville’s time, as opposed to Miller’s time, in Tall Pines. This is no time for sour grapes and selfish behaviour. It is more than just about one man and his dreams. It is about rescuing the unwashed masses, once again, from the greedy clutches of the special interest groups. To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, February 9, 2021.

Huge sums owed to the government EDITOR, The Tribune.

ISSUE: The huge sums of money owed to the Government of the Bahamas, its ministries, departments and institutions. From newspaper and other media reports it is estimated that the total indebtedness could be over $1.5 million.

It appears that efforts being made to collect this money from delinquent businesses, taxpayers, employers, citizens and residents are ineffective and not producing the desired results. It has been disclosed that over $300m is owed our Government’s bank – Bank of The Bahamas. The bank’s efforts to collect from small debtors, such as car loans, are done through the civil courts. The huge sums in millions of dollars owed to the bank by high profile residents/citizens, politicians and political associates remain in limbo.

The “bad pay persons” continue to be delinquent and there appears to be no enforcement. There was an attempt made by the Central Bank to enforce payments through the courts. The Bank of The Bahamas objected. A company named Resolve was formed by a former government to collect these

huge sums of money. It is not known what progress Resolve has made. A newspaper report two years ago disclosed that there were about 3,000 persons who had not paid Real Property Tax for a period of five years.

Persons, who pay realproperty taxes are not among the poor. The property must be valued at $250K or more. This is not the so-called “small man.”There appears to he a lack of enforcement in collecting this tax. There was a resident of Lyford Cay, who some time ago stated privately, that he has never paid as he did not agree with the legislation.

Deductions are made from the wages of employees for their National Insurance Board contributions and in some instances not paid.

The discovery is made when the employee is ill or is out of work and has to apply for NIB assistance. It is a criminal offence, entitled; Fraudulent Breach of Trust, a section in the Fraud Act of The Bahamas Laws.

There is information that The Bahamas Development Bank is owed millions by delinquent debtors who are also among the elite group with the connections to obtain loans from

government institutions.

Ministry of Education loans to students going overseas to attend universities are very often not being repaid.

The Ministry has stated that court action will be taken to recover the money.

There appears to be a “bad pay” culture we have developed over the past four decades and enforcement is lacking.

Ideas: (a) A government tax and debtors Court to efficiently and effectively deal with delinquent debtors. The Court to be convened by a Judge, who after hearing the civil matters must decide on how payments are going to be made. Disobedience of the Court Order could result in seizure of assets or incarceration. (b) Employ qualified collection agencies on a percentage basis.

It is important, that our Government use every means at its disposal to collect the $1.5B owed by delinquent debtors. There must be a write-off of the debts. The media must ask the questions and keep the people informed.

PAUL THOMPSON, Sr. ACP-Ret Nassau, January 14, 2021.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 12, 2021, PAGE 7

Sports bar killer’s sentence upheld by Court of Appeal

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net THE Court of Appeal has upheld the 30-year prison sentence of a man who was convicted of manslaughter and two counts of attempted murder after he was accused of opening fire in a local sports bar in 2015.

On January 24, 2015, a fight broke out at the G Spot Bar and Lounge shortly after 11pm. After the altercation, a gunman re-entered the establishment and fired shots inside the club. During the incident, three men sustained gunshot wounds. One of the victims eventually died.

Some time after the incident, Emmanuel Rolle was arrested and charged in connection with the matter. During his trial, Rolle was identified in the prisoner’s dock by

a prosecution witness. He was then convicted of the offences and sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for manslaughter and 20 years imprisonment on each count of attempted murder. The three years the appellant spent on remand were deducted from the sentences.

Rolle appealed his conviction on the grounds that the judge made a mistake when she permitted the Crown’s witness to make a dock identification. He also argued that the trial judge erred when she failed to warn the jury about the “undesirability” of his dock identification by the witness, which he claimed ultimately led to a “miscarriage of justice”.

Nonetheless, in their ruling, Justices Maureen Crane-Scott, Roy Jones and Milton Evans dismissed Strachan’s appeal and affirmed his sentences after concluding that the trial judge

was “not necessarily in error when she allowed the dock identification in the absence of an identification parade”.

In their judgment they stated: “Having regard to the nature of the evidence in this case, we take the view that a reasonable jury would have returned the same verdict if the trial judge gave the required directions to the jury on dock identification.

“In our view, this error did not diminish the strength of the identification evidence from the witnesses in this case. The evidence against the appellant was admissible and overwhelming and we take the view that this is a proper case for the application of the proviso to s.13(1) of the Court of Appeal Act. Accordingly, we dismiss the appellant’s appeal, and affirm the conviction and sentence in the court below.”

EMMANUEL ROLLE

‘PAY BACK MISSING CASH OR SPEND THREE MORE YEARS IN JAIL’

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

AN ex-convict who pocketed nearly $2,000 from two women without completing the transactions they paid him for was yesterday ordered to reimburse them to avoid spending another three years behind bars.

Christopher Strachan appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew

Forbes after he was charged with two counts of stealing by reason of service.

The prosecution said the accused stole $800 in cash from a woman in May 2020, after she gave him the funds as a down payment for a vehicle that she never obtained.

Strachan is also accused of dishonestly receiving $1,000 from another woman in April 2019, which he had access to by reason of

service. During his hearing, he pleaded guilty to both counts.

The court was told that the first complainant responded to an online advertisement Strachan had posted for motor vehicles. When she told him she was interested in purchasing a Jeep, they arranged for him to visit her house to pick up her $800 deposit. The prosecution said after the

woman paid Strachan, he began to evade her and dodged all her attempts to get an update on the vehicle or to receive her money back.

After she realised she had been scammed, the woman filed an official complaint with police.

Strachan was arrested a short time later. When he was questioned he denied all the allegations. The court was told that officers

then conducted a confrontation with the accused and the complainant and both parties maintained their position.

According to the prosecution, Strachan had spent time on remand after he was convicted of a similar offence a few years ago.

After listening to the prosecution’s facts, Magistrate Forbes accepted Strachan’s guilty pleas and

ordered him to reimburse the two women he had scammed.

He told the accused that as he has a history of dishonest transactions, if he did not pay the money that same day, he would be sentenced to three years in prison.

Magistrate Forbes said the court wanted to make it “abundantly clear” that his actions would not be tolerated.

BACK YARD PROJECT BEARS FRUIT FOR DEJANAE RECOGNISING the increasing need to be selfsufficient in today’s world, young Dejanae Bodie decided to grow her own food, and even started her very own farm in her family’s backyard.

The deputy head girl at First Step Academy was inspired to take on this venture due to the concerns about food security brought on by the pandemic.

The youngster took her tools and started her farming project.

“Learning to adapt to this new way of living because of COVID-19 wasn’t easy.

During the pandemic there was a high demand for food, and it was that was where I got the idea to start farming,” she told The Tribune.

Last September, she planted her first set of watermelons and tomatoes.

By mid-October, something wonderful was happening.

“My plants sprouted out

of the soil,” she said.

“Every morning at 8.15am I would put my plants out to catch sunlight and water them. At 3pm I would bring them in. After weeks, my plants grew out of the soil and two leaves appeared. I was overjoyed.

As I continued to nurture my plants and watch them blossom, I fell deeply in love with farming.”

Dejanae’s goal is to hopefully start an agriculture programme so that other kids can learn more about farming.

“I hope to become an agronomist in the future.

Farming can really help boost our economy growth,” she said.

“I hope that one day I can have a huge impact on other kids and adults by helping to keep our economy growing through farming. It is very important that we learn how to be self-sustainable.”

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DEJANAE Bodie with some of her plants.

MAN WHO SENT DEATH THREATS MUST TAKE COUNSELLING

By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 27-YEAR-OLD man who admitted sending death threats to his ex-girlfriend was yesterday ordered to attend anger management counselling.

Police arrested Nesley Timle after he sent his on-again-off-again girlfriend voice note messages on February 8 threatening to kill her.

He admitted the offence when he appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Andrew Forbes.

The court heard the woman filed a complaint with police shortly after Timle sent the messages. After she gave a statement and requested police action, he was arrested. During his interview with police, officers played the voice notes for Timle, who acknowledged his voice in the recordings. He was subsequently cautioned and charged.

Yesterday, Timle who had a visible eye injury, told the magistrate he and the complainant had been dating from 2017 and were in an on-again-offagain relationship. He also claimed the woman had stabbed him in his eye

because she could not tolerate “seeing him with other women”. He said he sent the voice notes out of anger and frustration, but even though his ex-girlfriend was abusive to him, he “kept going back to her like a fool”.

After listening to his explanation, Magistrate Forbes placed Timle on probation for 12 months on the agreement he would attend anger management classes. He warned Timle that if he failed to comply with the conditions of his release, he would be convicted of the offence and sentenced to three months in prison.

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For further information, please call 242 395-3328. Get started today.

PAGE 8, Friday, February 12, 2021

E V O L S H G U A L AND

VALENTINE’S Day is upon us again, and since there are no love stories emanating from the HOA or across the political divide, I thought I’d share a few funny stories from my career as a professional stand up comedian.

Because we all know “Cupid”’ has a wicked sense of humour along with bad aim from time to time.

If you don’t laugh you surely will cry!

NUTS ABOUT LOVE

Once while on a comedy tour, I was driving through the southern United States, I stopped at a roadside stand that sold fruit, vegetables and beer.

As I went to pay, I noticed the young woman behind the counter was painting a sign.

“Why the new sign?” I asked.

“My boyfriend didn’t approve of the old one,” she said.

So since this was my cue to look at the previous sign, I glanced at what hung above the counter, I understood instantly and perfectly ... It read : “Local Honey Dates Nuts.”

I agreed with her boyfriend and asked no more questions.

DARE TO BE DARING

On another road trip my wife MJ and I got some shopping in, and after exiting a store that I endorse being trashed by angry Trump supporters, Bed Bath and Beyond, we ended up in a lingerie store, it wasn’t ‘Vicky Secrets’ but it would do after the torturous BBB ordeal.

The lingerie store was packed with shoppers selecting Valentine’s Day gifts for their wives, girlfriend and secretaries, whatever the case maybe.

While we waited to check out, a young businessman came to the register with a lacy black negligee.

My wife noticed that the next customer, an elderly farmer, was holding a long flannel nightgown and kept glancing at the younger man’s sexier choice.

When it was his turn, the farmer placed the nightgown on the counter.

“Would you have anything in black flannel like that?”

I take my oath to God in Heaven, as a comedian you can’t write it any funnier, no matter how hard you try.

IRRESISTIBLE IRONY

ex-husband “I was over visiting the kids yesterday. While I was there I happened to notice you had circled some ads in the paper. Don’t bother calling the guy in the second column. I can tell you right now it won’t work out. He is me.’”

Cold!

MAKING THE GRADE

My fellow stand up comedian and one of the stars of Tiffany Haddish’s ‘They Ready’ stand up My high-school English comedy series on Netflix, teacher Ms Ibotson was has a great story about her well known for being a fair, divorce and finding new but hard, grader. love.

One day I received a B About a year minus on a theme had passed since ‘We all know paper. her amicable In hopes of divorce, and Bar- “Cupid”’ has improving my bara decided it a wicked grade and being was time to start sense of into the Valentine dating again. season, I sent her She dove head humour an extravagant first into the per- along with heart-shaped box sonals column of bad aim of chocolates with the newspaper. the pre-printed from time She came across inscription: “BE three men who to time.’

MINE.” seemed like they The following had all the potential to steal day, I received in return a her heart.

Valentine from the Ibotson.

A couple of days later, It read: Thank you, but she was checking her voice it’s still BE MINE-US.’” messages and discovI have another word ered a message from her

which comes to mind beginning with B every time I think of that story!

LOVE IS AN ISLAND

Interesting fact that some of you may have missed.

There is a tiny heartshaped island in the Adriatic Sea that has become a holiday hit for Valentine’s Day after being discovered on Google Earth.

Even the uninhabited island’s owner didn’t realise how perfectly heart-shaped the island off the Croatian coast was until he was

A Comic’s View

THE TRIBUNE

By INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’ ZENICAZELAYA

swamped with requests from lovers to stay there.

‘It has been incredible. We think it is the most perfect heart-shaped island in the world,’ said Vlado Juresko, whose family owns the 130,000 square yard islet of Galesnjak, hastily renamed “Lovers’ Island”.

Nobody lives there so if lovers really do want to spend time alone it’s the perfect desert island.

STOLEN LOVE

St Valentine is not the saint of love according to Britain’s Roman Catholic Church.

Britain’s Catholic Diocese is advising lovelorn

BEE JAY

singles to direct their 14 February requests for love to St Raphael, rather than St Valentine. Over the years St Valentine has become incorrectly associated with finding love, the Church says.

He is the patron saint for those who have already found their soul mate.

St Raphael is the patron saint for happy encounters and it is to him those who are dreading Valentine’s should properly direct their prayers.

Enjoy your Valentines, may your love be an enduring, lasting, island never to be stolen.

Until next week Live, Love and Laugh!

BRIAN SMITH

A LOVEFEST FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Reporter cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

LAUGHTER is the best medicine, especially after almost a year of lockdowns and curfews.

So what better way to put a smile on the face of the one you love than at a special comedy dinner show at The Balmoral Club.

LoveFest 2021 - Valentine Dinner and Comedy Show Laugh Now Love Later sponsored by Wize Guy Entertainment will feature Brian the Wildcat Smith, who has just come off a comedy tour with Dave Chapelle as well as appearances by Trevor “the Big Heavy Daddy” Adderley and local 242 talent Sawyerboy, Das Quay and Bee Jay. There will be two shows - one on Saturday, February 13, and one on Sunday, February 14.

The show’s host, Inigo “Naughty” Zenicazelaya, said he is super excited to be back on stage following a difficult year.

“The last time I was on the stage was last February and then after that show Covid-19 hit and we couldn’t do anymore

SAWYERBOY

shows or events. So almost a year later and this will be my first time back on stage.

“If you know me, you know that comedy is what keeps me sane and so I am really excited that we can bring some laughter to people and grateful to Balmoral for providing us with the venue to host a dinner as well.

Naughty added that he is also excited that the show will have a strong Bahamian comedic element.

“You don’t get better talent than Sawyer Boy - straight of Hawkins Hill, Das Quay straight out of church and Bee Jay who “just got back from the tuck shop”. I have watched these boys evolve over the years. The American artists are super excited to be here as well. We are just ready to give people a good laugh.

People need it after the stress of Covid19 and now that silly season is here,” he said.

Doors open at 5pm, for cocktails, dinner will be served at 6pm with the show scheduled to begin at 7.15pm.

Covid-19 social distancing protocols will be strictly enforced.

Limited tickets are available for $100 per person.

TREVOR ADDERLEY

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, February 12, 2021, PAGE 9

Can someone please explain why this is allowed to happen?

A

REAL-LIFE HatfieldMcCoys is playing out on a narrow, paved path off Village Road in Nassau.

That’s where a few residents on the southern side and in a neatly fenced in area at the cul de sac on the western end have been fighting a seemingly endless battle with an unlicensed hotel that occupies the northern side.

On one side is a very tough, high achiever, twotime cancer survivor, businesswoman, former radio talk show co-host - Suzanne Black.

On the other side - the Orchard Garden Hotel.

Black has been writing to authorities and to the hotel owners for over six years.

She has been to the Department of Physical Planning, to the Hotel Licensing Board, and to just about anyone she thinks can help. The major issue – a private road once co-owned and shared by property owners that included her late parents who created Black Estates in the cul de sac at the far end, inclusive of four residences with spacious green space.

According to Black, that road was never intended for

commercial use and today is pockmarked by deep potholes and lumpy with tree roots. Government will not maintain it because it is a private road and Black feels strongly that the hotel traffic should use Lake View which is now blocked by a gate but would be the logical entryway. The Department of Physical Planning turned down that request in 2018, saying they “were not minded” to change access that had been in place for 30 years. That same year, the Hotel Licensing Board reported to Black that the hotel offered to pay up to 95 percent of the cost of repaving the road. Nearly three years later, that has not happened and the condition has worsened.

Is it a conflict without resolution? I would hope not.

A lot has changed since Black began begging for

attention for a situation that has gotten progressively more dangerous. The owner of the hotel, Dr. John Knowles, who Black said looked after the property with loving care, passed away. From the written records, his widow does not appear to be hands-on or to shower as much attention on it. There have been issues with lighting and security.

Police have been called on numerous occasions. Other neighbours have complained about loud noise at all hours of the night and wee hours of the morning.

They’ve spoken of beer bottles being thrown in their yards as people screech out.

The Hotel Licensing Board said Orchard Garden Hotel has not been licensed for some time, but they are trying to get them onboard their new platform.

The Board sees its education and improvement of

Remembering Carleton Williams

M

y late mother-in-law used to open the obituaries on Thursday with a comment that always made me smile despite what lay ahead, “People dying who never died before,” she’d say. Well, technically, that was true since, for most folks, you only die once. The question is how did you live? Did you give it your all? Did you become everything you could have been? Did you give back to community?

Did you leave your mark on the world in even a little way?

Carleton Williams did. When he died on February 7 at the age of 91 with a string of awards behind his name from Queen’s honours to The Salvation Army highest nod, the Others’ Award, he left a legacy that will live for generations to come.

Williams’ achievements took great courage against the backdrop of the era in which he lived.

In 1975, while movie theatres were still segregated, Williams, who had already made a name for himself in construction, landed the first McDonald’s franchise.

He later became chairman of Caribbean Bottling, marrying the fast food

soft-drink gobbling giant with the soft drink manufacturer.

But it was his community involvement and his reticence to command recognition for what he did that made him so extraordinary.

I had the good fortune to know him personally and to have earned his trust so when he gave the family home in Grant’s Town to The Salvation Army and hosted a lunch, we served those who came before he sat down with them to share quiet and sincere words of encouragement.

There seemed to be no limit to the goodness and kindness that lived inside this man.

The more he gave, the more he smiled, that slow smile that crept across his face until it reached his eyes and lit them up with a mischievous twinkle.

All he had gotten away with was secretly bestowing another gift on a hungry soul, a student in need of a scholarship or a family burdened by medical bills.

May the lessons he taught us, showing that business acumen and unfettered compassion are best when served together, live on.

TOP AND RIGHT: The paved path off Village road.

ABOVE AND BELOW LEFT: The Orchard Garden Hotel.

Photos: Donavan McIntosh/ Tribune staff standards role as priority, especially during economically challenging times.

Black’s issue is not with the licensing, nor even with some of the other matters she has raised in a cache of communications – high, heavy branches that need trimming and could be a threat in high winds, the less than desirable traffic, the screaming as there was on a recent night, she said, with a woman yelling “I want my f------- money.”

No, her issue is mostly about the road. So I drove it yesterday and understand her frustration. I held my breath between deep potholes.

When an oncoming car tried to squeeze past, we both politely, nervously stood our ground, not knowing if there was room to make it. There was an eerie feeling of travelling down a path time had forgotten. Yet when I looked over at the courtyard of the unlicensed hotel, I could not help but notice the mature trees and think of the potential the property could have

if instead of the battleground for a fight among neighbours, it became a fertile ground for a new opportunity with a new entryway. I could not even imagine how a service vehicle could get in and out easily in the current condition.

I understood why Black

has put up the fight she has and I thought, surely, surely we can do better than this.

A Bahamian citizen deserves better than this.

The residents who call that once quiet street home and the businesses that neighbour it deserve better than this.

Real Property farce is robbing us of our history

T

he current Bahamas Real Property Tax regime favours those who fail to maintain their property. Low appraised value translates into low tax. Less property tax is a financial incentive that’s hard to ignore if you secretly want a building to just fall down or wish it would naturally go up in smoke and clear the way for redevelopment.

Why fix up and paint up and plant attractive landscaping in an unoccupied space if it is going to drive up your tax bill?

Suppose, though, there were a penalty for allowing a building to become an eyesore or security risk? Suppose that, like in many places where historic structures and sites are respected, there were stiff penalties for demolition by neglect. Placing a sign on something saying do not tear down is not the same as forgiving taxes for fixing up or establishing a watchdog committee that oversees historic structures just as the Bahamas National Trust oversees the nation’s parks.

The gut-churning truth is too few people care. We spend more time and money maintaining our cars which could be reproduced in a flash than we do maintaining our unique architecture which creates the built fabric of our lives, our cities and our settlements.

How many more years will we continue to put up with the Dirty Dozen in downtown Nassau while the perpetrators of poorly maintained properties get away with paying less tax than those who paint, plant and care for their property?

We will never be able to replace the twostorey stone structure on Bay Street that burned down in January (subject of last week’s column). It’s been reported that it was the oldest still standing building on the waterfront, dating back some 200 years or more. I do not know the exact history but I do know this: While the issues surrounding property tax have recently focused on collections – and well they should – with progressives like successful businessmen including Mario Carey and David Morley calling for private sector management of a system that is not working, historic preservationists are crying out for a different kind of overhaul. We want a system that does not favour ugliness and neglect. We want a regime that empowers and incentivizes those fortunate enough to own historic properties. We want a process by which funds can be borrowed to make repairs at a low interest rate with favourable terms and one which speaks a whole lot louder to what it takes to reinvigorate a proud and shining historic Nassau.

PAGE 10, Friday, February 12, 2021

CHINA BAN ON BBC IN SEEMING RETALIATION

CHINA has banned BBC World News from airing in China, one week after threatening to retaliate for the recent revocation of the British broadcasting license for China’s state-owned CGTN. The National Radio and Television Administration said in a statement that BBC World News coverage of China had violated requirements that news reporting be true and impartial and undermined China’s national interests and ethnic solidarity.

The BBC already is generally not viewable in China outside of some hotels, businesses and residential compounds for foreigners.

The Chinese government has criticised recent BBC reports on the COVID-19 pandemic in China and on allegations of forced labor and sexual abuse in the Xinjiang region, home to the Uighurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups.

“The channel fails to meet the requirements to broadcast in China as an overseas channel,” the Radio and Television Administration said, adding it would not accept BBC’s broadcast application for the next year.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab called the move “an unacceptable curtailing of media freedom” that would “only damage China’s reputation in the eyes of the world”.

Britain’s communications watchdog, Ofcom, revoked the license for CGTN, China’s English-language satellite news channel, on February 4.

NO NEW ARREST WARRANT FOR RITTENHOUSE A JUDGE yesterday refused prosecutors’ request to issue a new arrest warrant for an 18-year-old from Illinois accused of killing two people during a police brutality protest in Wisconsin last summer.

Kenosha County Assistant District Attorney Thomas Binger alleged Kyle Rittenhouse failed to update his address when he moved out of his Antioch apartment in November, amounting to a bail violation.

In addition to a new arrest warrant, Binger asked Judge Bruce Schroeder to increase Rittenhouse’s bail by $200,000. Rittenhouse’s attorneys countered that Rittenhouse is in hiding due to threats.

Schroeder refused both of Binger’s requests. During a testy hearing the judge said people out on bail often fail to update their addresses and aren’t arrested. He ordered Rittenhouse attorney Mark Richards to turn over Rittenhouse’s current physical address but said it would be sealed to the public and only he and the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department would have access to it.

JAZZ GREAT CHICK COREA DEAD AT 79 CHICK Corea, a towering jazz pianist with a staggering 23 Grammy Awards who pushed the boundaries of the genre and worked alongside Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock, has died. He was 79.

Corea died on Tuesday of a rare form of cancer, his team posted on his website.

His death was confirmed by Corea’s web and marketing manager, Dan Muse.

On his Facebook page, Corea left a message to his fans: “I want to thank all of those along my journey who have helped keep the music fires burning bright. It is my hope that those who have an inkling to play, write, perform or otherwise, do so. If not for yourself then for the rest of us. It’s not only that the world needs more artists, it’s also just a lot of fun.”

THE TRIBUNE

FIVE DEAD AS ICY ROADS CAUSE HAVOC ON TEXAS INTERSTATE

EMERGENCY responders work at a multi-car pileup on State Highway 45 near Briarwick Drive yesterday in Austin, Texas.

Photo: Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP DALLAS Associated Press AT LEAST five people were killed and dozens injured Thursday in a massive crash involving 75 to 100 vehicles on an icy Texas interstate, police said, as a winter storm dropped freezing rain, sleet and snow on parts of the US. At the scene of the crash on Interstate 35 near downtown Fort

Worth, a tangle of semitrailers, cars and trucks had crashed into each other and had turned every which way, with some vehicles on top of others.

“The vehicles are just mangled,” said Matt Zavadsky, spokesman for MedStar, which provides the ambulance service for the area. “Multiple tow trucks are on scene. It’s going to take a lot to disentangle this wreck.”

Thirty-six people were taken to hospitals from the crash, several with critical injuries, Zavadsky said.

Police set up a reunification center for family members at a community center.

“The roadway was so treacherous from the ice that several of the first responders were falling on the scene,” Zavadsky said.

He said his crews carry a sand and salt mixture in the

ambulances, which they began using at the scene. At one point, he said, one of the ambulances was hit, but it sustained only minor damage and the crew members were fine.

Farther south, in suburban Austin, more than two dozen vehicles were involved in a pileup on an icy highway, and five people were taken to a hospital, emergency officials said.

Democrats insist rioters acted on Trump ‘order’ WASHINGTON Associated Press HOUSE prosecutors concluded two days of emotional arguments in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial late Thursday, insisting the Capitol invaders believed they were acting on “the president’s orders” to stop Joe Biden’s election, the deadly culmination of Trump’s pattern of spreading false and violent rhetoric that will continue to vex American politics if left unchecked.

The Democratic prosecutors described in stark, personal terms the horror faced that January day, including in the very Senate chamber where Trump’s trial is underway. They displayed the many public and explicit instructions Trump gave his supporters — long before the White House rally that unleashed the Capitol attack as Congress was certifying Biden’s victory. Five people died in the chaos and its aftermath, a domestic attack unparalleled in US history.

In videos, some posted to social media by rioters themselves, invaders talked about how they were doing it all for Trump.

“If we pretend this didn’t happen, or worse, if we let it go unanswered, who’s to say it won’t happen again?” argued prosecutor Rep Joe Neguse, D-Colo.

Trump’s defence will take the floor on Friday, and the proceedings could finish with a vote this weekend.

The Democrats, with little hope of conviction by two-thirds of the evenly divided Senate, are making their most graphic case to the American public, while Trump’s lawyers and the Republicans are focused

THIS image from video shows Trump’s supporters chanting “Fight for Trump!” after they stormed into the US Capitol on January 6.

Photo: Senate Television via AP on legal rather than emo- no evidence of it, and urged minds, making Trump’s tional or historic questions, his supporters to “stop the acquittal likely, the neverhoping to get it all behind steal” of the presidency. before-seen audio and Prosecutors used the riot- video released Wednesas quickly as possible.

This second impeach- ers’ own videos from that day is now a key exhibit ment trial, on the charge of day to pin responsibility on as lawmakers prosecuting incitement of insurrection, Trump. “We were invited the case argue he should has echoes of last year’s here,” said one. “Trump be convicted of inciting the impeachment and acquittal sent us,” said another. siege. over the Ukraine matter, as “He’ll be happy. We’re Senators sat riveted as prosecutors warn senators fighting for Trump.” the jarring video played in “They truly believed that the chamber on Wednesday. that Trump has shown no bounds and will do it again, the whole intrusion was at Senators shook their heads, posing a danger to the civic the president’s orders,” said folded their arms and furorder unless he is convicted Rep Diana DeGette of Col- rowed their brows. Screams and banned from future orado. “The president told from the audio and video office. Even out of the them to be there.” filled the Senate chamber.

At the White House, White House, the former Videos of the siege have president holds influence President Joe Biden said he been circulating since the believed “some minds may day of the riot, but the over large swaths of voters.

The prosecutors on be changed” after senators graphic compilation offered Thursday drew a direct saw chilling security video a moment-by-moment line from his repeated Wednesday of the deadly retelling of one of the comments condoning and insurrection at the Capitol, nation’s most alarming days. even celebrating violence including of rioters search- And it underscored how — praising “both sides” ing menacingly for House dangerously close the rioters after the 2017 outbreak Speaker Nancy Pelosi and came to the nation’s leaders, at the white supremacist Vice President Mike Pence. shifting the focus of the trial Biden said he didn’t from an academic debate rally in Charlottesville, Virginia — and urging his rally watch any of the previous about the Constitution to a crowd last month to go to day’s proceedings live but raw retelling of the assault. the Capitol and fight for later saw news coverage.

The footage showed the Though most of the mob smashing into the his presidency. He spread false claims about election Senate jurors seem to building, rioters engaging in fraud, even there has been have made up their hand-to-hand combat with

police and audio of Capitol police officers pleading for back-up. Rioters were seen roaming the halls chanting “Hang Mike Pence,” and eerily singing out “Where are you, Nancy?” in search of Pelosi.

Trump attorney David Schoen said the presentation was “offensive” and that they “haven’t tied it in any way to Trump”.

He told reporters yesterday at the Capitol he believed Democrats were making the public relive the tragedy in a way that “tears at the American people” and impedes efforts at unity in the country.

By Thursday, senators sitting through a second full day of arguments appeared somewhat fatigued, slouching in their chairs, crossing their arms and walking around to stretch.

One Republican, Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma, said during a break: “To me, they’re losing credibility the longer they talk.”

The goal of the two-day presentation by prosecutors from the House, which impeached the outgoing president last month a week after the siege, was to cast Trump not as an innocent bystander but rather as the “inciter in chief” who spent months spreading falsehoods and revving up supporters to challenge the election.

They are seeking not just conviction, but to bar him from future office.

“This attack never would have happened but for Donald Trump,” Rep. Madeleine Dean, one of the impeachment managers, said as she choked back emotion. “And so they came, draped in Trump’s flag, and used our flag, the American flag, to batter and to bludgeon.”

300 MILLION AMERICANS COULD BE VACCINATED BY JULY BETHESDA, Maryland Associated Press

PRESIDENT Joe Biden said Thursday that the US will have enough supply of the COVID-19 vaccine by the end of the summer to inoculate 300 million Americans.

Biden made the announcement at the sprawling National Institutes of Health complex just outside Washington as he visited some of the nation’s leading scientists on the frontlines of the fight against the disease.

He toured the Viral Pathogenesis Laboratory that created the COVID-19 vaccine now

manufactured by Moderna and being rolled out in the US and other countries.

The US is on pace to exceed Biden’s goal of administering 100 million vaccine doses in his first 100 days in office, with more than 26 million shots delivered in his first three weeks.

“That’s just the floor,” Biden said. “Our end goal is beating COVID-19.”

Biden announced yesterday that the US had secured contractual commitments from Moderna and Pfizer to deliver the 600 million doses of vaccine by the end of July — more than a month earlier than

initially anticipated.

“We’re now on track to have enough supply for 300 million Americans by the end of July,” he announced.

The pace of injections could increase further if a third coronavirus vaccine from drugmaker Johnson & Johnson receives approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Speaking with Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious-disease specialist, Biden emphasised that his administration is doing everything possible to increase the vaccine supply and the country’s capacity to deliver injections into arms.

“It’s been a hell of a learning process,” Biden said.

Biden, wearing a mask, used his remarks to criticise President Donald Trump, saying he inherited “no plan to vaccinate most of the country”.

“It is no secret that the vaccination program was in much worse shape than my team and I anticipated,” he said.

To date, the Biden administration has deployed active-duty troops to help stand up mass vaccination sites in several states, as it looks to lay the groundwork for increasing the rate of vaccinations once more supply is available.

SPORTS PAGE 11

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021

COVID-19 hits Franco and Eagles

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

T

he COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause modifications to the NCAA Division I basketball schedule and Franco Miller Jr’s Florida Gulf Coast Eagles became the latest programme to experience a setback.

Due to a positive COVID-19 result and contact tracing within the Eagles’ Tier-1 group, the team is now on a two-week pause. They are expected to return to the court in the final weekend of the regular season against the Jacksonville University Dolphins on February 26.

The Tier-1 group is defined as student-athletes, coaching staff members, athletic training staff, and communications staff associated with the men’s basketball programme.

“We are extremely disappointed to miss games the next two weeks, especially since we were regaining the confidence and rhythm we played with prior to our

last shutdown,” said head coach Michael Fly. “However, we are going to focus on the things that we can control and a global pandemic is not one of those. We will be doing all that we can to prepare for our return so that we can put ourselves in the best position possible for the postseason. As always, we appreciate all that our Athletics Sports Medicine unit, the University medical staff, and the Florida Department of Health have done, and continue to do, in their work to keep our student-athletes safe.”

FGCU is currently 9-6 overall and 4-4 in the ASUN, with wins in four of their last six appearances.

Following the weekend series against Jacksonville, the Eagles will prepare for the ASUN Championship Tournament, March 3-7 in Jacksonville, Florida.

In his first season with the Eagles, Miller, the redshirt sophomore guard, is averaging 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

In his best game of the season, Miller finished

FRANCO MILLER JR

just three rebounds shy of a triple double with 12 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds - all career highs - in the Eagles’ 112-39 win over Webber International Warriors in December.

He also had eight points and seven assists against Lipscomb in January, nine points against North Alabama and finished with 10 points, and had a careerhigh 3 three-point makes in a 76-57 loss to South Florida.

He transferred to FGCU after two years at Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi.

Miller had his true freshman season in 2018-19 cut short due to a stress fracture in his kneecap that eventually led to surgery.

He was granted a medical redshirt.

In the 2019-20 campaign, he played sparingly as a redshirt freshman and appeared in just 13 games.

In those few appearances, he reached double figures in minutes just three times.

He was granted an NCAA waiver for immediate eligibility and did not have to sit out this season following his transfer.

Sydney Clarke and Blazers in the win column

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net AFTER losing their first three games on the road this spring, freshman Sydney Clarke and her University of Arlington at Birmingham Blazers women’s collegiate tennis team got on the winning circle.

In their return home at the George Ward Park on Wednesday, the Blazers pulled off a 5-2 victory over Mercer in a home opener in the 2021 fall season. With the win, the Blazers extended their home winning streak to 10 matches dating bck to April 6, 2019.

Although Clarke was only a part of two matches that occured during the spring season at the end of 2020 when she entered UAB to begin her studies in business and journalism, she was delighted with her team’s latest performance. “It was still a little up and dpwn, but it was better,” was how Clarke described their performance.

Clarke and Megan I would feel my way Betrands combined and just trust my self to play doubles, but and work my way they lost to Alara back into the match.”

Hollyfield and Lekha “It feels good.

Varudandi 7-6 in the I know I’ve been tie breaker. implementing what “It was a lot we do in practice, so of improvement I’m very pleased with because in the premy performance,” vious matches, we she said. “I just hope were not even close,” I can continue to Clarke reflected. keep a balance and I “This time we can dominate a little were in it. We just as the season proSYDNEY CLARKE fell down in certain gresses and not be areas and made more so tense. Just be free errors than our opponent, which and play and try to make my game was a major factor.” even better.”

In the singles, Clarke prevailed UAB, which began the 2021 with a come-from-behind 3-6, 6-4, season by losing three straight 10-4 win over Lekha Varudandi. matches to Power 5 teams in “I had a slow start, but in the Alabama, Georgia Tech and Missecond set, I picked it up and in sissippi, will be back on the court the tie breaker, I just took it away,” on Valentine’s Day on Sunday Clarke pointed out. “I was really when they face Alabama A&M. focused and I got through each The match was to have originally point one at a time. “I just have a been played at George Ward Park, habit of starting slow and normally but has been moved indoors to the

BAHAMIAN STUDENT ATHLETES SET TO BEGIN NCAA DIVISION I BASEBALL SEASONS THIS MONTH

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net SEVERAL Bahamian student athletes are set to begin their NCAA Division I baseball seasons this month as programmes in various divisions return to the field under strict COVID-19 protocols.

BJ Murray and the Florida Atlantic Owls will open the 2021 campaign Friday, February 19 on the road against Central Florida.

They will return to FAU Baseball Stadium in Boca Raton, Florida for the final two games of the threegame series.

Conference USA released its preseason team rankings and the league’s coaches voted the Owls to finish first in the C-USA East Division.

“We’re really looking forward to getting back on the field and playing. It’s a similar type of schedule in terms of RPI, we’re in good shape there.

“I think it’s a really competitive schedule, and we’re going to have to be ready to go on February 19th,” said Owls head coach McCormack. “The schedule will certainly be a lot different than it has in the past,” said

McCormack. “We’re going to play Central Florida on the weekend, which we haven’t done in probably 15 years, and South Florida on a weekend, which I don’t think we’ve ever done.

The way we’re scheduling games, to stay out of hotels, is going to be unique.

“Fans are going to have to really pay attention to the schedule to make sure they get to the games (with the split series), but it’s going to be nice just to be back playing.”

Murray started each of the 15 games of his sophomore season before the pandemic brought a halt to the 2020 season.

He hit .203 with 12 hits, 10 RBI, a team-leading three home runs, 11 runs scored and a .299 on base percentage.

Defensively he had a .958 fielding percentage with 30 assists, 16 putouts and just two errors.

For the second straight year, he supplied FAU’s first homer of the season against Delaware.

He had an RBI single in his first at-bat, a two-run double the next inning, and two at bats later, blasted a two-run home run to left.

SEE PAGE 14

Athletic Club Alabama in Huntsville because of the cold weather forecast.

“We have to show some love,” said Clarke, who has been trying to juggle her academics with practicing in the cold weather.

“I have to be on top of things and plan my week in advance so that I can get my assignments in so I don’t fall back.”

Becuse of the weather, the 19-year-old immediate past top ranked junior female player in the Bahamas said she misses being home around her parents, Shayvon and Bernard Clarke, and sister Sarai Clarke, along with the rest of her family and friends.

But as they continue to play without the fans in the stands because of the safety protocols implemented as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the former CR Walker student who went on to graduate from Windsor High School and the Albany Tennis Academy said she’s coping as best as she can.

PAGE 15

BAHAMAS AQUATICS AGM AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS ON SATURDAY

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net AS Bahamas Aquatics heads into their annual general meeting and election of officers on Saturday via Zoom, Algernon Cargill is expected to be confirmed as the president unopposed.

Cargill, who has also been re-elected for his second four-year term as a member of the FINA Bureau starting in July, was the only person nominated to the federation’s top position.

A number of other officers will be confirmed by acclamation during the AGM, which will only vote for the assistant treasurer with Patrick Ferguson and Andrea Strapp vying for the post and the Member-at-Large with Gena Culmer-Taylor, Yvette

SEE PAGE 12

BRANDON BASS JOINS US BASKETBALL FOR AMERICUP QUALIFYING COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Brandon Bass is giving USA Basketball even more NBA experience going into next week’s final two games of FIBA AmeriCup qualifying.

Bass, who played in 758 games for six different NBA clubs, was added to the team this week. He replaces Paul Atkinson, who withdrew from the team after a positive COVID-19 test.

Atkinson, last season’s Ivy League player of the year at Yale, is asymptomatic.

Bass joins a pair of former NBA All-Stars

SEE PAGE 12

SPORTS

PAGE 12, Friday, February 12, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

Leroy ‘Uncle Lee’ Archer Sr dies at 96

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net VERSATILE Leroy ‘Uncle Lee’ Archer Sr, one of the Bahamas’ greatest soccer players, coach and mentor and a participant in a number of sports while excelling as a seamster, died on Wednesday.

Survived by three children, Sharon, Leira and Leroy Jr, Archer Sr was 96.

He would have celebrated his legal 97th birthday on Thursday, but Sharon said they normally observe his birthday on February 25.

“Cool, calm, loveable, an officer and a gentleman, charming, caring and very athletic,” were the first words that came to mind

by Sharon as she and her siblings reflected on their father.

Known as a seamster, who started sewing at the age of 18 and operator of a

successful store on Nassau Street and Dean’s Lane, Archer worked st British Airways, the Simpson Penn for Boys, previously known as the Boys Industrial School, as a tailor, supervisor and their physical education instructor.

Archer played football from the 1940s to the 60s with St George’s Soccer Club before he founded the Dynamos Football Club, of which he served as captain until he retired from playing.

He remained an active member of the Bahamas Football Association, serving as referee at the senior league and a coach at the youth level.

For his efforts, the BFA honoured him with the presentation of the Order of Merit award at halftime of the President’s Cup match on New Year’s Day 2009 with the trophy bearing his name and he was selected

ANTON SEALEY, left, president of the BFA, presents Leroy Archer with an award. as a ‘Beacon of Light’ honouree at the BFA’s 50th Anniversary banquet.

Anton Sealey, president of the BFA, called Archer

a legend in football in the Bahamas.

“Uncle Lee was a member of the first Bahamas national team in 1967,

he was a member of the St George’s Sporting Club and a founding member of the Dynamos Football club in 1967,” said Sealey on behalf of the BFA. “Uncle Lee was also an all-around sportsman participating in softball, basketball and swimming. He was a man of all seasons.”

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) also offered its condolences to the Archer family with leader Philip Davis calling him a mentor and role model, a cultural icon, a sportsman extraordinaire, small businessman and community leader in the Chippingham community.

“Mr Archer was not only a first-class tailor, but an outstanding athlete in multiple sports, including soccer and cricket,” Davis wrote. “He is a founding member of the Dynamos Football Club and was the

TOKYO OLYMPICS: MORI TO LEAVE BUT GENDER ISSUE REMAINS

By STEPHEN WADE AP Sports Writer

TOKYO (AP) — Yoshiro Mori was expected to resign today as the president of the Tokyo Olympic organising committee following sexist comments implying women talk too much.

Mori’s departure at an executive board meeting comes after more than a week of non-stop criticism about his remarks earlier this month. He initially apologised but refused to step away, which was followed by relentless pressure from television pundits, sponsors, and an on-line petition that drew 150,000 signatures.

But it’s not clear that his resignation will clear the air and return the focus to exactly how Tokyo can hold the Olympics in just over five months in the midst of a pandemic.

The Olympics are to open on July 23, with 11,000 athletes and 4,400 more in the Paralympic a month later. About 80 percent in recent polls in Japan say they want the Olympics cancelled or postponed with clear support about 15 percent.

The problem could to be the replacement for the 83-year-old Mori.

It’s widely reported to be 84-year-old Saburo Kawabuchi, the former president of the governing body of Japanese soccer

and a former player himself. He played for Japan in the 1964 Olympics.

Kawabuchi is even older than Mori and will raise the issue of why a woman was not appointed. This is the centre of the entire debate that Mori triggered over gender inequality in Japan and the absence of women in boardrooms, politics, and sports governance. Women are also largely absence in leadership roles at the organising committee.

Kawabuchi indicated he had been contacted by Mori.

“I have to try my best, given that Mr Mori is in this situation,” Kawabuchi told reporters yesterday.

“I felt so sorry for him. I couldn’t say no. I just want to do my best in what will be this final big job in my life.”

Japanese media immediately pointed out there were three qualified women — all athletes and former Olympians and at least a generation younger — who could fill the job.

Kaori Yamaguchi won a bronze medal in the 1988 Olympics in judo.

Mikako Kotani won two bronze medals in the 1988 Olympics in synchronised swimming. And Naoko Takahashi was a gold medallist in the marathon in the 2000 Olympics.

Mori’s remarks have put the spotlight on how far Japan lags behind other

YOSHIRO MORI, left, president of Tokyo Olympic organising committee, and Saburo Kawabuchi, a former president of the Japanese soccer association, attend a press conference in Tokyo on February 3 as Kawabuchi was appointed as the mayor of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic athletes’ village. Mori was expected to resign today as the president of the Tokyo Olympic organising committee following sexist comments implying women talk too much.

(Meika Fujio/Kyodo News via AP) prosperous countries in advancing women in politics or the boardrooms.

Japan stands 121st out of 153 in the World Economic Forum’s gender equality rankings.

Koichi Nakano, a political scientist at Sophia University in Tokyo, characterised Japan as a country still run “by a club of old men.”

But he said this could be a watershed.

“Social norms are changing,” he wrote in an email to The Associated Press.

“A clear majority of the Japanese found Mori’s comments unacceptable, so the problem is more to

do with the lack of representation of women in leadership positions.

“This sorry episode may have the effect of strengthening the call for greater gender equality and diversity in the halls of power.”

Though some on the street called for Mori to resign — several hundred Olympic volunteers say they are withdrawing — most decision makers including Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga stopped short of this and simply condemned his remarks.

A comment a few days ago from Toyota Motor Corp.

President Akio

Bonner leads West Indies to 223-5 vs Bangladesh on Day 1 DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Nkrumah Bonner was making up for lost time with his second successive half-century as West Indies ground out 223-5 against Bangladesh on day one of the second cricket test yesterday.

Bonner was 74 not out and wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva was with him on 22 after an even first day.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite contributed 47 and fellow opener John Campbell 36 but the West Indies was bunkered down in the face of relentlessly disciplined bowling.

The home team had the initiative until the unbeaten 45-run, no-risk stand by Bonner and Da Silva to see out the day.

How long Bonner lasts will be the key to West

Indies’ innings, with a 300 total looking imposing.

After almost a decade out of the national setup, his 86 on debut last weekend helped West Indies win the first test in a remarkable comeback in Chattogram.

“Every innings I play, I put pressure on myself. We get paid to make runs and to be consistent,” Bonner said.

“This wicket has a little more bounce, but it is similar (to Chattogram).

So basically it is the same gameplan. I tried to play as many balls as possible on the front foot, and keep the ball in the V for as long as possible.”

After opting to bat first, Brathwaite and Campbell shared a decent 66-run start.

Campbell cut offspinner Mehidy Hasan past point for a boundary to begin his scoring on his 12th ball faced. Campbell also struck offspinner Nayeem Hasan for a six over long on. But with West Indies appearing untoubled, Campbell gave up his wicket when he was trapped plumb trying to sweep left-arm spinner Taijul Islam.

Campbell reviewed in vain. His 68-ball innings included five fours and one six.

The bowlers regrouped well after lunch to take three wickets.

Fast bowler Abu Jayed was rewarded for hitting the right length consistently with Shayne Moseley’s wicket for 7, after which Brathwaite perished to a cut shot off

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Soumya Sarkar’s medium pace, three runs short of his 21st test half-century.

Kayle Mayers, the first batsman to score a double century in the fourth innings on debut in the first test, was out for 5 driving at Jayed and giving an outside edge to the slips.

West Indies was in trouble at 116-4 but Bonner engineered a recovery, first with Jermaine Blackwood. Their 62-run for the fifth wicket lasted until Blackwood was caught and bowled by Taijul for 28.

“The wicket was not what we expected,” Jayed said. “We are expecting some turn for the spinners. But I think it needs time. “At the moment, it’s important to contain their scoring rate.”

Bonner brought up his half-century driving a Taijul delivery to long off for a single off 98 balls.

But because of the good bowling, he opted for a defensive approach, which paid off for him. His 173ball knock so far includes six boundaries.

Jayed and Taijul have two wickets each.

Toyoda seemed to move the needle.

Toyota is one of 14 so-called Olympic TOP sponsors that pay about $1 billion every four-year cycle to the International Olympic Committee.

The company seldom speaks out on politics, and Toyota did not call for Mori’s resignation.

But just speaking on the matter might have been enough.

“The (Mori) comment is different from our values, and we find it regrettable.”

Toyoda said.

Toyota and Coca-Cola also are major sponsors of the torch relay.

BAHAMAS AQUATICS FROM PAGE 11

Ferguson, Wilfred Pratt and Christine WallaceWhitfield as the contenders.

There is a proposal to increase the total amount to three.

Others already elected and joining Cargill on the federation board are Lynne Fraino as First Vice-President, Rochelle Bastian as Second Vice-President, John Bradley as Third VicePresident and Georgette Albury as Secretary, Erald Thompson as Treasurer and Kendric Albury as Assistant Treasurer.

First elected as president in 2003 when the term was only two years, Cargill continues to be re-elected every other term, including from 2012 when they amended the constitution and changed the term to four years.

“I feel as if the federation has remained steadfast in our approach to governance and we have developed outstanding swimmers and water polo players,” Cargill said. “And because of the programmes that we have set in place, I’m excited that the members have again elected me unopposed.”

As a result of accomplishment of the federation,

captain of one of the first local soccer teams to represent The Bahamas in international competition.

“For his stellar contributions to youth and sports development in the capacities of player, referee and coach, Mr Archer was awarded the Order of Merit by the Bahamas Football Association (BFA) in 2009.

Davis said Archer lived a full life and gave liberally of his time and talents and in the process he impacted thousands of lives, including many at-risk youths when he taught them sports at the Boys Industrial School.

“I thank him for his service to our country and the community of Chippingham,” Davis continued on behalf of his wife Ann Marie, PLP Deputy Leader I Chester Cooper, National Chairman Senator Fred Mitchell and the officers and members of the Progressive Liberal Party.

AMERICUP FROM PAGE 11

— Joe Johnson and Isaiah Thomas — as the best-known players on the US roster for a pair of games in San Juan, Puerto Rico next week.

All told, the Americans are taking eight players with NBA experience to San Juan, the others being Josh Boone, Treveon Graham, James Nunnally, Dakota Mathias and Jordan Sibert. Mathias played in eight games with Philadelphia this season.

Also on the team are Cat Barber, Chris Daniels, Will Davis II, KJ Feagi, Ra’Shad James and Tre’Shawn Thurman.

The US will begin training in San Juan on Saturday, and faces Bahamas on February 19 and Mexico on February 20.

The US is 4-0 in AmeriCup qualifying and has already qualified for the tournament, which will take place in September 2022 and serves as the championship for the teams in the FIBA Americas zone that covers nations from North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

USA Basketball has won the AmeriCup title seven times in nine previous attempts.

The US and Brazil are the only teams to have clinched AmeriCup berths so far, meaning the other 14 remaining teams will be vying for the final 10 spots.

Like the November qualifying round, the February games will be closed to fans and played in a bubble format — with two fourteam groups going to San Juan, the other two fourteam groups going to Cali, Colombia.

Cargill said he was elected to serve on the FIBA Bureau, which in swimming is equivalent to World Athletics, the governing body for track and field.

Dr Julio C Maglione, of Uruguay, has served as the president since 2009.

Cargill was nominated by the CCCAN region and is returning for his second term on the 25-member board.

He also serves as an Executive Member of the Union American de Natacion (UANA).

“This really helps us here in the Bahamas because we have a presence on the global stage,” Cargill said.

“We’re known for our governance and because we are respected in the region, I was nominated the Central American and Caribbean to represent them.”

During the federation’s AGM on Saturday, amendments will be made to the constitution, as proposed by the membership.

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Friday, February 12, 2021, PAGE 13

NO CROWDS, BUT AUSTRALIAN OPEN WILL CONTINUE DURING LOCKDOWN

By JUSTIN BERGMAN Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The Australian Open will be allowed to continue but without crowds for at least five days after the Victoria state government imposed a lockdown starting Saturday in response to a COVID-19 outbreak at a quarantine hotel.

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews today announced a fiveday, state-wide lockdown starting a minute before midnight local time, imposing new restrictions that restrict residents to their homes except for work, to shop for essential supplies, care or caregiving, and limited exercise.

Schools and universities will be closed Monday through

Wednesday, and there will be no gatherings for weddings or religious services.

Fans arriving at Melbourne Park today before the announcement were instructed at the entrance gates to maintain socialdistancing, apply sanitiser to their hands and pull their masks up over their noses.

With three big night matches scheduled for today, fans will be permitted to enter Melbourne Park. But Andrews’ urged people to “exercise good judgement” and not go out.

Andrews said the measures were a “short, sharp circuit breaker” in a bid to avoid a bigger, longer lockdown as the state combats a “hyper-infectious,” so-called UK strain of the coronavirus.

The Australian Open was the first Grand Slam tournament in a year to allow sizeable crowds.

After the COVID-19 outbreak became a pandemic, Wimbledon was cancelled, fans were not allowed at the US Open and the number of spectators at the French Open was heavily restricted.

Under the initial plan for the Australian Open, the government allowed up to 30,000 people daily at Melbourne Park, or about 50 percent of capacity. The biggest daily attendance in the first four days was 21,010 yesterday.

The cluster of COVID-19 cases linked to hotel quarantine at the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport grew to 13 last night, with five new cases emerging, including two household contacts of

existing cases. These were the first cases linked with the cluster who had not been inside the hotel.

Andrews met with senior cabinet ministers and health officials overnight and had discussions with other federal and state government leaders.

Australia has 909 deaths attributed to COVID-19, including 820 in Victoria state.

Most of those were during a second deadly wave last year when a hard lockdown and overnight curfews were put in place in Melbourne.

The lockdown then lasted 111 days. All non-essential businesses and schools were closed, and residents were initially permitted to leave their homes for just an hour each day. A nightly curfew was imposed for weeks.

The extreme measures did succeed in stamping out the virus.

Victoria had gone 28 straight days without a locally acquired case.

Australia’s states and territories have also been quick to close their borders when small outbreaks have occurred. South Australia closed its borders to travellers from greater Melbourne at midnight yesterday. Other states were imposing travel restrictions starting on the weekend.

Last week, play in all six tuneup tournaments was suspended for a day after the worker in one of the tournament’s quarantine hotels tested positive. That meant 507 people connected to the tournament, including 160 players, had to isolate in their accommodation and get tested for COVID-19. All of those tests returned negative.

Feeling pressure: 2020 champ Kenin loses

By JOHN PYE AP Sports Writer MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Sofia Kenin knew this would be a tough test at the Australian Open, a potentially early end to her first attempt to defend a Grand Slam title.

Upon realising she probably would be playing big-hitting veteran Kaia Kanepi in the second round, Kenin acknowledged, she “maybe kind of broke down a little bit.”

Kenin was right to be worried. And, with Kanepi at her best, this one was over quickly. Delivering 10 aces, Kanepi powered her way past the fourth-seeded Kenin, overwhelming the 2020 champion 6-3, 6-2 in only 64 minutes yesterday.

“I obviously felt like I’m not there 100 percent — physically, mentally, my game. Everything just feels real off, obviously. It’s not good,” Kenin said at her news conference, where she wiped away tears.

“I mean, I just — I know I couldn’t really handle the pressure.”

One person who knows how to defend a major title is Rafael Nadal, who shares the men’s record of 20 with Roger Federer.

Nadal shrugged off some heckling from a spectator before beating 177th-ranked Michael Mmoh 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in the last night match, showing no signs of the back soreness that has bothered him.

Nadal was serving for the second set at 5-4 when a woman yelled out and made hand gestures as he prepared to serve. She yelled again at 30-0 and stadium security escorted her out of Rod Laver Arena.

As the rest of the crowd started booing the woman, Nadal laughed.

After the brief delay, he hit two aces to finish off the set. He wrapped up the match 1 hour, 47 minutes.

Nadal said it was a “positive evening.” Except for one strange thing.

Asked if he knew the unruly spectator, Nadal said he didn’t “and, honestly, I don’t want to know.”

In the preceding match on the main show court, fifth-seeded Elina Svitolina beat 16-year-old Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-3, knocking the youngest player out of the draw.

Gauff had a breakout major in Melbourne last year, reaching the round of 16 with wins over Venus Williams and Naomi Osaka before losing to Kenin.

But Svitolina was just too consistent when it counted, saving all four break points she faced and converting on two of the three she had on Gauff’s serve.

Gauff said she stayed calm and was playing at a higher standard of tennis than last year, but it wasn’t quite enough.

Kanepi said her winning performance wasn’t merely a case of taking advantage of Kenin’s nerves because “I was nervous, too ... playing the defending champion, that was the thought.”

Kanepi, 35, had beaten Kenin, 22, in their only previous matchup, part of why this was not a contest the American was looking forward to.

Plus, Kanepi has been successful against some of the best on the biggest stages, with seven victories over Top 10 opponents at Grand Slam tournaments, including against then-No. 1 Simona Halep at the 2018 US Open. And then there was recent form.

Kenin walked off the court crying after a 6-2, 6-2 loss last week in a tuneup event at the site of the Australian Open and explained afterward that her left leg was sore.

Kanepi, meanwhile, put an end to No. 7-ranked Aryna Sabalenka’s 15-match winning streak last week and had won 16 of her past 17 outings.

With serves topping 175 kph (110 mph), Kanepi saved all seven break points

ESTONIA’s Kaia Kanepi makes a backhand return to United States’ Sofia Kenin during their second round match at the Australian Open yesterday.

(AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) Top-ranked Ash Barty the Australian Open for the she faced. And she wound up with a 22-10 edge in did manage to avoid a first time by beating Olga winners. “I couldn’t find surprise yesterday, but Danilovic 6-2, 6-3.

In an all-American my rhythm,” Kenin said. she blew a big lead in the “I was obviously way too second set and survived a match, No. 22 Jennifer shaky tiebreaker to get past Brady beat Madison Brennervous.”

Her departure meant Daria Gavrilova 6-1, 7-6 gle 6-1, 6-2.

Barty, trying to become three of the top nine seeded (7).

Other women’s win- the first Australian to win women already were gone before midway through ners included former No. 1 the women’s title at MelDay 4 at a Grand Slam Karolina Pliskova, who beat bourne since Chris O’Neil tournament where routines Danielle Collins 7-5, 6-2, in 1978, lost only 10 points have been disrupted by the and Shelby Rogers, who in the opening round, and reached the third round at her match against Gavrilova pandemic.

SERENA WILLIAMS, of the USA, makes a backhand return to Serbia’s Nina Stojanovic during their second round match at the Australian Open on Wednesday (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

TENNIS, EVERYONE? PARTICIPATION UP 22 PERCENT IN 2020, SURVEY SAYS WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) — Tennis, everyone?

The sport played by Serena Williams and Roger Federer was a hit last year, with recreational participation rising 22 percent in the United States, according to an annual survey from the Physical Activity Council.

In a release announcing the survey results, US Tennis Association CEO Mike Dowse tied that

increase to tennis’s status as an “ideal social distancing sport” during the coronavirus pandemic.

About 21.5 million people picked up a racket and headed to a court in 2020. There were nearly 3 million new players, a 44 percent increase from a year earlier.

According to the USTA, the Tennis Industry Association found that entry-level

racket sales went up nearly 40 percent.

The USTA is one of eight sports associations listed as partners on the Physical Activity Council’s website, which says the survey uses a representative panel of more than 1 million Americans and includes about 18,000 online interviews.

The survey examined people about more than 120 activities.

was equally lopsided until the wobbly finish. She led 5-2 in the second set but was broken twice serving for the victory.

“When you play another Aussie, rankings go out the window, experience goes out the window,” Barty said. “Typically you know each other so well. It’s always going to be a tricky match.”

That was the case on the men’s side, when the first all-Italian men’s singles match at the Australian Open in the professional era was followed by a heated argument between Fabio Fognini and Salvatore Caruso.

Fognini rallied from 5-1 down in the tiebreaker to win 4-6, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (12) in almost four hours.

The verbal altercation started at the net, seemed to fade as the players went back to their courtside chairs, but restarted twice.

A tournament official eventually intervened to break them up.

The 16th-seeded Fognini said he and Caruso were good friends and would leave matters on the court.

Fifth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas was pushed all the way by No. 267-ranked Australian wild-card entry Thanasi Kokkinakis in a 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-4 win.

Tsitsipas will next play Mikael Ymer, who beat 17-year-old Spanish qualifier Carlos Alcaraz in the second round.

Also advancing were No. 9 Matteo Berrettini, No. 21 Alex de Minaur and Mackenzie McDonald, who beat 22nd-seeded Borna Coric 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, and 39-year-old Feliciano Lopez.

Russia’s ATP Cup-winning teammates Daniil Medevev and Andrey Rublev continued their unbeaten starts to the year with straight-set wins.

The fourth-seeded Medevev extended his winning streak to 16 by beating Roberto Carballes Baena 6-2, 7-5, 6-1.

Semi Ojeleye helps Celtics roll past Raptors, 120-106 BOSTON (AP) — Semi Ojeleye had a career-high 24 points and six 3-pointers and the Boston Celtics rolled to a 120-106 win victory the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.

Rookie Payton Pritchard added 20 points and had a career-high six 3s to help Boston snap a two-game skid.

The Celtics never trailed and led by 19, thanks in part to a seasonhigh 20 3-pointers.

Kyle Lowry led the Raptors with 24 points and six assists. Pascal Siakam had with 23 points.

PACERS 111, PISTONS 95 DETROIT (AP) — Domantas Sabonis had 26 points, eight rebounds and eight assists and Indiana beat Detroit to end a four-game losing streak.

Malcolm Brogdon added 18 points, and Jeremy Lamb had 17.

CELTICS’ Jayson Tatum (0) drives past Toronto Raptors’ Kyle Lowry during the first half last night in Boston.

(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Josh Jackson led Detroit with 18 points.

Rookie Isaiah Stewart added 17 in his first start at centre.

HEAT 101, ROCKETS 94 HOUSTON (AP) — Jimmy Butler had a triple-double with 27 points,

10 rebounds and 10 assists and Miami overcame a slow start to beat slumping Houston.

Miami won its fourth straight and handed Houston its fourth loss in a row.

John Wall and Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 17 points each.

PAGE 14, Friday, February 12, 2021

SPORTS

THE TRIBUNE

Charles ‘Chuck’ Mackey passes away

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net CHARLES ‘Chuck’ Mackey, an outstanding local softball/ baseball player and coach, and an exceptional basketball coach at both the high school and national team level, died on Wednesday night.

Aside from his tremendous sporting background, Mackey was also a renowned senior master at the RM Bailey High School and principal at St John’s College.

Godfrey ‘Gully’ Burnside, a former president of the New Providence Softball Association, who had the pleasure of coaching Mackey as a member of the T-Bird Flyers softball team, said Mackey will be missed as an individual who gave so much to the country.

“Chuck Mackey to me was a silent killer, one who came every night and gave his best. He was one of those guys who was really interested in young men in the sports of basketball, baseball and softball,” Burnside reflected.

“He was responsible for taking a lot of young men off the street and giving them a better appreciation for life as a principal, teacher and mentor in the classroom and a role model to emulate on and off the field.”

CHARLES ‘Chuck’ Mackey, pictured third from left, was honoured along with Russell Franks by their friends and former Batelco softball team-mates.

When he played with the Flyers as a catcher, Burnside said Mackey was able to groom a number of young players, who went on to become some of the countries top players, just like he did with others in basketball.

“He was able to bring a sense of stability to a lot of young men’s lives. He was loved. He was one of those guys who was always cheerful. He would always share a joke or made himself available to do anything.

He will really be missed

in the school and sporting arena.”

Mario Bowleg, president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation, had nothing but admiration for Mackey, who served as a national basketball coach and a mentor for many young coaches,

including himself. “The federation was well aware of Chuck’s medical condition and confinement and ailing health over the last couple of years,” Bowleg said.

“However, the BBF’s sense of loss is not diminished.

“At this time, it is sufficient to emphasise that Charles Mackey was an ultimate professional, a contributor to national development and a true friend of sports.

“His varied contributions to the nation should not be overlooked or forever forgotten.”

While it is another painful experience to endure, Bowleg said the BBF extends its condolences to the Mackey family, friends, his colleagues in education, the coaching fraternity, team-mates and the entire nation on the loss of a gentleman and fine human being who can provide no more instructions from the bench or in the classroom.

Varel Davis, the president of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association, called Mackey a father figure who devoted his time to sharing his expertise with her and others as coaches on the national team.

She said when one talked about “professionalism,” Mackey embodied it, as she expressed the sentiments on behalf of the members of the GSSSA, whom he served as a long-time coach for the Pacers senior boys’ basketball team and administrator at RM Bailey.

And on a personal note, Davis said Mackey “always had a pep in his walk that me and him always joked about. Walk that walk.”

Conference tournaments still on schedule despite concerns

JONES, NO. 4 N.C. STATE WOMEN ROLL PAST CLEMSON

By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer

GONZAGA’s Mark Few isn’t being asked the usual question of where his team should be seeded for next month’s NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs remain unbeaten and have been the top-ranked team all season, making them a virtual shoo-in for a top seed.

Instead, he is being asked if it makes any sense for Gonzaga to compete in its conference tournament given ongoing pandemic concerns.

“I think everybody is kind of waiting to see what’s going to be the best thing for the league moving forward,” Few said. “So, we’ll just see how it goes.”

With a little more than four weeks remaining until Selection Sunday, all 30 conferences playing this season are planning to hold tournaments to determine their automatic bids to the 68-team field. The deadline is February 26 for leagues to notify the selection committee if they plan to shift the bid to their regular-season champion.

Coaches appear split on holding conference tournaments. A recent CBS Sports survey of 41 coaches found 27 percent were opposed.

Few would love to get his team two more games in a tournament setting and help raise the West Coast Conference’s profile a couple more notches, but not at the expense of his team missing March Madness due to COVID-19.

The NCAA has mandated that teams must have seven straight days of negative tests prior to arriving in Indiana.

Players must have an additional two negative PCR tests before starting practice.

“There are some really stringent and strict protocols that we are going to really hit here to get ourselves ready,” Few said. “We kind of discovered with our own little COVID-19 experience with all our guys, seven, nine days is kind of that window that if you’re around somebody that is exposed and you can make it past that, you should be good. That’s going to be really tight with the conference tournament.”

Gonzaga’s only advantage if it has a positive test is that the WCC final would take place March 9 while most conferences have their finals either March 13 or 14.

Two of the Power Five conferences have moved their tournaments to limit travel. The Big Ten moved its tournament from Chicago to Indianapolis earlier this week. The Atlantic Coast earlier decided to play its games in Greensboro, North Carolina, instead of Washington.

The SEC (Nashville) and Big 12 (Kansas City) are remaining in their current locations. Baylor coach Scott Drew said the Big 12 has told coaches their setup would be like a bubble similar to the NCAA Tournament.

The Pac-12 and West Coast — along with the Mountain West, Western Athletic and Big West — are playing in Las Vegas, with all five conferences discussing the best practices. The Big West had been held in Anaheim, California, since 2001 but

By AARON BEARD AP Basketball Writer

NCAA BASEBALL

The Sun Devils will also open their season February 19 at home in the first of a four-game series against Sacramento State.

The Sun Devils will be scheduled to play 55 total contests, including a 30-game conference slate and 25 non-conference matchups.

ASU is slated to play 34 games in the confines of Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The programme will look to add a 56th game over the course of the season. The current schedule is subject to any number

FROM PAGE 11

The five RBI that night marked the most by an Owl on the season. He went on to add three more multi-hit games on the year.

In the PAC-12, Allbry Major will join an Arizona State programme that brings in the second ranked transfer class in the nation according to Baseball America.

A BASKETBALL with March Madness 2019 logo sits in a rack before Michigan’s practice at the NCAA college basketball tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 20, 2019. All 30 college conferences are still planning to hold basketball tournaments where the winner earns the automatic bid to the NCAAs. But the leagues also have until February 26, 2021, to notify the selection committee if there will be any changes to how the automatic bid is awarded.

(AP Photo/Nati Harnik) moved to Vegas this year to set up a bubble.

Even though most conferences aren’t expected to have fans at their games, they would lose more money via television contracts if a tournament had to be scrapped.

For some, that would be a second straight season of conference tournament disruptions since the pandemic’s onset came in the midst of championship week last year.

Instead of tournaments, some coaches would like to see teams make up postponed games, but it is nearly impossible to make up everything at this point.

For example, No. 2 Baylor has had six Big 12 games postponed, including both against West Virginia.

With the unbalanced schedules, the tournaments might also be the only equitable way to ensure all teams in a conference

of date and time changes due to the volatility of circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 crisis and in keeping with both local and national health recommendations and guidelines.

Major comes to the Sun Devils after two productive years with the Xavier Musketeers.

As a freshman in 2018, Major won BIG EAST Freshman of the Year, was Second Team All-BIG EAST and was also named Baseball America’s Preseason BIG EAST Freshman of the Year. He hit .291 with

get a shot at making the big dance. “Given what these kids have already dealt with all season long, do you really want to take that opportunity away?

The answer to that is probably not,” Creighton coach Greg McDermott said.

“Fortunately, there are people a lot smarter than me that are going to make those decisions. Like usual, I’ll just do what I’m told.”

Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski is in favour of the ACC tournament for two reasons — it is one of the oldest in the country and the automatic bid might be the Blue Devils’ only shot to make the field.

“The ACC tournament is such an important thing.

I would want that more than making up a game during that time because of how important that is for our conference than a singular game,” he said.

Louisville coach Chris Mack believes some teams

a pair of home runs and 21 RBI. Defensively in centrefield, he did not make an error in the outfield all season.

On the mound he posted a 4.96 ERA with 54 strikeouts in 16 appearances, including eight starts.

As a sophomore, he started 51 games and hit .281 with seven home runs and 34 RBI. Major told SB Nation that he wants to build closer ties with baseball in the Bahamas by participating in the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby In Paradise or

will opt out of their conference postseason if they have an NCAA berth secured.

However, Kentucky coach John Calipari said teams opting out this year could have negative effects down the road.

Calipari doesn’t hide his disdain for conference tournaments but does see the value in them. “If the best teams in conferences opt out, the NCAA would probably come back and say your winner is not going to be an automatic bid. And so, why wouldn’t we do it every year, the top four or five teams in our league just say we’re opting out of the tournament so that we get one more team in. So, I don’t think that will be the case,” he said.

“I think that either we’ll all play or there will be a reason – and the reason would be the safety of the players and the coaches – that we wouldn’t play.”

participating on a national team.

“Yes, I’m always trying to go back,” Major said.

“I haven’t been back since baseball took off, I think I was eight or nine. I was planning on playing for their national team in the Pan American Games (in 2018).”

In the Southland Conference, Duante Stuart and his Northwestern State University Demons are slated to open their season February 19 in a three-game series.

The Demons were picked to finish fifth in the league’s

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Wes Moore knows his fourth-ranked North Carolina State team has talent.

He just wants the Wolfpack to play a little, well, meaner.

Jumping all over Clemson yesterday was a good start.

Kayla Jones scored 21 points and N.C. State beat Clemson 86-65, regrouping from an upset loss over the weekend to unranked rival North Carolina.

The Wolfpack (13-2, 8-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) scored the game’s first 12 points on the way to a 17-2 lead in the opening 5 1/2 minutes. It was the edge that Moore is wanting to see from his team as it pushes deeper into February, particularly following the UNC loss.

“We’ve got unbelievable young people on this team,” Moore said. “The downside of that is sometimes they can’t maybe have that Dr Jekyll-Mr Hyde-type mentality. When you step between the lines, you have to have a little bit of a mean side, whatever, to compete.

“We’re going to get everybody’s A-game and they’re going to come at us.

We can’t be on our heels. ... So that was the biggest thing: We need some people to get mad, you know?”

Jones outscored the Tigers in the opening period (11-9) and tallied 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting by halftime. N.C. State finished the game shooting nearly 52 percent while making 10 of 21 3-pointers, securing a 12th straight win in the series with that streak now stretching back more than a decade.

preseason poll.

They went 12-4 in the COVID19-shortened 2020 season and were 2-1 in their lone Southland Conference series, taking two of three from Abilene Christian.

Stuart started all 16 games at second base as a true freshman.

He was one of three Demons to swipe three bases and finished third on the team in batting average with .281. He went on a nine-game hit streak from February 16 to March 1 and doubled in three straight games February 26-29.

SPORTS

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Friday, February 12, 2021, PAGE 15

Chelsea, Southampton reach FA Cup quarters LONDON (AP) — Tammy Abraham put Chelsea into the FA Cup quarterfinals yesterday by scoring the second-half winner in a 1-0 victory over second-tier club Barnsley, which missed several chances to stage an upset.

Abraham tapped in from close range in the 64th minute after a low cross from Reece James to set up a quarterfinal against Sheffield United.

Southampton also advanced after a 2-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Danny Ings and Stuart Armstrong netting a goal each.

Chelsea remained undefeated in five games under Thomas Tuchel, but was made to work hard for the win against a team that is 13th in the second-tier Championship.

Callum Brittain missed two chances to give Barnsley the lead in the first half.

The midfielder’s closerange effort from Alex Mowatt’s cross in the 10th minute forced a superb reaction save from Kepa Arrizabalaga. Then his shot following a clever corner routine just before halftime was deflected off target.

In between, Chelsea was denied a penalty by referee Martin Atkinson.

Abraham galloped onto Billy Gilmour’s through ball and Barnsley defender Toby Sibbick caught the Chelsea striker’s foot as he slid in for a goal-saving challenge.

Chelsea had not managed an effort on target by the hour mark but took the lead when James ran down the right flank and squared for Abraham to sidefoot

into an empty net. Replays showed Abraham may have been offside when James played the ball across, but there is no VAR used in the FA Cup. Abraham then rescued Chelsea at the other end, bailing out Arrizabalaga.

The Blues goalkeeper failed to get anywhere near a free kick into the area but Abraham was on hand to head Barnsley substitute Michael Sollbauer’s hooked effort off the goal-line from under the crossbar.

American forward Daryl Dike came off the bench in the 59th minute to make his debut for Barnsley. The 20-year-old Dike is on loan from MLS club Orlando City.

The draw for the quarterfinals handed Premier League leader Manchester City an away game at

CHELSEA’s head coach Thomas Tuchel, right shakes hands with match winner Tammy Abraham at the end of the English FA Cup fifth round soccer match against Barnsley at the Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, England, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Dave Thompson) Everton, which beat Tottenham 5-4 after extra time on Wednesday.

In another intriguing matchup, Manchester United was handed a trip to Leicester. The two teams are second and third,

respectively, in the Premier League and drew 2-2 when they last met on Boxing Day. Southampton will travel to Championship side Bournemouth. Ings ended a five-game goal drought by giving Southampton the

lead in the 49th minute and Armstrong sealed the result in stoppage time after a mistake by goalkeeper John Ruddy. The quarterfinals are scheduled to take place over the weekend of March 20-21.

BAYERN’S BENJAMIN PAVARD, second left, celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the Club World Cup final against Tigres at Education City stadium in Qatar, yesterday. (AP)

BAYERN MUNICH BEATS TIGRES 1-0 TO WIN CLUB WORLD CUP DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Bayern Munich beat Tigres 1-0 to win the Club World Cup yesterday for its sixth title under coach Hansi Flick, hours after midfielder Thomas Müller tested positive for the coronavirus.

In front of a masked, socially distanced crowd, Benjamin Pavard scored the only goal in the 59th minute in a comfortable game for the Champions League winner against Mexico’s Tigres, the first team from North and Central America to reach the world final.

Müller wasn’t there to celebrate with the team, though. Bayern and FIFA said he was moved into isolation after his positive test was revealed. Their statements didn’t

address how Müller might have been infected or whether any other players had close contact with him.

“It’s a shame he can’t be here and I hope he’s back soon,” striker Robert Lewandowski said in televised comments. “In football something like this can happen and you have to not accept it but adapt to it, and show your best football.”

Bayern adds the title to its haul of the German league and cup, the Champions League and the European and German Super Cups under Flick within the last year.

Two video reviews changed the course of the game. The first ruled out a goal after deeming that the

THE CLUB World Cup trophy. (AP)

offside Lewandowski was interfering with play when he jumped over Joshua Kimmich’s goalbound shot in the 18th minute.

The second review gave Benjamin Pavard the opening goal, overturning another offside call against Lewandowski, who had challenged the goalkeeper before the ball bounced free for Pavard to knock into the net.

Both teams had players who featured in Mexico’s surprise win over Germany at the 2018 World Cup. A similar upset was never on the cards.

Tigres came closest to scoring in its own net when a misplaced headed backpass was stopped on the goal line by keeper Nahuel Guzmán.

Bayern’s win extended Europe’s run of consecutive Club World Cup wins to eight, highlighting European clubs’ vast financial advantage over the rest of the world.

Leroy Sané could have scored another for Bayern, but his 34thminute shot brushed the bar on its way over.

Egyptian club Al Ahly secured third place with a 3-2 win on penalties over South American champion Palmeiras after the game finished 0-0. The format didn’t include extra time.

Al Ahly’s third place was the best result by an African team at the Club World Cup since Morocco’s Raja Casablanca lost the 2013 final to Bayern Munich.