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Volume: 119 No.73, March 8, 2022

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DEADLY RISKS OF RELEASE ON BAIL

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle said yesterday it appears that getting bail for murder “is almost certain death” adding that there are people in the country who are willing to use lethal force to settle their disputes.

He said the mindset of the Bahamian people has to change.

His comments come after a triple shooting incident occurred in Millar’s Heights off Carmichael Road on Saturday. Police said two men and a woman had to be taken to hospital after being

WSC WARNS CUSTOMERS IN ARREARS MUST PAY UP

shot by a lone gunman.

However, one of the men later died of his injuries.

The murdered victim was Franklyn Glinton, who was charged with the 2020 killing of 17-year-old Lavard McKenzie. Glinton and his co-accused were granted bail months after their arraignments.

When asked about how often people on bail are being killed, Commissioner Rolle pointed the media to crime statistics and explained to reporters that this is not something that just started to happen. He added it has been going on for “a while”.

SEE PAGE FIVE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Water & Sewerage Corporation is owed about $50m with 45,625 customers behind on their payments.

The corporation said the money it is owed increased from $38m in January 2020.

The corporation announced on Friday disconnections will resume on March 28.

Visna Armbrister, the public relations manager of WSC, told The Tribune yesterday: “The gist of it pretty much is that we haven’t disconnected in two years and our receivables, you know, SEE PAGE THREE

‘GOVT CAN’T AFFORD TO CAP FUEL RISES’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas has no short-term solutions for combating soaring energy and gas prices, a major fuel supplier’s chairman warned yesterday, adding that tax cuts were likely “off the table”.

Sir Franklyn Wilson,

FOCOL Holdings chairman, told Tribune Business that there was little to nothing that The Bahamas can do to offset forces outside its control as global oil prices as measured by the Brent crude index at one point struck $139 per barrel yesterday.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

START THE DAY WITH ENAMAE ENAMAE Brown is an unsung hero of the newspaper industry, having been a newspaper vendor for more than 30 years. A familiar face to many, for International Women’s Day today she becomes the front page news rather than just the one selling the papers. See FACE TO FACE on PAGE EIGHT for more about Miss Enamae, as she is known to her customers.

BOAT RAMMING POACHERS GIVEN JUST SIX MONTHS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

FUMING fishermen yesterday slammed a Supreme Court verdict, which effectively imposed just a one-month sentence on four Dominicans, as “a slap in the face” for those battling illegal poaching.

Paul Maillis, the National Fisheries Association’s (NFA) secretary, told Tribune Business the verdict was “unconscionable” and

HMBS Bahamas was rammed by poachers. “disheartening” for both Bahamian fishermen and the authorities given that it means foreign poachers - who rammed a Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) vessel in their desperation to escape - will

only have spent a total six months in prison.

While affirming that he has “the utmost respect” for the judiciary and legal system, he argued that the sentences - which imposed no fines - “send a message to poachers throughout the Caribbean and Latin America that The Bahamas does not take poaching seriously and you can get away with a very light sentence” if caught.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

THREE MORE KILLINGS IN JUST 24 HOURS

POLICE are investigating the murders of three men — one killed in Grand Bahama and two in New Providence.

Two of the killings took place on Sunday and one occurred yesterday.

SEE PAGE FIVE

PETER YOUNG: INHUMANITY TO MAN IN UKRAINE

- SEE PAGE NINE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Farmers’ plea as fire hits crops and livestock

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net LOCAL farmers on Abaco are calling for government intervention after losing livestock and food crops due to an ongoing fire at an “unmanaged” waste site off Cherokee Road.

Rev Charles Carey, a local farmer, told The Tribune yesterday that nearly a week after the fire broke out, the blaze was still not fully contained.

He said since the fire erupted, local farms in the area, including his own, have been threatened as well as natural wildlife.

“I met it burning (last) Wednesday and it’s still burning and moving to the southwest,” he said. “Two of my pigs died and I have over 200 chickens but only got one egg today so that’s going to be another loss there. Anytime they go through something like this because the fire came within ten feet of where I have the animals. I would think at least three other farmers besides myself may have been impacted.

“We were able to mitigate the losses this time, but last time I had substantial losses – 30 mangrove trees, my barn, equipment some of which I haven’t been able to replace yet, including a pump.”

According to Rev Carey,

the site, called the Cherokee Road Transfer Station, is located about six miles from Cherokee Sound - a small, quaint community on the island.

The local farmer said the waste station was installed in the area several years ago, but has not been properly managed since being in operation.

Because of mismanagement, Rev Carey said people often litter along the road and other surrounding areas and cause fires.

“The government... borrowed money from the IDB for waste management and decided to place what they call a garbage transfer station next to the farm. Now, my farm is in a co-operative area where there are probably 300 plucks, not all are active, but this is basically the farming belt for Abaco.

“So, they decided to put this garbage transfer station right next to my farm which was creating problems since the day they started. It’s not being managed and, as a result, people just come in and indiscriminately dump and then someone decides to light it.”

Rev Carey said the situation has left him disheartened, saying losses he incurred over the years as a result of the waste fires totalled over $60,000.

“I felt so discouraged yesterday that I didn’t even secure the farm and left it

and said I’m not coming back. It’s utility, lack of support and then the real danger that is causing it has been placed here by the government which has not taken the steps to correct the problem that was created.”

The Abaco resident also said he has reached out to several government officials on the matter, but noted nothing has been done.

However, he said it is now time for the government to intervene and make amends for past mistakes.

“The main dump is about six miles from here so it never made sense, aside from putting it in the middle of the farm area,” he added.

“To put it here, people was supposed to put their stuff into dumpsters and then trucks were supposed to move it to the main dump, but that never worked and the management has never been put in place. What I need now is for the government to clean up the dump site and block the road (leading to the waste site).”

Chairman of the Cherokee township Jacquelyn Estevez said she plans to visit the site today to conduct assessments and that the committee stood ready to provide assistance where necessary.

Environment Minister Vaughn Miller could not be reached for comment yesterday.

THE TRIBUNE

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 8, 2022, PAGE 3

WSC WARNS CUSTOMERS IN ARREARS MUST PAY UP

from page one

we need revenue, we need to be able to pay, we’re a business.”

Despite the disconnection pledge, WSC will work with customers to create a payment plan.

“That’s going to be based on what their current balance is and we will work with them to work out a plan that they’re able to

maintain,” Ms Armbrister said.

“We try to make it as palatable as possible for customers, but, of course, as you can imagine some of the accounts are pretty high because people have not been paying at all.”

WSC has been aiming to restart disconnections for some time. Last November, the company said disconnections, which were suspended in 2020

to help people cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, would resume on November 15, 2021.

However, Minister of Works and Utilities Alfred Sears later said WSC did not inform him before sending out that notice and he had not been able to take the matter to Cabinet.

WSC chairman Sylvanus Petty later said there would be no widespread

disconnection of water supply to customers behind on their bills.

The WSC said in a statement yesterday: “The corporation wishes to advise our valued customers that our first and foremost objective is to provide a consistent, high quality potable water supply to all of our customers across our beautiful archipelago. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,

the corporation has maintained our water supply and we have continuously worked with many of our customers to put in place payment plans to allow them to pay their bills as their means allow noting the financial impact many experienced during the peak of the pandemic.”

“The disconnection of customer’s water and sewerage services remains the absolute last option for

the corporation and we welcome customs who are experiencing financial difficulties to visit our offices in both New Providence and the Family Islands to arrange payment plans. We are particularly cognisant of the more vulnerable members of our community and the corporation will seek to work with all of our customers to achieve win-win solutions for us both.”

Sanctions ‘are already hitting’ Russian business in The Bahamas

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said sanctions from western countries on Russian businesses and oligarchs may already apply to the business interests they have in The Bahamas even though local authorities have implemented no sanctions of their own.

The United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada and a number of other countries have sanctioned Russia for its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

“The issue of what to do is probably (going to) be driven by the practicalities of this. One is the relationship with the United States and the European Union and then secondly our financial services sector,” Mr Mitchell told reporters yesterday.

“From what I’ve seen, there was a circular in my briefing from the lawyers,

the Bahamian lawyers or the Attorney General’s Office, which is that many of the banks and trust companies here are already dealing with individuals who have been sanctioned and institutions that have been sanctioned as if sanctions have been imposed by The Bahamas government.

And that is because in their home countries they may run afoul of the law if they do not apply the sanctions that have been applied in their home countries. So, that may already be happening in The Bahamas and it’s a question of catching up so to speak.

“Those await formal decisions that’s beyond my remit at the moment. Obviously we are concerned that we line up because this is what is really happening now, people have to line up on whose side you’re on, whether you’re on the good guys, bad guys side and our allies, the United States and the west, and so that’s where we’re lining up and we have to do in my view

things which are consummate with those facts.”

He also said: “The question of sanctions is really what is being begged at the moment and that has to do with the Prime Minister’s statement at CARICOM which is to see where, in the context of the CARICOM relationships, the other countries are gonna go with regard to sanctions. What I know is that it’s an evolving story and I’m briefing the parliamentary group this evening, the Cabinet in the morning and it’s an evolving story about what happens from there.”

Mr Mitchell could not say what the country will do about a Russian tanker that was denied entry into Canada and reportedly arrived in The Bahamas yesterday. According to Reuters, the Liberiaflagged Sovcomflot-owned oil tanker, SCF Neva, abruptly changed course and arrived in The Bahamas while carrying bunker fuel for Canada’s Irving Oil.

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell.

MITCHELL SAYS ‘HEADS MUST ROLL’ OVER BPL ANNOUNCEMENT

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net A SENIOR Cabinet minister has said “heads must roll” over Bahamas Power and Light’s “premature” announcement of a proposed increase in electricity costs due to rising fuel prices.

The announcement, which came in a press release from BPL last Monday, was rescinded an hour after it was released.

The next day, Works and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears said the government had not approved any rate increase for power, nor is it considering doing so.

This was also supported

by Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis who committed his administration to doing all it can to avoid “raising the cost of electricity”.

Yesterday, Foreign Affairs and Public Service Minister Fred Mitchell said it was “shocking” the power provider came to the decision without leave of the government.

“It is simply extraordinary that BPL would announce a rate increase without leave of the government,” Mr Mitchell said in a WhatsApp voice note.

“Shocking. Heads must roll in my view.”

Mr Davis and Mr Sears

spoke last week after the power provider advised consumers in the recalled press release that fuel costs would rise 3.2 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), warning some customers could see a rise of about $8, while others could pay $19 more on their electricity bills depending on consumption.

Mr Sears called the release of the press statement “premature”.

Changing subjects Mr Mitchell, Fox Hill MP, also said he believes there should be a Commission of Inquiry into the Free National Movement’s conduct while in office.

“It is imperative that we acknowledge that there needs to be a Commission of Inquiry with a single commissioner to look into all matters related to the governance under the FNM and, in particular, the conduct of our finances and the prosecution of Messrs (Shane) Gibson, (Frank) Smith and (Kenred) Dorsett. (It) must be done,” Mr Mitchell said.

Before these comments, the minister said he was of the view that the Davis administration needs to get a true valuation of the shares at the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

He said: “The pressure on the ground is enormous and the dissatisfaction widespread about the inability of

that company to execute the mandate of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. They do not appear to have the capital or the talent to take the city any further. The government had an agreement with the Port when we were last in office between 2012 and 2017 and we passed an Act in pursuance of that agreement to promote the development of the city.

“It was left on the books, but never enforced by the Free National Movement when they went to office

and now, we have a mandate again and it’s left lagging.

“Two things have happened. First the FNM came to power and in concert with the Port drafted a bill to reverse all that the PLP had agreed with them and then they never enacted it.

“The problem is that the FNM did nothing to force the PLP’s commitments even though they didn’t pass their own bill. They let the Port simply slide. The result is today the roads are in a state of disrepair.

There’s no airport and the tourism infrastructure is in shambles.”

“So, you get the impression that this is being run - the Grand Bahama Port Authority is a family business and assets are being liquidated and all that is being done is really to keep things going at a bare minimum,” Mr Mitchell said.

“I guess that’s why Darren Cooper and his business people are on the streets and we support that.

“Some were making

noise about the fact that Ginger Moxey, the minister for Grand Bahama, was not at the demonstration last week. Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, Ginger Moxey is a minister. She doesn’t have to demonstrate.

“She can act and I assure the people of Grand Bahama that even though you don’t like the PLP, you voted against us, we are going to act in the national interest to save Grand Bahama.”

PAGE 4, Tuesday, March 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Laroda optimistic of NIB deal with staff despite stalled talks

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net STATE Minister Myles Laroda, responsible for the National Insurance Board, says he is optimistic that a new contract between the agency’s board and staff will soon be finalised even though negotiations between the two parties have stalled.

Mr Laroda was contacted yesterday after the Public Managers Union (PMU), which represents NIB employees, held a meeting outside the agency’s quarters yesterday, reminding staff to hold the board’s feet to the fire so their outstanding issues could be resolved.

The PMU has in recent months been calling for NIB to finalise its industrial agreement, which it says expired over two years ago.

“All we ask for is that we be compensated for our services,” PMU President Cassandra CartwrightLewis said yesterday.

While most terms outlined in the new labour contract have been approved by NIB, board members are disputing the union’s proposed salary increases and bonus incentives.

“Negotiations for a replacement agreement began in June 2020, with the latest round of discussions between NIB and the PMU held on Tuesday, March 1, 2022,” NIB said in a statement yesterday.

“Unfortunately, NIB and the PMU remain at an impasse due to the failure to arrive at an agreed position on two outstanding articles which relate to salary increases and the payment of bonuses to eligible staff members and whether or not the payment of a bonus to staff ought to be linked to an objective

A UNION meeting led by the president of the Public Managers Union, Cassandra Cartwright-Lewis, yesterday.

Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff “Our reality is no difthe most vulnerable in our He said: “The one thing and measurable corporate ferent than the 22 months society who, some of them, that could get in the way performance metric.

“NIB is principally of the that the FNM had to put for years have not got any of fair negotiations on view that the payment of an agreement in place. income and their only both sides is the removal of bonus ought to be linked to We are just emerging out source of income is NIB labour and I say that former the financial performance of a double whammy of and this is affecting them and present in terms of the numeration of employees, of NIB. PMU, on the other COVID, plus the economic greatly.”

This comes amid claims public sector employees – hand, is not fully receptive fallout from it,” he told The Tribune. that some NIB employees notwithstanding the severe to this view.”

“There are sometimes have recently been on a shocks, economic shocks This was backed by Mr that have occurred, no govLaroda yesterday, who said bumps in the road, but we sick-out.

When asked about the ernment employees have while the government is will negotiate in good faith, committed to conducting but in negotiations not eve- issue yesterday, Mr Laroda been sent home due to that fair negotiations, work- ryone will get everything said while he has heard and those who are workers must also be reminded they want, but hopefully similar reports, he could not ing from home remotely have been paid while a of the financial restraints there are things both sides confirm them.

However, he condemned large number of the public plaguing the country given can claim victory on, but Hurricane Dorian and again, my main point is such actions, saying the did not have that luxury of there has to be a balance. move is a slap in the face to being paid on a monthly COVID-19’s impact.

“We have to balance the many hurting Bahami- basis.

Because of this, the state “I am all for fair negominister said NIB must strike employees who are seeking ans who are forced to wait a balance so it can meet all of better packages and I get it, in line for hours to get assis- tiations, but it gets a bit its financial obligations. but we also have to consider tance from the agency. disappointing at times when

we see the most vulnerable people – some of them who have not worked in over two years are being further frustrated and you know we have managers that are involved, you know the leaders of the industry,” he said.

Meanwhile, NIB said yesterday that inadequacies with its computer system were largely to blame for delayed customer service, adding it hoped to resolve negotiations soon so it could “devote its full attention” to improving customer service and internal operations.

Yesterday, Mr Laroda was also asked to respond to claims made by the union that the Davis administration had hired an “inordinate number of persons” since being elected to office.

However, he insisted that new hires were engaged by the government to fill vacant positions.

“While the union is making statements that we are hiring all of these people — and I would admit that we would’ve made some hires — just as there are people who would’ve retired and would’ve left for other opportunities,” said Mr Laroda.

“The red herring as to who NIB is hiring as the fall back onto these increases in bonuses, I think the public could understand that due to people leaving, different skill sets and election has consequences because every government in this country has what we can say their people put in place in positions and I don’t think the last government nor this one, there has been any (widespread) redundancy of staff. Everybody has been paid within the legal means and we continue to do the same notwithstanding our present situation.”

AGREEMENT SIGNED FOR KIPLING COMPLEX BY UNIVERSITY

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas-North signed an agreement yesterday to acquire the Kipling Complex for its new campus in downtown Freeport.

The historic signing is a realisation of “seven years of visioning” by UB, and its ongoing negotiations with Vereance & Company, owned by the late Havard Cooper Sr and his family.

UB North’s $11m campus in East Grand Bahama was destroyed by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, leaving hundreds of students and faculty displaced for the past two years.

Dr Ian Strachan, president of UB-North, was at the forefront of the negotiations for the acquisition of the two-story four-building complex located in the heart of downtown for development of a new campus in Freeport.

Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister for Grand Bahama

THE SIGNING of the agreement yesterday.

Photo: Andrew Miller/BIS Ginger Moxey, and Henry St George, executive director of Port Group Ltd, and the Cooper family attended the event.

Ms Hanna Martin said the occasion “signifies important national progress.”

She stated that the UB downtown campus will be a companion for the soon to be constructed research facility at the original campus in East Grand Bahama.

“This university is the product of an early envisioning by our founding fathers who saw that the

Bahamian people could move from the limitation of a grade six learning barrier pre-1967 to boundless realms of higher learning to PHDs and an entire range and scope of post graduate study and specialisations,” she said.

She said her father, the late AD Hanna, was one of those early fathers of the nation who saw and imagined the possibilities and who understood the meaning of a university such as UB. “It is ironic that we are here today on what would have been his 94th birthday,” she said.

“This announcement today represents a rising up out of the shambles of destruction and chaotic force that represents both nature’s fallout and manmade economic failings.

Today is a strong message to our nation,” she said.

“University of The Bahamas is a driving force for our positive national development. With God’s help, we are seeing the dawning of a new day for Grand Bahama and the nation in general.”

Dr Rodney Smith, UB president, said the renovation of the complex will immediately begin to transform the immediate area.

He stated that the International Building has been a landmark for both locals and visitors.

“I am confident that the university will bring that prestige back to the complex and it will become a hub of transformation and revitalisation,” Dr Smith said.

Dr Smith noted that before the devastation and loss of the UB-North

campus, caused by Hurricane Dorian, they were planning for a downtown campus to better serve the working and commuter students.

“After Hurricane Dorian, we became even more certain that UB-North needed a home in downtown Freeport, and that the home must be the Kipling Complex,” he said, thanking Dr Strachan for his vision and perseverance in yesterday’s manifestation.

He believes UB’s presence there will encourage growth and bring economic boost to businesses in the downtown area and attract new businesses.

Dr Smith added: “Even more partners are needed now to help build a university campus that will meet the needs of Grand Bahama and the Northern Bahamas.”

Allyson Maynard Gibson, chair of UB’s board of trustees, said the acquisition of the Kipling Complex is a milestone in the growth and development of UB and UB-North, in particular.

“We have been collectively working to develop a world-class university system that not only moves The Bahamas towards a progressive path, but equips its citizens to create and seize opportunities in a dynamic world. A world where creativity, imagination and an ability to adapt are key. Today’s signing of a purchase and sale agreement for the Kipling Complex is yet another step in the positive trajectory for UB-North, the city of Freeport, Grand Bahama and The Bahamas at large,” she said.

Dr Strachan said that he promised students of UB-North following the destruction of the campus in EGB that the institution would return bigger and better than before.

“Thanks to the effort of so many people, including the Cooper family, and the university’s board of trustees under the capable leadership of our chair Allyson Maynard-Gibson, that promise will be kept,” he said.

EQUALITY BAHAMAS HOSTS EVENTS FOR WOMEN’S DAY EQUALITY Bahamas is hosting a series of events as it observes International Women’s Day and facilitates civic participation in the building of the national gender machinery.

In a press release, the group said The Bahamas has yet to properly structure and resource the national gender machinery. As a result, Equality Bahamas is identifying and compiling existing tools to move The Bahamas toward gender equality.

“This month, we are building on our activities during the Global 16 Days Campaign, familiarising community members with the tools and practices that are critical to — and should be developed and promoted by the national gender machinery which is

the Department of Gender and Family Affairs,” said Alicia Wallace, director of Equality Bahamas.

“We raised awareness of international mechanisms and critical documents that remain in draft form or have been shelved for years. People are talking about proposals and calling for immediate implementation, but we need to increase understanding of their contents, recognition of their gaps, and participation in consultations to improve them.”

Equality Bahamas issued six demands during the Global 16 Days Campaign.

They included the update and implementation of the National Strategic Plan to End Gender-based Violence, full compliance with the Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), full compliance with Belém do Pará, and criminalisation of marital rape.

The events in March 2022 will familiarise participants with the named international mechanisms and documents and create opportunities for members of the public to engage experts and practitioners, ask questions, and make recommendations to improve draft documents and accelerate progress toward gender equality and a world free of violence.

“We reiterate our demand that the government meet its obligations to the people of The Bahamas.

It needs to accelerate legislative reform, including the immediate criminalization

of marital rape, calling it rape. Prioritise the protection and expansion of women’s human rights and address the specific needs of women, girls, and people in situations of vulnerability,” said Ms Wallace.

Upcoming Equality Bahamas events include an interactive workshop on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 with Aneesah Abdullah, Office of the United Nations resident coordinator and Allicia Rolle, SDG Unit, on March 9 at 6pm; a discussion on the Sexual Offences Act and proposed amendments to criminalise marital rape with Marion Bethel, CEDAW Committee member, on March 15 at 6pm, and a review of the draft gender policy with Gaynel Curry, human

rights expert, on March 19 at 10am.

All registration links can be found at facebook.com/ equality242.

In a separate statement, Dr Sandra Dean-Patterson, director of the Crisis Centre, noted the strides Bahamian women have made in observance of International Women’s Day 2022.

“We marvelled at the sight when following (the election) on September 16, 2021, the Parliament saw a record number of women elected to serve. Women now account for 17 percent of the 39 seats in the House of Assembly,” she said.

These women are on record pledging their support of women’s rights, gender equality, and the rights of the child and doing

their part to continue to uplift and empower women throughout The Bahamas, Dr Patterson said.

“We also highlight the recent accomplishments of women in the region and the Americas - the Hon Mia Mottley who was the first woman of Barbados to be voted in as Prime Minister in 2018; and first Prime Minister as Barbados transitions into a Republic within the Commonwealth of Nations on November 30, 2021.

“And Kamala Harris who became the first woman elected to national office in the United States – as its Vice President during the November 2020 election.

Again proving that women continue to break barriers in an ever-changing global village.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 8, 2022, PAGE 5

Deadly risks of release on bail

from page one “I don’t have any control over the decisions of the courts,” the police chief said. “I stay in my lane, but we know for a fact that persons charged with serious offences - particularly murder and get bail - we’ve seen too much within a matter of weeks that they’re being shot and killed… I think somebody said some time ago that getting bail for murder is almost certain death and I would hope that all of us, those responsible will take those things (on board). But you know people are entitled to apply for bail.

“The part of the problem is people get bail and they go right back into these same communities where the reality is we have persons, too many, in this country that are willing to

THREE MORE KILLINGS IN JUST 24 HOURS from page one

use lethal force to settle their disputes and that mindset of the Bahamian people has to change.”

“Let me put it like this — judge me on my responsibility. I’m required to keep The Bahamas safe to prevent crime and where crime is not prevented, is committed, to investigate and to bring persons to justice. Ask whether I am doing that and the police are doing that. I say yes.

“I cannot and will not speak for the Department of Public Prosecutions or the courts — that’s not my lane. You could go and speak to the director of public prosecutions; find out from his views and the chief justice, but as far I’m concerned the police officers are doing an excellent job in meeting our mandate and we will continue to do that.

Once the matter is placed before the courts that’s out

of my hands. I move on to the next matter.”

The commissioner also addressed comments circulating online, and said he doesn’t “deal with social media”.

“We give you the facts, so take your facts from the Commissioner of Police and

my press officer Mr Audley Peters, he attends those scenes on my behalf... he is my voice piece. We have seen a lot of information on social media and you know we have freedom of speech.

Unfortunately, persons use that to spread rumors, assertions, and lies.”

“I want to encourage the media to stop paying attention to those things and to listen to the true facts until you can prove us wrong.”

Commissioner Rolle also said that on Wednesday, his policing plan is going to be presented in Parliament.

categories now under the Sexual Offences Act where it talks about unlawful sex and you have categories where the female (is) under the age of 13; female between the age of 13 and 16. You have where unlawful sex where you have with a male under the age of 18 having sex with somebody under 13 or under 16 and then those between 14 and 16 sorry, and then you have where an individual who is 21 or older having sexual intercourse with a female between 14 to 16 or under 14 and then you have the definition of rape.

“And that definition of rape does not signify whether the person is your wife or your girlfriend or your boyfriend. It gives a strict definition of rape and I think we need to start there. The issues within the home and the marriages as to what goes on there are other provisions for those.

That’s why we have one is the Sexual Offences Act

and the second part of it is the Domestic Violence Act. The legislators will have to determine what that will be.

We in law enforcement will enforce the law, whatever it looks like.”

Commissioner Rolle spoke a day after Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe said if the goal of criminalising marital rape is to get convictions, then the government “better call it something other than rape”. Mr Munroe made the remarks at a Progressive Liberal Party Men’s Branch meeting on Sunday.

Prime Minister Philip Davis also said previously that “rape is rape” and it was possible the issue of marital rape could be dealt with legislatively by his administration during this term in office.

Back in November 2021, Mr Rolle added his opinion to the public discourse as incidents of assaults and domestic abuse had sparked outrage in persons

and brought more attention to the issues.

When asked if there was an increase in certain sexual offences, the commissioner responded by WhatsApp back then: “I don’t have those figures. I am simply voicing my opinion on the public debate.

“The knee jerk reaction is like this is something new. Whether an increase or decrease is really not the issue. It has to be condemned otherwise it will continue unabated.”

He tweeted from his Twitter account that rape, marital rape, date rape, unlawful sex and, of course incest, “all speaks to the volume of this problem”.

“No more tolerance for the abuse that existed for years unchecked. Truth is, many of us are products of rape. We need change now!

Rape is not statute barred.”

Statistics released by Commissioner Rolle in February show there was a seven percent increase in rape with 48 matters reported in 2021 and 45 the year before. There was an increase in the category of attempted rapes, with six last year and five in 2020, representing an increase of 20.

Unlawful sexual intercourse declined by 23 percent with 125 in 2021 compared with the 163 that were reported in 2020.

POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle pictured yesterday.

Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff

‘RAPE IS RAPE’ SAYS COMMISSIONER

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle has said “rape is rape” and his officers will enforce the law “whatever that looks like”.

The police chief went on to list the provisions under the law as well as highlighting the definition of rape.

He was asked about a tweet he made last year about there being no more tolerance for date rape and marital rape.

“What I said is what I meant. I don’t get into this marital rape or you know unmarried rape (debate).

Rape is rape. The Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, well the Sexual Offences Act as well as the Penal Code give definition of rape. That hasn’t changed and so I would encourage the media in this discussion to look at the definition,” he told reporters yesterday.

“There are several

PROBE LAUNCHED INTO CLAIMS OF OFFICIAL BEING BEATEN BY POLICE

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle confirmed yesterday an investigation is underway into claims from a Cat Island local government official that he was beaten by officers in Long Island and denied medical attention after the ordeal.

Mr Rolle, however, said the fact the official now faces charges after he was later accused of having committed a number of offences following his formal complaint of the incident to the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Complaints and Corruption Unit is a separate issue.

Jason Jasper Russell, 25, told The Tribune last week he was assaulted by officers in Long Island on February 19 and upon his release, he flew to New Providence where he sought medical attention for a facial injury, chest and head trauma, a back injury and abrasions about the body.

The ordeal unfolded on Long Island during what was supposed to be a trip to a local hangout spot to meet his girlfriend’s parents. He alleged the assault

came at the hands of plain clothes officers as well as one officer in uniform.

Asked about the matter yesterday following an event when senior commanders of the Royal Bahamas Police Force read to students at Eva Hilton Primary School, the Commissioner said two separate issues were at play.

“No, I’m not following that up,” Mr Rolle said when he was asked by The Tribune if he had been following the situation. “The matter was investigated and he was given leave to return and when he returned, he was charged.

It’s nothing nefarious about that. That is procedure. I instructed them to let him go as opposed to keeping him in custody where we had nowhere comfortable.

“During that absence he went and made his complaint. One has nothing to do with the other, okay? Let’s focus on the fact that a complaint was made. There was a prima facie case against him and he was charged. That is the issue.

“Now, he made a complaint against the police officers, I’m advised, and

that is being investigated.

Two separate incidents.”

Mr Russell last week also raised questions about the charges he now faces.

“I need help at this point because they are trying to falsely accuse me because if I really did do something they would have charged me and sent me to court. They know I did nothing.

“I have never been in trouble. I’ve been away to school in America and all of that and the same day I go to meet my girlfriend’s parents, I get in problems?

“You think I would act bad in front of people I just met to leave a bad impression?”

At the time, he told The Tribune he feared his reputation could be tarnished in the long run.

“I am a local government representative. I have my own business. I was a tourist in Long Island and I don’t even move like that.

“I am a licenced aircraft technician and a marine technician. I started my business. I help with the family business.”

Mr Russell last week called for a full investigation into what had transpired.

According to police, authorities were called to an establishment in the West End community of Grand Bahama after 9pm on Sunday where there were reports that an argument involving a group of people led to a man being shot in his upper thigh.

The man died of his injuries after he was taken to the West End Community Clinic. Police said three men and a woman are assisting them in the investigation.

The victim is said to be Franklin “Tones” Bowleg.

His mother, Joy Wilchcombe, told ZNS North that her son had been shot shortly after a phone call with his twin brother who lives overseas.

She said the family is in shock about the killing and want justice.

“I cannot believe my son is dead. . .the doctor said his vital signs them was good. . but she said he’s gone, he didn’t make it. That’s something that will (haunt) me for the rest of my life. . .I love my child just like any other mother love their child,” she said.

In the second incident, a man was stabbed on Fritz Lane in New Providence shortly before 8pm on Sunday. The man was taken to the hospital, where he died. Initial investigations show the victim got into an argument with another man who produced a broken bottle and stabbed him several times before fleeing the scene.

The latest incident happened shortly before 2pm yesterday on Fifth Street, Coconut Grove, in New Providence. Officers found a man lying next to a vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The man was taken to the hospital

by Emergency Medical Services where he later died.

Police said initial investigations indicate the victim was repairing a vehicle when a gunman approached and shot him several times. The suspect then fled the scene heading east on foot toward Fourth Street.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call police at 919, 5029991 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS.

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PAGE 6, Tuesday, March 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

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A slap in the face for Bahamian fishermen COULD there be a better example of the need for tougher sentences?

Last October, members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force caught a fishing vessel poaching in Bahamian waters.

In the process, the RBDF ship, HMBS Bahamas, was rammed by the poachers as they tried to get away.

On board the vessel, officers found 5,420 pounds of hogfish, 2,213 pounds of Nassau grouper, 11,267 pounds of whole lobster, 276 pounds of lobster tails and 1,685 pounds of other fish. The ship also had a compressor and spearguns in violation of the law, and some suspected illegal narcotics too.

Five people were detained, although one subsequently died while in prison.

That left four to be sentenced. Yesterday, the Supreme Court handed down a verdict that effectively amounted to one month in prison. The poachers will ultimately have only spent a total of six months in prison for violating Bahamian waters and breaking our laws on fishing in a flagrant manner.

The Attorney General’s office even took the case to the Supreme Court in the hope of a stronger sentence being issued than was allowed in the Magistrate’s Court. And here we have what has been termed a “slap in the face” for Bahamian fishermen. All we’ve done is likely increased the costs of bringing the case by taking it to a higher court.

It’s more than a slap in the face, however. What’s the point of sending out all these vessels to patrol our waters if the penalty on those who are caught is barely worth the time and effort in court?

The Fisheries Act does offer more substantial penalties – with fines of up to $500,000 and prison sentences of up to five years for various breaches of the act. But that’s not what a crew that was willing to ram a military vessel in a bid to force their way to freedom received.

As National Fisheries Association secretary Paul Maillis said: “It sends a message to poachers in the Caribbean and Latin America that the Bahamas does not take poaching seriously, and they can get away with a very light sentence… why would a Bahamian commercial fisherman even report poaching if they know nothing happens to them, and they get to go free back home to their country while suffering no financial loss, and simply get to board another

boat to come back to The Bahamas?

There’s no cost to them.”

Why, indeed? Minister of Agriculture Clay Sweeting insisted after the verdict that the government has a “no nonsense” approach to taking on poachers and that the Attorney General’s office was looking into whether there were grounds to appeal.

Let’s see how far that no nonsense approach will go – how about revising the act itself to stiffen the penalties that poachers face? With that amount of fish on board, would even a $500,000 fine be a significant deterrent? Perhaps both the fines and the jail time should be revisited, so that we no longer give out the message that we’re a soft touch.

Rising costs You can’t stop a hurricane by shouting at it, but that seems to be the approach we’re taking to the financial storm affecting the world right now.

As Sir Franklyn Wilson points out in today’s Tribune, there’s really not a lot that The Bahamas can do to deal with global oil prices soaring – they hit $139 per barrel yesterday. We’re not the oil producers, we’re just like many others consumers of a product that is going up and up in price.

So if the fuel price is going up at the pump, that’s really down to the global conditions rather than anything we can particularly do.

The same applies over at BPL, where sure, if we’d struck a deal earlier before the prices started shooting up, that might have helped, but those prices are going to rise, and pretending they’re not is not going to help.

Over at the Water and Sewerage Corporation, we have the warning about disconnections resuming. As the public relations manager says: “We need revenue, we need to be able to pay, we’re a business.”

WSC previously said in November that disconnections would resume but Minister of Works Alfred Sears said that announcement hadn’t been taken to Cabinet. Sound familiar? The same situation, more or less, happened with BPL this week.

We can’t just ignore the rising costs, no matter how unpopular they might be.

And the longer we do, the bigger the bill we’ll have to pay in the end.

Misinformed on NATO EDITOR, The Tribune.

THERE is a letter in February 28’s Tribune which refers to “hopefully the end of NATO”. To say the letter is naive in the understanding of world affairs is an understatement, it’s also grossly untrue and disingenuous.

To understand NATO and its role you have to study the historical context as to why NATO was formed. After the end of the second world war the USSR was a major threat to world peace. They had a tyrant and despot by the name of Joe Stalin as the Premier. Democracy in the USSR, like now in Russia, did Not exist. No one knows how many of his countrymen Stalin had exterminated - it ranges from six to nine million.

Putin is of the same ilk as Stalin. His opponents, whether in Russia or overseas, tend to die or simply disappear. Putin is a former officer in the KGB Russia’s secret service. He longs for the glory days of the old USSR and would like to expand Russia borders westwards.

He has absolute power in Russia and the old adage is

true “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”.

NATO was formed in 1949 specifically for three reasons. One to deter expansionism of the USSR, two to forbid the revival of nationalist militarism in Europe which Caused WW2, third to encourage European political unity (the European Union). The second and third reason was to prevent European countries going to war with each other and it succeeded brilliantly! Remember both WW’s started in Europe.

Without NATO Stalin’s relentless march westwards would have continued. He annexed a number of countries by shear aggression which became part of the USSR. Ukraine was one of them.

When the USSR disintegrated as All totalitarian regimes eventually do all these countries became independent countries again. Ukrainians got their identities back as sovereign citizens of Ukraine.

Putin is unstable and showing signs of paranoia and possible descent into lunacy. He has access to just under 6000 atomic weapons

which could wipe out the world. His chilling message recently aired basically stated he will use them if he feels threatened.

NATO has been a post war success story we have had relative peace with no major wars since its formation in 1949. That is 71 years without a world war.

We still have wars throughout the globe but these compared to world wars are skirmishes.

Now because of his paranoia and expansionism Putin has put at risk this relative peace and prosperity throughout the globe.

If he captures Ukraine and his forces carry on westward say into the Balkans the threat of a world war is very, very serious. A full on nuclear world war could wipe out billions of people and our whole way of life would be transformed.

NATO is there to protect the west and our civilization from dictators/mad men such as Putin and long may it reign.

When letters refer to history research is essential, not shooting from the hip.

THE REALIST Nassau, March 6, 2022.

Fish Fry at Arawak Cay EDITOR, The Tribune.

I SPENT a weekend evening at Fish Fry recently and I was taken aback by the health and safety concerns that are present at the fry. Notwithstanding these concerns Fish Fry has evolved into a cultural centre which offers authentic native Bahamian foods and drinks. It is the most popular recreational spot for Bahamians to hang-out, chill and taste incredible Bahamian foods such as conch salad and conch fritters, fish served in multiple ways and to enjoy cold drinks. As such, more attention and effort ought to be paid in improving the decor and environment of this Bahamian cultural hub.

Fish fry was developed in the late 1980s after an episode of conch poisoning on Potters Cay dock, the original popular spot.

Several vendors at Potters Cay relocated to Arawak Cay as a result of the conch poisoning episode in the late 1980’s that had greatly impacted their earnings at Potters Cay. In 1994 the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, vegetable and Food Vendors Association was established. The association was formed to set and maintain standards for food vendors at Arawak Cay and to advocate on behalf of vendors for improved conditions. In 2002 leases were granted to the vendors for their premises at Fish Fry. The leases facilitated the construction of multiple level buildings and the start of indoor dining. For the most part these buildings were not approved by the Town Planning Authority and most did not have bathrooms.

Many of the buildings at Arawak Cay were sublet to third parties, many of whom were non-Bahamians, which I believe is illegal as such activities are reserved exclusively for Bahamians.

This absentee ownership has in my opinion contributed to the lowering of health standards at the fry.

Moreover, many of the sub lessees or operators of the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net fish fry buildings rented out portions of the buildings to conch salad vendors many of whom again are non Bahamians and most of whom do not have potable water.

Fish Fry is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources and this government agency has overall responsibility for facilities at Arawak Cay. It is a pity that Fish Fry was allowed to develop so haphazardly. Structures were permitted to be constructed without the necessary safety and health procedures. This endangers the health of all patrons. It is now time for the agency responsible for Fish Fry to develop and enforce proper regulations to govern the activities at Arawak Cay. The most egregious criticism of the fish fry I have and heard about is the condition of or more accurately the absence of bathroom facilities. There are two public bathroom facilities at fish fry, one on the western end and the other located next to the police premises. The one adjacent to the police has been out of service for at least five months and the other at the western end has been out of service for a number of years dating back before the COVID pandemic. This is unacceptable and poses definite health risks as the patrons mostly use the outdoors to relieve themselves of everything.

How hard could it be to correct whatever the problems are in the public not having use of the bathrooms? Whether the problems are related to poor equipment or the absence of a maintenance schedule or whether there is a drainage issue these have to be addressed immediately. We, the public, deserve better.

I have seen scores of patrons both Bahamians and tourists on long lines waiting to use the

portable toilets that have been brought in. This is a poor substitute and should not be tolerated as a prolonged remedy. Again this is not the standard we expect.

It appears to me that in the absence of any clear regulations from the central government the Royal Bahamas Police Force has taken it upon itself to mandate terms on the fry.

I understand that it is a police mandate that Fish Fry is forced to close at 12 midnight. The fry being the cultural hub that it is ought to be open until at least 2am if only on weekends. The arbitrary 12 midnight closure time may be as the result of a lack of sufficient police manpower at the fry. If it is, the Commissioner of Police must ensure that Fish Fry is adequately staffed. At times there are thousands of patrons at the fry and the number of police assigned to keep the peace during these times seems inadequate to me.

There has already been a travel advisory in 2018 by the US State Department advising US citizens to stay clear of Arawak Cay at nights. These foreign advisories seem to be the only warnings that Bahamian officials respect or react to. This is shameful! The government needs to act now to protect the world renowned cultural phenomenon that is Fish Fry and its patrons.

Bahamians have invested heavily in making the fish fry at Arawak Cay a cultural and national attraction.

The government has also invested heavily in making the remainder of Arawak Cay located to the north east of Fish Fry a viable venue for the cultural expression for artisans, Junkanoo and the arts and craft. At the very least they ought to develop regulations that will encourage and facilitate these cultural expressions.

MAURICE TYNES Nassau, March 7, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 8, 2022, PAGE 7

Accused claims she was victim of acid attack

By PAVEL BAILEY

A WOMAN who was accused of causing damage and making death threats against her ex’s wife alleged she only committed the acts because she was a victim of an acid attack at the hands of the complainants.

Shacoya Davis, 34, appeared before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney on two counts of making threats of death and a separate charge of causing damage. This comes after Davis allegedly made threats against Christovia Lunn-Butler sometime between January 2021 – May 2021 and again on

December 8, 2021.

Davis is accused of threatening her romantic rival Mrs Lunn-Butler by saying she would kill her anytime she caught Mrs Lunn-Butler walking her dog and would also “shoot up her house”.

Davis was also charged with causing damage to her ex and Mrs Lunn-Butler’s husband Chico Butler’s car.

The court was told on February 28, 2022, while at AG Electrics, the accused intentionally damaged the front driver’s side door window of a pink 2012 Honda Life with a pickaxe.

The total value of damage to the vehicle was $300.

In court, Davis pleaded

guilty to all charges against her, but explained that she only acted this way after her ex, Mr Butler, and his wife allegedly threw acid at her. Davis further explained that her actions were largely reactionary to the months she claimed she was harassed by the Butlers.

Tamara Taylor-Storr, Davis’s attorney, gave additional context to her client’s situation by saying that since having acid splashed in her face and hands allegedly by the complainants, Davis has been facially disfigured and is still seeking treatment.

She said that Davis’ behaviour was the culmination of months of

frustration after being continually harassed over the phone by the complainants. Ms Taylor-Storr also expressed her client’s feelings that no justice had been carried out in relation to the attack, due to the court saying there was a lack of sufficient evidence to pursue charges.

While Davis had an assault charge in the past, Ms Taylor-Storr implored the court to have mercy on her client as she said that her client was the victim in all of this. She further said that Davis is remorseful for her actions and is a single self-employed mother.

She asked the court not to impose a custodial

sentence on her client.

Magistrate McKinney ordered Davis to pay the court $300 on the causing damage charge or spend one month in prison. The magistrate also placed Davis on 18 months probation for the threats of death charge. If she breaches probation, she could face a fine of $1,500 or six months in prison.

Magistrate McKinney warned Davis not to come into contact with the virtual complainants. If she does she will risk a $300 fine or six months behind bars.

At the end of her trial both Davis and her attorney stated their intention of pursuing charges for the alleged acid attack.

OFFICERS TESTIFY IN WEAPONS TRIAL AFTER FIREARM DISCOVERED

By PAVEL BAILEY

OFFICERS gave testimony yesterday in the ongoing weapons trial of three men.

Shepfield Rose, 25, Kirk Brennen, 22, and Patrick Carey, 27, all appeared before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney on charges of possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and possession of a component part of a firearm in relation to an incident on September 11, 2021.

Sergeant Paul Adderley, of Crime Scene Investigations, gave his testimony on that day’s events. He said around 3pm on the day in question, he with other

officers noticed the occupants of a grey two-door 2012 Honda Accord (L/P # AJ4900) with the windows down acting suspiciously on the corner of the Fox Hill roundabout. The two occupants of the car were later identified as Rose as the driver and Brennen as the passenger.

After officers asked them to step out of the vehicle and cautioned them that a search would be conducted for dangerous drugs and firearms, they discovered a grey tam in the hood of the vehicle concealing weapons. Sergeant Adderley identified these weapons as a black and grey G2C Taurus and G3C Taurus pistols

with both serial numbers erased, as well as a black 9mm extended magazine and 24 live rounds of 9mm ammunition.

In court, photographs of the weapons and car along with a label identifying the officer’s signature were shown as the firearm was still being processed.

Detective Sergeant Davis, during his testimony in court, indicated that the weapons were specifically found in the right corner interior wall frame of the car’s hood and transferred to Elizabeth Estates Police Station for safekeeping with his signature on them.

He also indicated that both suspects were extremely

calm during discovery of the weapons.

During cross-examination from the defendants’ lawyer Raquel Hyler asked D/S Davis how two of her clients were acting suspiciously to which he said they avoided eye-contact with the officers, while fidgeting and having quick discussions with each other in their seats.

Marco Wood was the final officer to give testimony in court saying that he heard Rose trying to shout out to his mother to contact someone named Rolle during the incident.

When prosecutor Inspector Timothy Bain asked about the suspects’ demeanour at the time of weapons

discovery, Officer Wood said Rose looked timid while Brennen looked sad.

He also said that he was unaware who the owner of the vehicle was.

In her cross-examination, Ms Hyler asked Officer Wood if he was certain it was Rose who was shouting to which he said no. This led to her saying that the officer was unaware of the fact that Brennen lived near the site of the arrest and as such Ms Hyler stated it was Brennen calling out to his mother not Rose.

She further asked if the officer could recall exactly what street the arrest took place on, to which Officer Wood said he could not recall.

MAN ADMITS DRUG AND CONTRABAND CHARGES

By PAVEL BAILEY

A MAN pleaded guilty to drug and contraband charges in Magistrates Court after these items were found at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services last month.

Deangelo Neeley, 34, of Poplar Street, appeared before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney yesterday for possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and taking prohibited articles into a correctional facility.

On February 5, police discovered a black plastic bag containing three clear plastic wraps of suspected drugs and contraband items at the female unit of BDCS. The drugs were later identified as one pound and eight ounces of Indian hemp, while the contraband included five Alcatel cell phones, 1 LTZ cell phone, three cartons of Aspen Blue cigarettes and one pack of Backwoods cigars.

The accused was later identified in connection with these items after his fingerprints were pulled from the evidence. Neely was officially arrested on these charges on March 3.

In court, Neely pleaded guilty to both charges.

The prosecutor, Inspector Timothy Bain, told the court the accused had a previous drug conviction from 2016.

Magistrate McKinney informed Neely he would be remanded until his sentencing today.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

PAGE 8, Tuesday, March 8, 2022

ON this International Women’s Day, we highlight an unsung hero in the newspaper industry.

A woman who has been on the ground, face-to-face with the Bahamian people every day, delivering them their daily digest of national news.

Her name is Enamae Brown – a newspaper vendor for more than 30 years.

She is well known and loved by her customers. When I visited her at her newspaper stand on Dolphin Drive, she was busy doing what she does best – putting a smile on the face of others.

You can tell that it’s more than just a job for her.

“Miss Enamae!” could be heard over and over as each customer stopped for their daily newspaper. Often when she sees a vehicle pull up, she knows exactly what they want. In some cases, they are coming for papers from previous days. She has past ones in stock to meet her customers’ needs.

She has been at the Dolphin Drive location ever since the road was opened. Before then, she sold newspapers on Collins

THE TRIBUNE

START THE DAY WITH ENAMAE

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

Avenue near Columbus Primary School.

But newspapers hasn’t been Enamae’s only career. She had an extensive career in telecommunications. Even then, Enamae found a resourceful way to still sell newspapers. She gained trusted clients, and she would deliver their newspapers directly to their homes. She also had offices and stores that purchased from her.

While working another job, Enamae somehow found time to get up just after 3am to go to The Tribune just as the printing press doors opened to the vendors. She would take to the streets and sell her newspapers. She would sell

out early, then go home and get dressed for her main job, which required an eight-hour shift.

She did all of this to raise her daughter, who is now an adult.

Enamae was born in Nassau.

Her family moved about for a while but her main stomping ground is Honeycomb Street and Thompson Lane, off East Street.

She was graduated from Government High School and went directly into the workforce.

It was 1985 when she started selling newspapers. She recalls a woman who was an amputee in a wheelchair and her husband, who were veteran newspaper sellers, encouraged her to give it a try.

HISTORIC DEAL SIGNED OVER LIGHTHOUSE THE Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society, a Bahamian non-profit organisation, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding last month with the Bahamas Port Department, Ministry of Transport and Housing.

The signing on February 18 represents the first time the Port Department has partnered with a community-based organisation to oversee a Bahamian lighthouse.

Historically, while the Port Department has been responsible for lighthouses and navigation aids, it has relied on the Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society to oversee for the Elbow Reef Light station’s lighttower and its outbuildings.

The society, managed by a team of five women, has already been directing and overseeing all aspects of the restoration and reconstruction of this important light station.

The agreement encourages the Port

Department to secure a yearly upkeep and maintenance budget for the Light Station.

Society treasurer Marjorie Chapman said: “This MOU solidifies a partnership that has been developing since the 1990s. Over the years of our organisation’s service, we have earned the government’s trust and confidence in our ability to manage the site, keep the light non-automated, and make necessary improvements. The Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society is deeply vested in the future preservation of the light station.”

Elbow Reef Lighthhouse Society directors (back row) Marjorie Chapman, treasurer; DP Patterson, secretary; Heather Forde-Prosa, president; with (front row) Senior Commander Berne Wright, Acting Port Controller; Permanent Secretary Antionette Thompson and JoBeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Transportation and Housing.

Enamae was impressed that seem to dwindle and people even with one leg, the woman return to work and children to was industrious and well loved school. by her clients. When she started “It is important to buy a newsselling newspapers herself, it paper to know what is going on was slow at first. Sales were not in your country,” she told me. booming and if she was not tena“You need to be aware and cious, she could have given up. get the right information,” she But Enamae’s added. magnetic person- ‘It is important to WhatsApp and ality soon started other social media drawing in custom- buy a newspaper platforms can be ers. She was happy to know what is sources of inforshe stuck with it and going on in your mation, but also today, she has cusmisinformation, and tomers who would country. You she advised that even drive out of need to be aware reporters are doing their way to buy and get the right their jobs to get the their daily read from correct information information.’ her. to the public.

Even in the midst Enamae has of the pandemic, Enamae says learned that while the news she and her daughter still man- will sell itself, a smile and being aged to make out well selling upbeat at the start of someone’s papers. As long as the newspa- day makes all the difference. By pers were printing, they were being that bright smile and in delivering the news. some cases, the first customer “The pandemic did not hit service representative people see me as bad as it did others; thank for the day, Enamae has come God, we survived,” she said. to value her work, proving that She added that she looks for- pride, dignity and self-respect ward to an increase in paper must be applied in every sales as COVID-19 numbers profession.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 8, 2022, PAGE 9

Man’s inhumanity to man

REFUGEES fleeing the war from Ukraine arrive at the border crossing in Palanca, Moldova, yesterday.

Photo: Sergei Grits/AP

IT is being called the worst and fastest growing refugee and humanitarian crisis since the Second World War. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, since the Russian invasion two weeks ago up to 1.7 million people have fled Ukraine, which is the most rapid mass movement of refugees in many years.

This Refugee Agency, which is dedicated to saving lives and protecting displaced people, predicts the figure could reach four million in the coming months.

Followed by Hungary, Poland has so far taken in the vast majority of refugees while smaller numbers have gone to Moldova, Slovakia and Romania.

Most are women and children since men between the ages of 18 and 60 have been ordered to stay behind to fight, but there are also thousands of foreigners studying or working in Ukraine who are also fleeing the conflict.

The Peter Young column Before the current emergency, the European migrant crisis of 2015 - with some 1.3 million seeking asylum - was considered the most serious in history. That was the biggest number in a single year since the Second World War and was sparked by civil wars in Libya and Syria as well

as conflict and unrest elsewhere in the Middle East and Africa. Europe struggled to respond to such a sudden influx and was deeply divided about how to tackle the issue. But large numbers continued to come. The UNHCR says, even though pandemic travel restrictions reduced international migration figures the year before, by the end of 2021 the number of people forced to leave their homes due to conflict and persecution rose to record highs.

Despite the European Union hardening its borders last year against new refugees as most member states tried to curb arrivals, the governments and communities of the countries concerned are now welcoming with open arms those who are fleeing Ukraine. They are providing much needed succour and aid, with individuals even making their homes available to refugees, while the leaders of Poland and

Hungary, who in the past have taken a tough line on immigration, have explicitly stated they welcome them and have offered them “safe shelter”.

Already, this has caused fresh controversy because critics ask why Ukrainians are being treated differently - less strictly, more kindly and with greater support and assistance - by Poland, Hungary and the others compared with previous waves of refugees from places like Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. Part of the answer may be the identities of those could not be verified so that they were perceived as potential security threats. But there have also been accusations of racism as students from Africa and South Asia crossing the border from Ukraine are reported to have encountered discrimination in the way they have been treated. If true, that, of course, is wrong and unacceptable because under the UN Refugee Convention no refugees are supposed to face discrimination based on race, religion or country of origin. But that is in an ideal world - sadly, the reality is often different.

All that said, while such claims may well be justified, the main factor in the difference of attitude by neighbouring countries towards Ukraine is likely to be cultural.

During the course of history there have been long-standing ties between Poland and Ukraine and

regular movement of people between the two countries so that a natural affinity exists and there may be family or community links. Moreover, historically, borders in the region have changed many times dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Prussia - as have ethnicities, nationalities and languages.

Thus, proximity to Ukraine is significant at the people-to-people level.

But geopolitics is also a factor. Given Poland’s history, there is said to be a strong feeling there that the country must be kept safe from both Russia and Germany. This has been achieved thus far through EU and NATO membership and it also explains the nation’s solidarity with Ukraine. So, overall, the “open-arms” policy of the Poles comes as no surprise as they consider not only are the people of Ukraine “just like us” but also “what is happening to them could also easily happen to us”.

As for the rest of Europe, it is also significant the EU has triggered its Temporary Protection Directive which will provide Ukrainians and third country nationals with refugee or permanent residence status with immediate protection and access to housing and other benefits without having to go through individual asylum procedures - and Britain, now outside the bloc, is reported to be

offering 200,000 visas to those concerned.

More generally, I believe it should be repeated as often as possible that the Russian invasion has precipitated death, destruction and misery on a horrifying scale - and all for no reason as this was an unprovoked attack.

As was evident from the weeks and months leading up to the invasion, diplomacy could not have deterred Putin from his misguided, vainglorious and terrible venture. People claim he is demented and deluded but he has also shown himself to be a ruthless gangster. Whatever the validity of his claims about NATO encroachment, nothing can justify his extreme actions. It was, and continues to be, nothing short of pure evil and - as a consequence of the fearsome and cowardly attacks on civilians by the Russian military reportedly seeking to create as much panic and human suffering as possible - the end result may be a war crimes indictment of Putin and his immediate circle. It is hard for people to believe or even imagine the extent of the horror.

The fear, sadness, misery and utter desolation of people being forced out of their homes and attacked is heart breaking to watch.

The Pope has spoken of “rivers of blood and tears” and called for an end to the fighting. Is it too much to hope his words may be heeded?

WHATEVER NOW HAPPENS, IT LOOKS LIKE THE END FOR RUSSIA’S TYRANT LEADER REFUGEES wait in a crowd for transportation after fleeing from Ukraine and arriving at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland, yesterday.

Photo: Markus Schreiber/AP

A BRAVE HUMMINGBIRD THE following is a brief description of my recent encounter with a hummingbird whom I originally called Harold but have now renamed Harriet. This was after an internet search revealed that, unlike many birds which share incubation duties between male and female, hummingbird females are almost always solely responsible for this task.

One morning not long ago, when I was quietly unlocking the outside door to my study that leads on to the patio of our house, I was suddenly dive-bombed from behind by a hummingbird which then joined me as I sat down at my desktop computer. Under Harold’s steely gaze, I could not for the life of me think what I had done to provoke his wrath. After staying in the study for some minutes – no doubt to make his presence felt - he flew out again. It then became apparent what had motivated his attack. I saw that he was sitting in a tiny nest which had been built on nothing more than the wiring for our fairy lights attached high up on the inside of the roof over the patio - and all he was doing was protecting it.

It was at that point that I made the name change for it was obvious that one

or more eggs were being covered. Needless to say, I did not investigate further - for fear of disturbing Harriet -- but simply went about my daily tasks pretending not to notice the nest. This seems to have built up confidence between us since she is now comfortable having me around and knowing that I am not a predator but rather a source of food.

How wonderful tiny hummingbirds are - brightly coloured and the smallest bird in the world, I have read that, although native to the wider Americas, they are mostly found in the tropics; and their name derives, of course, from the humming noise made by their wings, especially when hovering in front of flowers.

My wife and I earnestly hope Harriet’s devotion to hatching eggs will be successful. But we are only too well aware that after completing her task she will disappear again. When that time comes, we shall wish a fond farewell to an old friend - but not without first telling her that we reckon she and her species are one of Nature’s finest creations!

IN CONTEMPLATING further comment about the situation in Ukraine, I spotted an article in the UK press last week by a former British ambassador to Russia. Sir Roderic Lyne served in Moscow from 2000 to 2004 and had dealings with Vladimir Putin who became President in 2000. Heads of Mission in the British Diplomatic Service are experienced observers of the local scene and people value their views. So, it was interesting to read his comments, in particular what he had to say about ways of forcing the Russian leader out of office.

He wrote first about Putin as an all-powerful but unhinged leader who believes the West is trying to dismember Russia - and he wants Ukraine back within its so-called sphere of influence. But neither he nor those around him in the Kremlin understand properly the extent to which Ukraine has changed and developed over the last decade or more, so that it is increasingly looking towards the West.

Putin is now divorced from reality while isolated in a bubble with a few of his old KGB cronies. He had expected a quick victory in Ukraine but cannot now back down despite having

seriously misjudged the situation and miscalculated the strength of Ukrainian resistance. It has become clear, even if he achieves a military victory and installs a puppet regime in Kyiv, it will be faced with an impossible challenge in trying to administer a nation of nearly 45 million people committed to mass civil disobedience and continuing armed resistance.

The ambassador went on to say that freedom of expression was alien to Putin who had now cracked down on independent media and foreign news providers in Russia. But there was already increasing opposition to the war within the country, including 1.2 million signing an online petition against it.

People know what is happening because every Russian has a mobile phone and many are receiving from friends and contacts overseas damning photos of dead and injured children and news about the destruction of Ukrainian cities.

What is more, he wrote, Russians have been getting used to greater freedom of speech as more than 100 million of them have no adult memories of life before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 – and, like most people, the average Russian desires peace,

education and a good job and does not want to see his leader declaring war on another country for no good reason and without provocation. So, as the body bags start coming back, the West’s sanctions begin to bite, the economy collapses and living standards fall - while international isolation weighs down on everybody -- there will be even greater opposition.

He concluded that, since Putin is unlikely to step down of his own accord, there are two ways of forcing him out - either a mass uprising or an inside job by people around him. Even though public opposition is growing, the first is unlikely in the short term since Putin holds all the levers of repression to stop it. As for the second, Putin’s dream of a new Soviet empire is already in tatters. Once those close to him judge that his dreadful mistake over Ukraine is costing Russia too much – particularly with the economy in free fall – someone may summon the courage to act. But, whatever happens, the world will not be held to ransom by a deranged dictator and his frightened associates. This is the beginning of the end for the Putin regime - and he will not survive the crisis he himself created.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, March 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

DIPLOMATS RECEIVE INSTRUMENTS OF APPOINTMENT

THREE diplomats received their instruments of appointment at a commissioning ceremony of ambassadors and a high commissioner in the New Providence Room at Baha Mar yesterday.

Governor General Sir Cornelius Smith issued instruments of appointment and administered the commission and oath of office to Wendall Jones, Ambassador-Designate, Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the United States of America and Malaysia; Patricia Hermanns, Resident Ambassador-Designate/Permanent Representative, Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the United Nations in Geneva; and Leslia Miller-Brice, High Commissioner-Designate, Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and to CARICOM countries.

Photos: BIS

Russia dangles prospect of safe corridors but Ukraine doubtful LVIV, Ukraine Associated Press SAFE corridors intended to let Ukrainian civilians escape the Russian onslaught could open doay, Kremlin officials said, though Ukrainian leaders greeted the plan with skepticism since prior efforts to establish evacuation routes crumbled amid renewed attacks.

With the invasion well into its second week, Russian troops were making significant advances in southern Ukraine but stalled in some other regions.

Soldiers and volunteers fortified the capital, Kyiv, with hundreds of checkpoints and barricades designed to thwart a takeover. A steady rain of shells and rockets fell on other population centers, including the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, where the mayor reported heavy artillery fire.

“We can’t even gather up the bodies because the shelling from heavy weapons doesn’t stop day or night,” Mayor Anatol Fedoruk said. “Dogs are pulling apart the bodies on the city streets. It’s a nightmare.”

In one of the most desperate cities, the encircled southern port of Mariupol, an estimated 200,000 people — nearly half the population of 430,000 — were hoping to flee, and Red Cross officials waited to hear when a corridor would be established.

Russia’s chief negotiator said he expected the corridors to be in use on Tuesday. The Russian UN ambassador forecast a potential cease-fire for the morning and appeared to suggest that humanitarian paths leading away from Kyiv and other cities could give people choice in where they want to go — a change from previous proposals that offered only destinations in Russia or Belarus.

But doubts abounded, fueled by the failure of previous attempts to lead civilians to safety amid the biggest ground war in Europe since World War II. The office of embattled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would not comment on the latest Russian proposal, saying only that Moscow’s plans can be believed only if a safe evacuation begins.

Demands for effective passageways have surged

amid intensifying shelling by Russian forces.

The steady bombardments, including in some of Ukraine’s most populated regions, have yielded a humanitarian crisis of diminishing food, water and medical supplies.

Through it all, Zelenskky said Ukrainian forces were showing unprecedented courage.

“The problem is that for one soldier of Ukraine, we have ten Russian soldiers, and for one Ukrainian tank, we have 50 Russian tanks,” Zelenskyy told ABC News in an interview that aired Monday night. But he noted that the gap in strength was diminishing and that even if Russian forces “come into all our cities”, they will be met with an insurgency.

A top US official said multiple countries were discussing whether to provide the warplanes that Zelenskyy has been pleading for.

Mariupol was short on water, food and power, and cellphone networks are down. Stores have been looted as residents search for essential goods. Police moved through the city, advising people to remain in shelters until they heard official messages broadcast over loudspeakers to evacuate.

Hospitals in Mariupol are facing severe shortages of antibiotics and painkillers, and doctors performed some emergency procedures without them.

The lack of phone service left anxious citizens approaching strangers to ask if they knew relatives living in other parts of the city and whether they were safe.

In Kyiv, soldiers and volunteers have built hundreds of checkpoints to protect the city of nearly 4 million, often using sandbags, stacked tires and spiked cables. Some barricades looked significant, with heavy concrete slabs and sandbags piled more than two stories high, while others appeared more haphazard, with hundreds of books used to weigh down stacks of tires.

“Every house, every street, every checkpoint, we will fight to the death if necessary,” said Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, with 1.4 million people, heavy shelling slammed into apartment buildings.

“I think it struck the

A UKRAINIAN police officer runs while holding a child as artillery echoes nearby, while fleeing Irpin on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, yesterday.

Photo: Emilio Morenatti/AP fourth floor under us,” Dmitry Sedorenko said from his Kharkiv hospital bed.

“Immediately, everything started burning and falling apart.” When the floor collapsed beneath him, he crawled out through the third story, past the bodies of some of his neighbours.

In the small town of Horenka, where shelling reduced one area to ashes and shards of glass, rescuers and residents picked through the ruins as chickens pecked around them.

“What are they doing?” rescue worker Vasyl Oksak asked of the Russian attackers. “There were two little kids and two elderly people living here. Come in and see what they have done.”

In the south, Russian forces also continued their offensive in Mykolaiv, opening fire on the Black Sea shipbuilding center of a halfmillion people, according to Ukraine’s military. Rescuers said they were putting out fires caused by rocket attacks in residential areas.

At The Hague, Netherlands, Ukraine pleaded

with the International Court of Justice to order a halt to Russia’s invasion, saying Moscow is committing widespread war crimes.

Russia “is resorting to tactics reminiscent of medieval siege warfare, encircling cities, cutting off escape routes and pounding the civilian population with heavy ordnance,” said Jonathan Gimblett, a member of Ukraine’s legal team.

Russia snubbed the court proceedings, leaving its seats in the Great Hall of Justice empty.

Efforts to set up safe passage for civilians over the weekend fell apart amid continued Russian shelling. Before Monday’s talks began, Russia announced a new plan, saying civilians would be allowed to leave Kyiv, Mariupol, Kharkiv and Sumy.

But many of the evacuation routes headed toward Russia or its ally Belarus, which has served as a launch pad for the invasion.

Ukraine instead proposed eight routes allowing civilians to travel to western

regions of the country where there is no shelling.

Later, Russia’s UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told the UN Security Council that Russia would carry out a cease-fire Tuesday morning and made the suggestion that humanitarian corridors leading away from Kyiv, Mariupol, Sumy and Chernigov could let people choose where they want to seek safety.

The UN humanitarian chief, Undersecretary-General Martin Griffiths, addressed the Security Council and urged safe passage for people to go “in the direction they choose”.

The battle for Mariupol is crucial because its capture could allow Moscow to establish a land corridor to Crimea, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014.

The fighting has sent energy prices surging worldwide and stocks plummeting, and threatens the food supply and livelihoods of people around the globe who rely on crops farmed in

the fertile Black Sea region.

The UN human rights office reported 406 confirmed civilian deaths but said the real number is much higher. The invasion has also sent 1.7 million people fleeing Ukraine.

On Monday, Moscow again announced a series of demands to stop the invasion, including that Ukraine recognize Crimea as part of Russia and recognize the eastern regions controlled by Moscow-supported separatist fighters as independent. It also insisted that Ukraine change its constitution to guarantee it won’t join international bodies like NATO and the EU. Ukraine has already rejected those demands.

Zelenskyy has called for more punitive measures against Russia, including a global boycott of its oil exports, which are key to its economy.

“If (Russia) doesn’t want to abide by civilised rules, then they shouldn’t receive goods and services from civilisation,” he said in a video address.

SPORTS PAGE 11

MLB, Page 13

TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022

Charlton aims for podium in Serbia

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

O

ver the years, the Bahamas has enjoyed its success at the World Indoor Championships in the sprints and the jumps.

This month, Devynne Charlton is hoping to add the hurdles to the list of achievements for the country when the championships take place in Belgrade, Serbia.

Charlton, the Bahamian national record holder coming off a sixth-place finish at the delayed 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan last August, will head into

‘GOLDEN GIRL’ PAULINE DAVIS’ BOOK SIGNING AT GOODMAN’S BAY TODAY TO kick off World Athletics Women’s Week ahead of International Women’s Day and to #BreakTheBias by sharing the stories of inspiring women to create a bank of great role models for future generations, World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe speaks with two-time Olympic champion Pauline Davis about her book ‘Running Sideways’, which chronicles her inspiring journey from the ghetto to Olympic glory.

Born and raised in the poor neighbourhood of Bain Town in The Bahamas, she fought through poverty, inequality, racism and political machinations from her own country to beat the odds and become a two-time Olympic gold medallist, the first woman of colour on the World Athletics Council and an outspoken antidoping advocate.

The hardback novel was produced by Canadian based Bahamian author T.R. Todd and published by Rowman & Littlefield. A foreword was done by Coe and it was endorsed by multi-talented Lenny Kravitz.

A number of Bahamians, along with four-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson from the United States, two-time Olympic champion and former world record holder in the 100 metres Donovan Bailey from Canada,

SEE PAGE 13

the championships from March 18-20 as the individual winner of the women’s 60 metre hurdles in this year’s World Indoor Tour.

She joins the other female winners, including Poland’s Justyna Swiety-Ersetic in the 4,500 metres, Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay in the 1,500m, Australia’s Eleanor Patterson in the high jump and Great Britain’s Lorraine Ugen in the long jump.

The men’s list includes American Elijah Hall in the 60m, Great Britain’s Elliot Giles in the 800m, Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma in the 3,000/5,000m, Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis in the pole vault and Cuba’s Lazaro Martinez in the triple jump.

The 2022 World Indoor Tour Gold series got started in Karlsruhe on January 28 and came to a close in Madrid on March 2. Each gold meeting offers at least $7,000 in prize money for each individual discipline on the

programme, including $3,000 to the winner.

In three meets she competed in, Charlton accumulated a total of 22 points to nip Finland’s Reetta Hurske, who trailed by just one point in three meets as well.

Jamaica’s Danielle Williams came in third with 20 points in two meets. “I feel like I’m in a pretty good spot. I set out this year to be on the podium at World Indoors as well as win the World Indoors Tour,” Charlton said. “I already achieved one of those and so I’m looking forward to going to Serbia and accomplishing the other goal.”

Having won the tour, Charlton said she was impressed because

she took a gamble not competing in another meet to increase her point total. “I decided not to go, but instead I stayed back and got some more training,” said Charlton, who is currently in Lexington, Kentucky, where she is working as a graduate assistant at the University of Kentucky where she is also training under the supervision of Bahamian head coach Rolando “Lonnie” Greene.

“I felt in the long run, getting back to training would be better for me in the long run. It worked in the end because I still finished with enough points to win the whole thing. So I’m excited that

SEE PAGE 12

Popovich matches Nelson with 1,335th career victory

LATHANIEL BASTIAN AND RAMS HEADED TO NCAA DIV. II TOURNEY

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

SPURS head coach Gregg Popovich, centre, talks with Lakers head coach Frank Vogel, right, and assistant coach David Fizdale, left, after winning an NBA basketball game yesterday in San Antonio.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay) SAN ANTONIO (AP) and Josh Richardson each had 18 perfect with Harden in the lineup.

— Gregg Popovich tied Don Nel- points. Richardson was making Embiid, the league’s leading son’s NBA record with his 1,335th his first start with San Antonio. scorer, made 15 of 27 field goals career victory as a coach in the Talen Horton-Taylor had 18 and 12 of 16 free throws.

San Antonio Spurs’ 117-110 win points to lead Los Angeles and The MVP front-runner scored over the Los Angeles Lakers last Russell Westbrook, Malik Monk at least 40 points for the 10th night. and Carmelo Anthony added 17 time this season while upping his Popovich, in his 26th season, points each. season average to 29.7 points per will try to pass Nelson when San 76ERS 121, contest.

Antonio hosts the Toronto RapBULLS 106 Zach Lavine scored 24 points tors on Wednesday night.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — for the Bulls and DeMar DeRoThe Spurs had lost four straight Joel Embiid had 43 points and 14 zan added 23 points and 11 with Popovich on the precipice rebounds, and Philadelphia beat rebounds for the Bulls, who have of matching the record, and they Chicago in a showdown between lost five in a row. were in danger of extending that two of the Eastern Conference’s NUGGETS 131, skid with a late collapse against top teams headed in opposite WARRIORS 124 the struggling Lakers, who were directions.

DENVER (AP) — Nikola without star LeBron James due to James Harden added 16 points Jokic had his second triple-doua sore left knee. and 14 assists, and Tyrese Maxey ble in two nights with 32 points, Dejounte Murray had 26 points added 17 points for the 76ers, who and 10 rebounds, and Jakob Poeltl have won six of seven and stayed SEE PAGE 13

LATHANIEL Bastian and the Angelo State Rams are headed to the NCAA Division II Tournament.

The Rams secured an at-large bid in the South Central Regional and will face familiar Lone Star Conference foe West Texas A & M in the opening round.

The regional is scheduled to take place March 12-15 in Lubbock, Texas.

The Rams concluded the season 20-9 - 9-6 in the LSC. In the regular season, the teams split the matchups 1-1, but West Texas A & M had the most recent edge as they eliminated Angelo State in the LSC Tournament semifinal last week.

The Rams lost 83-74 to the Buffaloes at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.

Bastian finished with 11 points and 16 rebounds.

The South Central bracket features six teams from the LSC - Angelo State, Dallas Baptist University, Texas A&M

SEE PAGE 13

EXPLAINER: Why WNBA Falcons WR Ridley suspended players go overseas for ‘22 for bets on NFL games to play in offseason

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer RUSSIA has been a popular destination for WNBA players like Brittney Griner over the past two decades because of the money they can make playing there in the winter.

With top players earning more than $1 million — nearly quadruple what they can make as a base salary in the WNBA — Griner, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird and Jonquel Jones have been willing to spend their offseason playing far from home. It’s tough for WNBA players to turn down that kind of money despite safety concerns and politics in some of the countries where they play.

The 31-year-old Griner, a seven-time All-Star for the Phoenix Mercury, has played in Russia since 2014. She was returning from a break for the FIBA

JONQUEL Jones Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments when she was arrested at an airport near Moscow last month after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges.

On Saturday, the State Department issued a “do not travel” advisory for Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine and urged

all US citizens to depart immediately, citing factors including “the potential for harassment against US citizens by Russian government security officials” and “the Embassy’s limited ability to assist” Americans in Russia.

Turkey, Australia, China and France also have strong women’s basketball domestic leagues where some of the WNBA’s best play in their offseason.

WHY RUSSIAN SALARIES ARE SO HIGH Russian sports leagues have been able to pay top players these high salaries because some of the teams are funded by government municipalities while others are owned by oligarchs who care more about winning championships and trophies than being profitable.

There are stories of Russian owners putting up

SEE PAGE 12

By CHARLES ODUM AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been suspended for the 2022 season for betting on NFL games in 2021.

The suspension announced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday is for activity that took place while Ridley was away from the team addressing mental health concerns. The league says the suspension will carry “through at least the conclusion of the 2022 season.”

The NFL says the betting took place during a five-day period in late November 2021. Ridley was placed on the non-football illness list following Week 8 last season, which ended November 1.

A league investigation uncovered no evidence inside information was used or that any game was compromised by Ridley’s betting, Goodell’s announcement said. Nor was there evidence suggesting Falcons coaches, players or staff were aware of Ridley’s betting activity.

Ridley may petition for reinstatement after February 23, 2023.

During the offseason, the Falcons have had no update on Ridley’s status.

The team released a statement yesterday in which it said it cooperated with

the league’s investigation in the last month.

“We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on February 9,” the Falcons said in the statement.

“We have coopCALVIN Ridley erated fully with the investigation since receiving notice, and support the league’s findings and actions. We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made. With the decision that was made by the NFL, any further questions on the investigation should be directed to the league office.”

In a letter from Goodell to Ridley, the commissioner said: “There is nothing more fundamental to the NFL’s success — and to the reputation of everyone associated with our league — than upholding the integrity of the game.

“This is the responsibility of every player, coach, owner, game official, and anyone else employed in the league.

Your actions put the integrity of the

SEE PAGE 12

PAGE 12, Tuesday, March 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

RHEMA COLLINS AND WEBB SCHOOL SR GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM CLAIM 2ND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JUNIOR national team standout Rhema Collins and her Webb School senior girls varsity basketball programme claimed its second state championship in as many years.

Collins, in her first year at Webb, helped her team clinch the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Division II Class A championship with

DEVYNNE FROM PAGE 11

its paid off.” Although she’s ran a season’s best of 7.90 seconds on February 22 in Arena, Torun, Poland, Charlton feels that she will need to run in the vicinity of 7.7 in order to be a medal contender. That would not only enable her to medal, but also lower her Bahamian national record of 7.89.

As she prepares for World Indoors, Charlton is equally excited because Greene will finally get to travel with her at a major international event as her coach.

“Because of his obligations to the university, he’s never been able to travel with me at any competition.

This will be the first time,”

a 68-48 win over Middle Tennessee Christian School, Saturday night in Cookesville, Tennessee.

After a 9-6 start to the year, Webb (30-6) concluded the season on a 21-game win streak en route to the title. The Lady Feet’s multi-cultural roster also includes international prospects from Canada, The Dominican Republic and Spain.

Collins transferred to Web from Schoolhouse Prep in Miami, Florida after

RHEMA Collins and her Webb School senior girls varsity basketball programme. she emerged as one of the top prep prospects in the state of Florida among her class. Prep Girls Hoops Florida listed Collins at No.15 among the Class of

said Charlton, who seeing what we can first connected with do,” stressed CharlGreene when he ton, who in 2018 at served previously the World Indoor as the head coach Championships at Purdue Univerin Birmingham, sity when she was United Kingdom, enrolled as a stuwas the only one CHARLTON dent-athlete.

“So of the five-member I’m really looking forward team that made a final when to having him there.” she placed eighth overall in While she will be going to the women’s 60m hurdles. her second World Indoors, Going into the Worlds, Charlton will join two other Charlton said she feels she’s females on Team Bahamas, ranked about eight in a poll including quarter-milers from 1-10, but she anticiShaunae Miller-Uibo, a pates that by the time the silver medallist in the 400m championships is done, it at the 2014 World Indoors should be propelled all the in Sopot, Poland, and way to a 10.

University of Kentucky’s “I still have a lot of work sophomore Megan Moss. to do, but based on where “The last time I went, I I’m at, I’m a whole lot was the only female with the better than where I was guys, so I’m definitely look- in previous seasons,” she ing forward to being there said. “I’m not too far off my with those two ladies and personal best, so I feel the

2023 a the end of the 2021 season when she averaged 16.8 points and six rebounds per game. At the national team level, Collins was most recently a member of Team

season has been very productive for me so far.”

With the spotlight switching a little to the hurdles, Charlton said it’s all due to what she and former national record holder Pedrya Seymour have done in the past few years.

“It started when Pedrya made the finals in (the Olympic Games) in Rio (de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016),” said Charlton, who had also qualified for the event, but had to sit out with an injury.

“I’m just trying to continue what has started. We have a lot of good hurdlers coming up like Charisma (Taylor), who just put down some really good times last weekend, so I’m really looking forward to see how far she goes and to see how far this wave of hurdles will go.

Bahamas that finished 6th at the FIBA Centrobasket Under-17 Championships for Women in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Bahamas finished the tournament 2-3

“I thought I could have convinced her to come to Worlds with me, but she has some other business to take care off.”

The 26-year-old Charlton, who also holds the national outdoor record of 12.61 in the 100m hurdles, said she’s looking forward to meeting up with her on the track later this summer when they all clash in the BAAA National Open Track and Field Championships.

And hopefully she will have some company just before the team is selected from the hurdles crew when the World Outdoor Championships take place in Eugene, Oregon, July 15-24, and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, July 28 to August 8, depending on where the focus is.

Brittney Griner’s wife thanks fans for support after arrest

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer BRITTNEY Griner’s wife, Cherelle, has thanked everyone for their support of the WNBA star, who was arrested last month in Russia.

Brittney Griner was detained at a Moscow airport after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges. They were identified as containing oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

The 31-year-old Griner, one of the most recognisable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the US. a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star.

Cherelle Griner posted a picture Sunday on Instagram of the couple.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me regarding my wife’s safe return from Russia.

Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated,” she wrote. “I love my wife

wholeheartedly, so this message comes during one of the weakest moments of my life. I understand that many of you have grown to love BG over the years and have concerns and want details. Please honour our privacy as we continue to work on getting my wife home safely. “Thank you!”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday the US will provide assistance to any American citizen being held on foreign soil.

“There’s only so much I can say given the privacy considerations at this point.

Whenever an American is detained anywhere in the world, we of course stand ready to provide every possible assistance, and that includes in Russia,” Blinken said. “We have an embassy team that’s working on the cases of other Americans who are detained in Russia. We’re doing everything we can to see to it that their rights are upheld and respected.”

There has been an outpouring of support for Griner on social media from WNBA players as well as other athletes.

Many have voiced their concerns for Griner’s

WNBA

FROM PAGE 11 players in luxury accommodations and taking them on shopping sprees and buying them expensive gifts in addition to paying their salaries. In 2015, Taurasi’s team, UMMC Ekaterinburg — the same one Griner plays for — paid her to skip the WNBA season and rest.

“We had to go to a communist country to get paid like capitalists, which is so backward to everything that was in the history books in sixth grade,” Taurasi said a few years ago.

The Russian league has a completely different financial structure from the WNBA, where there is a

RIDLEY

FROM PAGE 11

game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL. “For decades, gambling on NFL games has been considered among the most significant

A STUDENT holds up a sign during an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State Saturday in Waco, Texas.

(Chris Jones/Waco Tribune-Herald via AP) physical well-being as well her WNBA salary. She champion Chicago Sky. as her mental health. She last played for her Russian The WNBA confirmed dealt with mental health team UMMC Ekaterinburg Saturday that all players issues for much of her life on January 29 before the besides Griner had left and has been open about it. league took a two-week both countries.

There was at least one break in early February for “We remain in constant sign at the Baylor men’s the FIBA World Cup quali- contact with her family, her basketball game on Satur- fying tournaments. representation, the WNBA day supporting the former More than a dozen and NBA. We love and Bears star.

WNBA players were play- support Brittney and at Griner has played in ing in Russia and Ukraine this time our main concern Russia for the last seven this winter, including is her safety, physical and years in the winter, earning league MVP Jonquel Jones mental health, and her safe over $1 million per season and Courtney Vandersloot return home,” the Mercury — more than quadruple and Allie Quigley of the said in a statement.

salary cap, players’ union and collective bargaining agreement.

The WNBA has made strides to increase player salaries and find other ways to compensate players in the last CBA, which was ratified in 2020. The contract, which runs through 2027, pays players an average of $130,000, with the top stars able to earn more than $500,000 through salary, marketing agreements, an in-season tournament and bonuses.

The CBA also provides full salaries while players are on maternity leave, enhanced family benefits, travel standards and other health and wellness improvements.

WHO PLAYS THERE? More than a dozen WNBA players were playing in Russia

violations of league policy warranting the most substantial sanction. In your case, I acknowledge and commend you for your promptly reporting for an interview, and for admitting your actions.”

Even before the suspension, Ridley’s future with the Falcons was in doubt. He sat out the final two months of the season after he was a last-minute

and Ukraine this winter, including league MVP Jones and Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley of the champion Chicago Sky. The WNBA confirmed Saturday that all players besides Griner had left both countries.

Almost half of the WNBA’s 144 players were overseas this offseason, although stars Candace Parker, Bird, Chiney Ogwumike and Chelsea Gray opted to stay stateside.

WILL THIS LAST? From purely a basketball stand point, the CBA will make it more difficult for WNBA players to compete overseas in the future.

Beginning in 2023, there will be new WNBA prioritization rules

scratch before the team’s 19-13 loss to Carolina on October 31.

On that day, Ridley explained his absence when he wrote on his Twitter account “I need to step away from football at this time and focus on my mental well being.”

Ridley had posted no update on his Twitter account until Friday, when he posted an icon of

that will be enforced by the league.

Any player with more than three years of service who arrives late to training camp will be fined at a rate of 1% of base salary per day late.

In addition, any player who does not arrive before the first day of the regular season will be ineligible to play at all that season.

In 2024 and thereafter, any player who does not arrive before the first day of training camp (or, with respect to unsigned players, finish playing overseas) will be ineligible to play for the entire season.

The WNBA typically begins training camp in late April and the regular season starts in early May. Some foreign leagues don’t end before those dates.

a football and added “is life.” On Sunday, he added another update “I learn from my Ls.” The Falcons’ 2018 firstround draft pick had 90 catches for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns in 2020.

Ridley was expected to be quarterback Matt Ryan’s top playmaker after Julio Jones was traded to Tennessee before the 2021 season. But Ridley had

only 31 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns in his shortened season.

The Falcons had been approximately $7.3 million over the salary cap for 2022. They will be able to remove Ridley’s $11.1 million salary from their payroll for the season, moving them under the cap. That contract shifts to 2023, when Ridley would have been a free agent.

overall. Collins averaged a double double at 11 points and a team-leading 10.8 rebounds per game. She also led the team with 2.6 blocks per game.

SOUTH CAROLINA REMAINS ATOP WOMEN’S AP TOP 25 DESPITE LOSS

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer SOUTH Carolina remained No. 1 in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll yesterday despite suffering its second loss of the season.

The Gamecocks (29-2) fell to Kentucky in the Southeastern Conference Tournament title game Sunday, but stayed atop the poll, edging No. 2 Stanford.

South Carolina received 17 first-place votes from the 30-member national media panel. Stanford, which won the Pac-12 tournament, got 11 first-place ballots. North Carolina State was No. 3 with two top votes. Baylor and Louisville rounded out the top five.

The Gamecocks’ loss snapped an 18-game winning streak for the team, which has gone 11-0 against ranked opponents this season.

“We’ve put ourselves in a really good position.

Going into the NCAA Tournament it doesn’t feel good, but we’ve got a lot of feel-goods throughout the season that we’ll draw on,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said after the loss Sunday. “The ultimate goal is still very much in front of us, and we’ll buckle down and try not to be the sad faces that are in the locker room today in the next couple of weeks.”

It’s the second time this season that the Gamecocks still were No. 1 after losing a game.

Kentucky jumped into the poll at No. 16 after also beating then-No. 6 LSU and No. 18 Tennessee in the SEC tournament. Kentucky was ranked for the first 11 weeks of the season before falling out in the middle of January. The Wildcats have now won 10 straight games to get back in the AP Top 25.

UConn was sixth, with Texas, Iowa — jumping four spots from No. 12 — LSU and Iowa State rounding out the top 10. The Big 12 is the only Power Five conference yet to begin its tournament.

Central Florida earned its first ranking ever, coming into the poll at No. 25. UCF has won 10 straight games and is the top seed in the American Athletic Conference tournament that begins today.

Florida, Georgia and Georgia Tech all fell out of the Top 25.

The final poll of the season will be released next Monday, a day after the NCAA announces this season’s field of 68 teams.

EYE OF THE TIGER Princeton entered the Top 25 for the first time this season at No. 24 after going undefeated in the Ivy League regular season.

The Tigers are 22-4 and have won 15 straight games.

Princeton was last ranked for the final five weeks of the 2019-20 season. The Ivy League didn’t play sports last year because of the pandemic.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 8, 2022, PAGE 13

Despite vitriol, MLB owners, locked-out players closing gap

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — For all the vitriol, Major League Baseball owners and locked-out players have closed the gap in recent weeks and are negotiating on similar frameworks for a new collective bargaining agreement.

With the lockout in its 96th day yesterday, the sides remained apart to various degrees on three of the most significant items: the luxury tax, prearbitration bonus pool and minimum salary.

Openers on March 31 were among 91 games already cancelled, and Commissioner Rob Manfred appeared to be on the verge of calling off more.

“This is a horrible, horrible situation. Everyone on the Yankees, everyone in Major League Baseball shares the blame, players, owners, executives for where we are. It’s a really bad look, especially (with) what’s going on in the world,” Yankees president Randy Levine said yesterday on the team’s YES Network.

“We all look pretty bad. ... It’s embarrassing to be where we are.”

BASTIAN FROM PAGE 11

Commerce, Texas A&MKingsville, West Texas A&M, and the hosts of the regional, Lubbock Christian. Two RMAC schools join the Lone Star representatives, Colorado Mesa and Black Hills State will travel to compete in Lubbock. A field of 64 teams will comprise the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship.

Twentythree conferences were awarded automatic qualification. The remainBASTIAN ing 41 teams were selected at large by the committee.

The eight regional champions will advance to the quarterfinals in conjunction with the 2022 NCAA Division II Men’s Elite Eight.

The quarterfinal, semifinal and championship games will be conducted at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana, March 22, 24 and 26.

Bastian, in his first season with the Rams, was named an LSC Honorable Mention selection. He led the Rams in rebounding and blocked shots, averaging 7.8 boards and 1.4 blocks per game. He has pulled down 219 rebounds - 90 on the offensive glass. He averaged 11.3 points per game on 61 percent shooting from the field.

In an industry where payrolls project to total in the $4 billion range, the percentage differences on some items do not appear to be insurmountable.

The sides appear to be about $15 million apart on the minimum salary for this year, $20 million for 2023 and $25 million for 2024, each less than 1% of payrolls.

This assumes about half of players in the major leagues at any given time are impacted by the minimum.

Differences are greater in the final two seasons, when the union is asking for cost-of-living increases.

The gap in the new prearbitration bonus pool is $50 million this year, rising to $70 million by 2026.

But, again, the percentage of overall payroll affected by this item is relatively small, under 2%.

And then there is the most divisive issue, luxury tax thresholds. The sides are $18 million apart this year, a difference rising to $33 million by 2026.

How much is each additional $1 million in threshold likely to produce in spending on players? There’s no exact formula.

MLB Commissioner Manfred. (AP)

Rob

In 18 seasons of the luxury tax, there have been three seasons in which one team paid tax, 10 with two, two with three and one each with four, five and six.

Including non-monetary penalties for the pandemic-shortened 2020 season when the tax was suspended, there were 15 instances each of exceeding the first threshold during both the 2012-16 and 2017-21 agreements, up from nine in 2007-11 and eight in 2003-06.

A maximum estimate on luxury tax impact would be a five-times

NBA

FROM PAGE 11 rebounds and 13 assists, leading Denver over short-handed Golden State. Jokic has recorded triple-doubles in 11 of his last 23 games, and leads the league with 18 this season.

The reigning NBA MVP was coming off a 46-point, 12-rebound and 11-assist game in a 138-130 win over New Orleans on Sunday.

Monte Morris and Jeff Green added 18 points apiece for the Nuggets, who have won 11 of 13 and moved to 13 games over .500 for the first time this season.

The Warriors were playing with a depleted lineup after coach Steve Kerr announced Saturday that Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins would miss the game to rest. Andre Iguodala and Gary Payton Jr. also were unavailable due to injuries.

MAVERICKS 111, JAZZ 103 DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic had 35 points and a season-high 16 rebounds, and Dallas held on against Utah a matchup of possible first-round playoff opponents.

Spencer Dinwiddie scored 23 points and Dorian Finney-Smith added 21 for the Mavericks, who won their fifth consecutive game and

PAULINE FROM PAGE 11

and two-time silver medallist Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn from Jamaica, made their contributions in the 304page manuscript.

In celebration of Women’s Day today, Davis is slated to hold her official book signing from 6-8pm on Goodman’s Bay, the site where she said her formal training began to enable her to produce one of the most illustrious track and field careers in the history of

multiplier, and history shows the actual impact is likely to be less.

With much of this year’s free-agent class already signed, there are few stars other than Freddie Freeman and Carlos Correa who could drive a team above the threshold.

MLB is concerned a higher 2022 figure would lead to bigger threshold numbers in later years, causing greater payroll disparity and making it more costly for mid- and small-market clubs to retain their stars.

This negotiation is more than those prominent items, and mindset is as important as current positions.

The union thinks it has moved toward clubs by retreating from proposals for more liberalised free agency and the restoration of salary arbitration for eligibility for all players with at least two years of major league service.

Players also say they would agree to uniform and helmet advertisements, to a speedier process for a pitch clock and shift limits and to expand the playoffs, though the union prefers 12 teams and MLB would like 14.

MLB thinks it has increased money going to players by expanding the designated hitter to the National League, dropping direct free agent compensation, increasing slot values for amateur draft picks, boosting the postseason pool and improving the pension plan.

Clubs believe they have addressed players’ concern that young stars have not been given appropriate salaries, and the union thinks the teams have not gone far enough. Teams also have backed off their proposals for higher penalties for teams over the tax threshold.

Both sides are close to an agreement on an amateur draft lottery aimed to incentive competition.

Management has offered the top five selections and players asked for the top six, with some differences on limitations for teams participation in consecutive years.

Despite moving toward each other, the sides remain headed to a lost season unless they find a compromise. “That’s a mind-boggling, horrid, horrid thought,” Levine said. “Shame on all of us if it ever gets to that.”

pulled within a half-game of the Jazz for the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

Bojan Bogdanovic scored 21 points and Rudy Gobert had 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Jazz, who led for just 13 seconds early in the last of their five-game road trip.

TIMBERWOLVES 124, TRAIL BLAZERS 81 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — KarlAnthony Towns had 27 points and 13 rebounds as Minnesota beat Portland by double digits for the second time in three days.

Malik Beasley added 19 points, and Naz Reid had 18 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for Minnesota.

Towns’ effort came in less than three quarters, as he and most of Minnesota’s starters stayed on the bench in the fourth with the game well in hand.

Towns joined the home crowd in doing the wave from the bench as the Timberwolves fans reveled in their team’s blowout victory.

PISTONS 113, HAWKS 110, OT DETROIT (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 28 points and 10 assists, lifting Detroit over Atlanta.

Jerami Grant scored 23 and reserve Marvin Bagley had 19 points for the Pistons, who have won a season-high three straight and six

of their last eight games. Atlanta’s Bogdan Bogdanovic had 22 points before fouling out late in regulation and Trae Young had 14 points and 12 assists.

Pistons centre Isaiah Stewart left the game midway through the second quarter after grabbing his right knee in pain, and didn’t return.

HEAT 123, ROCKETS 106 MIAMI (AP) — Victor Oladipo scored 11 points in in his first game in nearly a year, Tyler Herro scored 21 of his 31 points in the second quarter and Miami beat Houston.

Oladipo, playing his first game since April 8 following a second surgery to repair a right quadriceps tendon, and made an immediate impact.

He took a charge on his first defensive possession, hitting the deck without any signs of problems, then took another later in the game and had a dunk near the end of his 15-minute stint.

Jimmy Butler scored 21 points for Miami, which got Kyle Lowry back after a four-game absence for personal reasons. Bam Adebayo finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat.

Kevin Porter Jr scored 22 points for Houston, which got 20 from Jalen Green, 16 from Josh Christopher and 14 from KJ Martin.

the Bahamas. Davis earned two Olympic gold medals, one with the women’s 4 x 100m relay team of Savetheda Fynes, Eldece Clarke, Chandra Sturrup and Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie in 2000 in Sydney, Australia.

The team also got a silver in the relay in 1996 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Davis’ other medal came in the 200m.

Over the past 10 years, Davis said she attempted to write the book, but because she got too emotional, she had to take a break. However, she said she met Todd and after

they collaborated, the wheels were reinvented.

Todd, a former journalist at the Nassau Guardian, is an award-winning writer, journalist, biographer, and novelist with experience in Canada, the United Arab Emirates and The Bahamas.

Davis, 55, remains an advisor to the international track and field community. She lives in Nassau and serves as a senior official at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture coaching some of the next generation of Bahamian athletes in her spare time.

FIFA lets foreign players leave Russian clubs until June

By ROB HARRIS AP Global Soccer Writer

LONDON (AP) — FIFA intervened to allow foreign players and coaches based in Russia to leave their clubs yesterday, although only for the rest of the season.

Clubs in other countries will be allowed to sign up to two players who had been at clubs in Russia or Ukraine outside of the normal transfer window periods.

Ukraine’s league has been suspended since war engulfed the country, and its players are also allowed to temporarily leave until June 30.

FIFPRO and the organisation representing the

world’s soccer leagues — the World Leagues Forum — sought permission for Russia-based players to terminate their contracts.

But they were told by FIFA that players and coaches “will have the right to unilaterally suspend their employment contracts with the (Football Union of) Russia-affiliated clubs in question until the end of the season in Russia,” which is June 30.

Global players’ union FIFPRO criticised the FIFA decision as “too timid.”

“It will be hard for players to find employment for the remainder of the season with uncertainty looming over them and, within a few weeks, they

will be in a very difficult situation once again,” the Netherlands-based union said in a statement.

After Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, FIFA suspended the country’s teams from international soccer games last week but has yet to suspend its soccer federation or officials. But the umbrella organisation representing European leagues has already expelled Russia’s top leagues as members.

There are hundreds of foreign players in Russia who would typically not be able to leave their clubs or sign for new ones outside the two transfer trading periods in the year.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has close ties

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin, left, applauds beside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the end of the 2018 World Cup final soccer match between France and Croatia in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, on July 15, 2018.

(AP Photo/Martin Meissner) with Russian President German coaches. Daniel Vladimir Putin after Russia Farke quit Krasnodar after staged the 2018 World Cup. seven weeks in the job and FIFA has declined to Markus Gisdol left Lokorespond to questions from motiv Moscow.

The Associated Press in With players and detail about Russia over coaches at Ukrainian clubs the last week or whether facing so much uncerInfantino has been in tainty, FIFPRO said it was contact with Putin, who “essential that UEFA and awarded him Russia’s FIFA widen professional Order of Friendship medal. football’s response to the Russian clubs are war by establishing a fund already seeing foreign- to support all those in the ers leave, including two industry who are affected.”

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP: NEW ZEALAND BEATS BANGLADESH BY 9 WICKETS DUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) — Suzie Bates scored 79 and shared an unbroken 108-run partnership with Amelia Kerr to steer New Zealand to a nine-wicket win over Bangladesh yesterday in a rain-shortened match at the Women’s Cricket World Cup. The win breathed new life into New Zealand’s ailing campaign after its shock loss to the West Indies in the tournament’s opening match put the host a step behind the leading teams after the first full round of matches.

For much of Monday, New Zealand faced the bleak prospect that its match against Bangladesh would be washed out, that the teams would share the points and it would be left with only one point from two games.

But the rain that prevented the start of play at 11 a.m. local time lifted to allow a shortened match to get underway at 3 p.m. A minimum of 20 overs per side was needed to constitute a match.

Bangladesh batted first after losing the toss and made 140-8, led by Fargana Hoque, who made 52 from 63 balls.

New Zealand lost Sophie Devine, a century-maker in its opening match, with the total at 36 in the seventh over. Bates and Kerr came together and guided New Zealand to victory with seven overs or 42 balls to spare.

Kerr dabbed the ball behind point for four to bring up the winning runs and finish 47 not out.

Bates’ half century was her 28th in one-day internationals and at 73 she surpassed 1,000 runs in World Cup matches.

Her innings was also her first in an international match on her home ground at the University Oval.

MONDO Duplantis

DUPLANTIS SETS POLE VAULT WORLD RECORD OF 6.19M IN BELGRADE BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Olympic champion Mondo Duplantis broke his own world pole vault record with a 6.19-metre clearance at the Belgrade Indoor Meeting yesterday.

Duplantis set the record of 6.18 in February 2020 indoors in Glasgow.

“I’ve tried 6.19 metres 50 times,” the Swede said. “It’s been a long time coming.

I’ve never had a height that has given me that much trouble, so it’s a very good feeling. It was really hard fought over these past two years. I’m really happy.”

With all of his opponents finished, Duplantis opened his series with 5.61, 5.85 and 6.00 all on his first tries.

At 6.19, he missed his first two attempts. On his third and final try, he nudged the bar slightly with his knees but it remained in place. He leaped up from the landing mat and punched the air in celebration.

He will return to the same Stark Arena in the Serbian capital this month for the world indoor championships starting on March 18.

PAGE 14, Tuesday, March 8, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

G Edgecombe and Caldwell win title GARRETH Edgecombe and his Caldwell Community College men’s basketball team defeated USC-Salkehatchie 68-66 in the Division 1 Region 10/Atlantic District Tournament Championship Saturday afternoon in Hudson.

Edgecombe, a 2019 graduate of Galilee Academy, was enrolled at Franklin Prep Academy in Clemson, South Carolina before he enrolled at Caldwell Community College in Hudson, North Carolina.

Caldwell’s largest lead was five points - 38-33 with 18:31 remaining in the second half.

USC-Salk’s largest lead was three points, several times during the game. USC-Salk’s last lead came at 59-57 with 7:20 remaining on a basket by Trevur Smalls.

RJ Black’s three-pointer with 6:52 remaining gave Caldwell a 60-59 lead.

Caleb Mauldin would break the final tie of the game on a putback with 4;30 remaining, giving Caldwell a 63-61 advantage.

Josh Dupree’s basket with 3:37 to go would make it a two possession game at 65-61.

USC-Salk would close a threepoint deficit to one point at 66-65 when Lee Langstaff Jr hit two

GARRETH Edgecombe and his Caldwell Community College Cougars celebrate their championship victory. free-throws with 53.9 seconds remaining.

On their next possession, Caldwell’s Shawn Nelson would

hit a left side baseline jumper to give Caldwell a 68-65 advantage. USC-Salk missed on their next possession, fouled, and sent

Caldwell to the line for a one-andone with 26.3 seconds remaining.

Caldwell would miss the shot giving USC-Salk the ball.

Kailee White was fouled on a three-point attempt with 0.8 seconds remaining. White would miss the first free throw but make the second to cut the lead to 68-66.

After a timeout, White intentionally missed the shot, Caldwell’s Toyaz Solomon secured the rebound to give Caldwell the victory. Mauldin scored 10 of his 16 points in the second half.

The Cobras were led by Caleb Mauldin who had 16 points. Josh Dupree scored 13 and Shawn Nelson added 12.

Other scorers for Caldwell were Isaiah Pruett with nine points, RJ Black added six, Charles Bryson and Toyaz Solomon both scored five points and Amarie ElijahKirby had two.

Cobras earn an automatic bid to the NJCAA Men’s Basketball Division One Tournament, March 14-19, held in the historic Hutchinson Sports Arena in Hutchinson, KS. Twenty four teams compete for the national title. Tickets are available online at njcaa.org/tickets. The NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Selection Shows will take place on Sunday, March 6 at 6:30PM ET.

BRACE FOR KANE AS TOTTENHAM SLAY EVERTON 5-0 IN EPL LONDON (AP) — Tottenham stayed in the race for the English Premier League top four after a 5-0 hammering of an Everton side which is in grave relegation danger after a gutless showing on Monday.

Spurs have been inconsistent in recent weeks but showed their best as, after Michael Keane’s own goal put them ahead early on, they ran riot. Harry Kane scored twice and Son Heung-min and Sergio Reguilon also netted.

It was another Kane masterclass, with his second goal a particular highlight, and he took his tally to 14 goals in 15 games against Everton.

This was as bad a performance as the Toffees have put in this season and there has been no bounce under Frank Lampard, with a fourth loss in five league games since he took over.

There is little doubt that they are involved in a

relegation dogfight as they are just a point above 18thplaced Burnley, though they do have a game in hand.

Spurs equalled their best ever Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and will have real belief that they can gate-crash the Champions League qualification places.

Antonio Conte’s men, although still in seventh, are three points behind Arsenal and firmly in the race ahead of a crunch visit to Manchester United next week.

The problem is you never know what you are going to get with Spurs in recent weeks as they followed a win at Manchester City with embarrassing defeats at Burnley and Middlesbrough.

But it was clear from early on that this was going to be a good night as they took early control of the game.

They went ahead in the 14th minute as Ryan Sessegnon was set free down the left and his cross was put through his own net by Keane, who scored a second own goal in three appearances at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Three minutes later, Kane found Dejan Kulusevski, who played in Son. The South Korean was grateful to see a weak shot squirm in through goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s body.

Matt Doherty played an exquisite first-time pass to Kane, who raced through on goal and finished clinically past his England teammate Pickford in the 37th for 3-0.

The break did not stop Spurs’ momentum. Just 41 seconds into the second half it was 4-0.

Son passed to Kulusevski and the Swede bagged a second assist by cutting back to Reguilon, who scored with his first

BROWNS PLACE FRANCHISE TAG ON TIGHT END DAVID NJOKU

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer TOTTENHAM’S SERGIO REGUILON, second right, is congratulated by teammates after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the English Premier League match against Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London yesterday.

(AP Photo/Ian Walton) touch having come on in the FA Cup quarterat halftime. Spurs were finals after coming from not showing mercy, and behind to beat Championmoments after Eric Dier ship rival Huddersfield 2-1 headed against the cross- at the City Ground. bar, Kane made it five with Forest, victorious against the goal of the night.

Arsenal and Leicester in It was a great ball over the previous two rounds, the top by Doherty to advance to the last eight pick out Kane, who found of the FA Cup for the first the bottom corner with a time in 26 years and a first superb first-time volley. meeting since 1999 with Meanwhile, Nottingham Liverpool, which will visit a Forest will host Liverpool week on Sunday.

Champions League matchups as PSG heads to Madrid with edge (AP) — English clubs Liverpool and Manchester City are in commanding positions. Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich still have some work to do.

The first four spots in the quarterfinals of the Champions League are up for grabs this week, with most of the competition’s title favourites in action.

A look at the second-leg matches in the round of 16: TODAY: BAYERN MUNICH VS. SALZBURG (1-1) Thomas Müller’s first own-goal in his long Bayern Munich career has disturbed what should have been relatively straightforward preparation for the visit of Austrian champion Salzburg today.

Müller scored in the wrong goal for Bayer Leverkusen to draw 1-1 in his 407th Bundesliga appearance on Saturday, when it was evident that communication among the German league leaders is an issue.

Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, who is filling in for the injured Manuel Neuer, said he told Müller he had Kerem Demirbay’s harmless-looking cross covered, but Müller was already on his way to turn it in.

Dayot Upamecano also produced an error-strewn performance in defense, where any mistakes today are likely to be punished

by Salzburg’s German forward Karim Adeyemi, a reported target for Borussia Dortmund next season. Salzburg, which

held Bayern to a 1-1 draw in their first game, warmed up for the return in Munich with a comfortable 4-0 win at SCR Altach. Bayern struggled with the Austrian team’s pace in the first leg before Kingsley Coman rescued a draw for the Bavarians in the last minute.

LIVERPOOL VS. INTER MILAN (2-0) There is increasing talk about a possible quadruple of titles for Liverpool, which has already won the League Cup, is in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup and has closed in on Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

The Reds’ involvement in the Champions League should stretch into next month after late goals

by Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah at the San Siro gave Liverpool a handy advantage to bring back to Anfield, where Liverpool is notoriously hard to beat — especially on big European nights.

Liverpool is unbeaten in all competitions in 2022 and perhaps has its strongest squad in Jürgen Klopp’s reign, with the German coach having plenty of options in attack.

Klopp’s big decision might be who to start out of Diogo Jota and new signing Luis Diaz alongside Sadio Mane and Salah.

Inter’s defeat to Liverpool started a run of four straight matches without a goal for the Nerazzurri.

They went more than 400

PSG’S KYLIAN MBAPPE, left, challenges for the ball with SaintEtienne’s Falaye Sacko during their French League One soccer match at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on February 26.

(AP Photo/Michel Euler) minutes without scoring the game coming three before ending their goal days after the Manchesdrought in spectacular ter derby in the Premier style on Friday with a 5-0 League — with City beatwin over last-place Saler- ing United 4-1 — and the nitana. Lautaro Martínez likes of Gabriel Jesus and scored a hat trick in that Jack Grealish looking for match but he hasn’t netted game time after returning in the Champions League from injury. City will reach since 2020. the quarterfinals for the WEDNESDAY: fifth straight season unless MANCHESTER CITY something sensational is VS. SPORTING (5-0) produced by Sporting, Holding a big lead from which is more likely to the first leg, City has the come into the match in luxury of being able to damage-limitation mode rotate its players amid a after its thrashing three busy run of fixtures in three weeks earlier in Portugal. competitions as the season Since then, Sporting had reaches the business end. a home loss to rival Porto Defence is the area where in the first leg of the PortuPep Guardiola has few guese Cup semifinals. options, though, with right REAL MADRID back Kyle Walker serving VS. PARIS SAINTthe second match of his GERMAIN (0-1) three-game suspension, Real Madrid enters the Ruben Dias out for up second leg against PSG to six weeks with a ham- with coach Carlo Ancestring problem and fellow lotti having to figure out a centre back Nathan Ake way to set up his midfield. also nursing an injury. It’s Casemiro is suspended up front where Guardiola and Toni Kroos and Fedmay make changes, with erico Valverde are listed as

doubtful because of health issues. Valverde is more likely to be available after missing Saturday’s Spanish league game against Real Sociedad because of flu symptoms, but Kroos is expected to be out because of a muscle injury. Casemiro was key in Madrid’s 4-1 win over Sociedad, when he played alongside young Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric. Left back Ferland Mendy also is out due to suspension.

PSG prepared for the trip to Spain by losing for only the third time in 27 French league matches this season — to second-place Nice.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to have right back Achraf Hakimi (thigh), Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes (groin), Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera (eye infection) back to face Madrid.

A makeshift backline looked vulnerable against Nice. Pochettino clearly had the European game in mind as he rested defenders Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes.

Kylian Mbappé didn’t play due to suspension so will be fresh to bring his electric pace back to face Madrid and link up with Lionel Messi.

Reaching the final just like in 2020 is where PSG wants to be in May — and winning the Champions League, for the Qatari ownership, for the first time.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns are holding on to David Njoku.

Cleveland placed its franchise tag for next season on the tight end, who once asked to be traded but has become one of the team’s top targets and says he wants to finish his career with the Browns.

A first-round pick in 2017 from Miami, Njoku was one of the few bright spots last season for the Browns, who went 8-9 and missed the playoffs amid high expectations.

He caught 35 passes for 475 yards and four touchdowns.

The Browns believe the 25-year-old Njoku can produce even more and have spoken to his agent about a long-term contract.

It’s a dramatic turnaround for Njoku, who asked to be traded when the Browns acquired Austin Hooper as a free agent and drafted Harrison Bryant. He has developed into one of the team’s most dependable threats and a core member of Cleveland’s offence.

The franchise tag means Njoku will be under contract through the 2022 season for roughly $11 million. The team is expected to continue negotiating a long-term deal with him.

Following the season, Njoku said his heart was in Cleveland.

“I love it here. I love it here to the core,” he said.

“I honestly want to be here for the rest of my career, so my agent and the Browns are still in talks, we’re still negotiating, figuring out what we can do, and we’ll go from there.”

Njoku has 148 career receptions for 1,754 yards and 15 TDs in five seasons with the Browns. His 71-yard touchdown catch against the Los Angeles Chargers last season was the longest in the NFL by a tight end.

Cleveland also tendered contracts to exclusive rights free agent wide receiver Ja’Marcus Bradley and offensive linemen Blake Hance and Michael Dunn.

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