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PM shows the way on vaccination rollout
THE FIRST vaccinations against COVID-19 were delivered yesterday. The first patient to receive the vaccine was public health nurse Ruth Bastian, pictured left, followed closely by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, centre, and Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis, special health advisor to the Prime Minister, right. Photos: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the country is “turning the corner” in the fight against COVID-19, after he and his wife were among the nation’s first to receive the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine yesterday. Dr Minnis said he is confident that the majority of citizens will receive the vaccine, a catalyst for returning to normal. He believes this will be done
by May or June of this year. “I think what is amazing is soon as individuals had heard that I and others were being vaccinated, I was amused by the number of phone calls that I received at home,” he said when asked about his confidence in getting the majority of the population vaccinated. “Everywhere I stopped — I went to the supermarket this morning shopping and people SEE PAGE TWO
RECEIVERS FLAG CLAIM ON COURT PAYMENT TO SARKIS By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHA Mar’s receivers have threatened to claim any damages awarded to Sarkis Izmirlian if he wins his battle with China Construction America (CCA) so they can repay $1bn to the lender. Darach Haughey, the accountant appointed as one of the project’s three receivers, argued in a July 30, 2020, affidavit that
previous guarantees by the original developer and his Baha Mar Properties vehicle meant they “could be entitled to claim the proceeds of any judgment” Mr Izmirlian wins in the court. He based this on Baha Mar Properties pledging its shares in Baha Mar Ltd, the company ultimately placed into receivership, as security for the initial $2.45bn construction loan. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
CRUISE SHIP VISITS? NOT HERE, THANKS By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net HARBOUR Island resort operators yesterday warned the Government it will hurt “the goose that laid the golden egg” if they try to make the island a cruise tourism destination. Tom Sherman,
owner and partner in the Coral Sands resort, said making Harbour Island a weekly port of call for Crystal Cruises on its 16 seven-night voyages between July and October threatened to undermine the very essence of the island’s tourism model. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
FATHER SHOT DEAD BY OFF-DUTY COP INSIGHT By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
AN off-duty police officer shot and killed a man who allegedly attacked him with a baseball bat in a parking lot on Friday night, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said. The incident took place after 10pm at a plaza on East Street South opposite Cox Way.
NAWAL Mackey and his son, Nawal Jr.
Initial reports from police said the off-duty officer was patronising an establishment in the plaza when he became an eyewitness to an ongoing altercation in the parking lot. The officer made an attempt to speak to the individual who was involved, police said, but the man then left and later returned with a baseball bat and struck the officer on his head and face several times. SEE PAGE FOUR
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
FORGET NATIONAL BOUNDARIES, IT’S A GLOBAL BATTLE
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Monday, March 15, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
PM shows the way on vaccination rollout from page one were stopping me asking when they can get the vaccine. So, I think we’re turning the corner now. “Lots of Bahamians are understanding and they recognise that the vaccine is safe, and it will save lives and that has been our real mantra, saving lives and getting us back to work.” Before he spoke to reporters, Dr Minnis got his first injection of the two-dose vaccine and completed a 15 minute observation period by health officials at Loyola Hall on Gladstone Road. Around 110 people received shots in the “pilot” phase of the vaccine process yesterday. Nurse Ruth Bastian, a public health nurse since 1975, was the first person in the country to receive the vaccine yesterday morning. Dr Merceline DahlRegis, chairperson of the National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee (NCVCC), was the second person to receive the vaccine. Health Minister Renward Wells and Free National Movement St Anne’s candidate Adrian White were also among this group. Mr White received the shot yesterday after reporting to the hall for a COVID-19 training session with the Rotary Club. The group was told that the number of vaccines at the facility outnumbered the volume of appointments of people who signed up to be vaccinated yesterday. Dr Minnis said receiving the vaccine should be viewed as “essential”. “I feel great. I guess even
“I have taken mine. There was no fear or anything and I advise the Bahamian population to take the vaccine also so that our country can get back to normal as quickly as possible and people can start working, their kids can get back to school, individuals can start playing, our athletes can get back to practising, (and) we can prepare for Olympics. “It’s essential for us to get, especially our Family Islands, back to normal and advancing them as quickly as possible.” Asked what he now personally looked forward to, Dr Minnis said: “What I am looking forward to is for us receiving the remainder of the vaccine so that our entire population can be rolled out as quickly as possible. “I would like to see our entire populace back to normal (by) May, June so
that we can commence whatever things we’ve done in the past.” While he refused to comment on what would come next in the phase of the process yesterday, Dr Minnis said on Friday that health officials plan to administer this first set of vaccines in single doses and not two jabs per person. This means 20,000 people will receive a single dose in the next several weeks as opposed to only 10,000 people getting two doses out of this batch. He said officials will not distribute the vaccinations “half-half” because they expect to receive additional doses by the time the first set of vaccinated individuals are ready for their second shot. For her part, Dr DahlRegis said there was some regret that a vaccine was
not available 15 months ago resulting in the loss of lives. “I would like to share with each of you that I had a neighbour who was a physician who died and I said this morning if only we had this vaccine 15 months ago we would have saved at least 181 lives,” she told reporters yesterday after receiving her shot. Addressing vaccine hesitancy, she said officials will only give the shot to those who want it. “Vaccine hesitancy is a real concern. It’s not only here it’s global. You have a lot of misinformation circulating. “For example, the association with AstraZeneca and the thromboembolism (blood clots) in two patients, 26 million took it, two patients and now they’ve established that it’s unrelated to the vaccine, but the hesitancy is really related to misinformation. “When it comes to mistrust of vaccines, this vaccine is new unlike all the other vaccines we have used. We don’t have a long history. We don’t know what 10 years, 15 years, 25 years compared to some of the other experiences we’ve had. “So, we’ve had the successes and if folks would only reflect back there was never hesitancy, there was total embrace. People are struggling, fighting to get the vaccine. There is a global shortage right now of vaccines for COVID-19. There will be an abundance later on but right now there is a global shortage, so we are really thrilled to have the vaccine and those who don’t want it need not take it. There are many more people who want it than the supply that we have so those who want it will get it.” Speaking to concerns that the next batch of vaccines could be delayed, Dr DahlRegis said the second shot is not needed for another 12 weeks.
THE vaccine rollout process will begin on Wednesday on New Providence and Grand Bahama with the appointment system expected to go live tomorrow, the National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee announced yesterday. Individuals eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in this first phase include: healthcare workers in the public sector, and private sector healthcare workers participating in the vaccination rollout; residents and staff of eldercare homes and non-ambulatory residents registered in the public health system; and staff of the uniformed branches. Appointments are not required for residents and staff of elder care homes and non-ambulatory residents, who will be vaccinated by COVID-19 vaccine mobile units. The appointment system will go live on March 16 for healthcare workers and uniformed staff members, beginning with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, on New Providence and Grand Bahama. Eligible healthcare workers and uniformed branch staff will be informed within their respective institutions as to how to make their appointments, a statement said. All eligible vaccine candidates in this first phase will be required to present an ID code generated by the appointment system and valid government-issued identification at the vaccination site.
Starting Wednesday, vaccinations will be administered at public health institutions, including Princess Margaret Hospital, Doctors Hospital, and the vaccination site at Loyola Hall on New Providence for community health providers. On Grand Bahama, shots will be given out at Rand Memorial Hospital. Those required for the continuity of government, including government officials, will be vaccinated during this initial effort. A pilot of the vaccination process was conducted yesterday at Loyola Hall to ensure a smooth rollout. Ruth Bastian, a public health nurse since 1975, was the first person in the country to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine during this pilot phase. Dr Merceline DahlRegis, chairperson of the NCVCC, was the second person to receive the vaccine. Nurse Bastian told reporters moments after receiving the injection that she was “feeling fine,” and urged the public to rely on only reputable information when making a decision about getting the vaccine. After getting the shot, she was observed 15 minutes by a nurse and doctor. “I would say that the vaccine is safe,” Nurse Bastian said. “I would also say that persons may be concerned about the origin of the vaccine. The company where we received this vaccine from produces over 80 percent of the vaccines worldwide, so I am
not worried about the manufacturing. “I encourage people to read and get your information from reputable sources to make sure that you are getting reliable information.” A group of 110 individuals took part in Sunday’s pilot. The group consisted of healthcare workers, staff of the uniformed branches and volunteers working on the vaccination campaign, including data entry clerks, vaccinators, medical observers and other volunteers. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his wife, Patricia Minnis, and Minister of Health Renward Wells also received the vaccine yesterday. As the COVID-19 vaccination programme progresses, members of the public will be notified in advance of eligibility to make their appointments to receive the vaccine, the committee said. More information will soon be provided as it relates to the rollout in the Family Islands, the statement said. The Bahamas received 20,000 doses of the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine last week, a gift from the government of India. The country is expected to receive an additional 33,600 COVID-19 vaccine doses before the end of March through the World Health Organisation’s COVAX facility. A further tranche of approximately 66,000 vaccines is expected to arrive by the end of May.
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis receiving his COVID-19 vaccination. as a physician all of my colleagues would know that I am afraid of needles, (but) to be honest I didn’t feel it and so individuals who are even afraid of needles they need not worry because you cannot feel it. “But I look forward to the entire Bahamas receiving the vaccine because our great priority at this particular time is safety and ensuring that all of our population, all of our Bahamians, residents and those within The Bahamas are safe. So that we can go back to work, commence our regular life and socialise.
That is a part of our culture. We are not a group of people who are accustomed to elbow and social distancing. So, I think we would be more than happy to get back to normal life as quickly as possible.” He also said: “I think it’s essential. There (has) been a lot of fake news and rumours about the side effects and different things, but you would notice that millions and millions of individuals throughout the world have already been vaccinated and there have not been any difficulty or problems and that speaks volumes.
Photo: Racardo Thomas
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THE TRIBUNE
Monday, March 15, 2021, PAGE 3
HEALTH UNIONS: WE’VE NOT BEEN CONSULTED By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net AS the first COVID-19 vaccinations were given out during a “pilot” phase yesterday, key players in the public healthcare system say the government has failed to consult them in the rollout process. Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, heads of both the Consultant Physicians Staff Association and the Bahamas Nurses Union said their groups were not consulted despite the significant roles the members will play in the inoculation of Bahamians against COVID-19. Asked about concerns that the government had not brought the CPSA or BNU to the table to discuss the process, Health Minister Renward Wells said yesterday “the most important persons” were consulted. However, CPSA President Sabriquet PinderButler told this newspaper the government’s actions in this regard set a “poor example” of how affairs should be conducted. The National Vaccine Consultative Committee held a vaccine pilot activity yesterday at Loyola Hall where more than 100 people received the first doses of the OxfordAstraZeneca shot. A public health nurse was the first person to get the vaccine. “The CPSA has not been consulted or formally engaged related to the rollout or anything else related to COVID-19,” said Dr Pinder-Butler. “Considering that healthcare workers are said to be first in line it would seem important that the CPSA who represents the
NONE OF FIRST 20,000 DOSES WILL BE HELD FOR SECOND JAB By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has said all 20,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine, which is set to roll out next week, will be distributed as single doses and one jab per person. He said officials will not distribute the vaccinations “half-half” because they expect to receive additional doses by the time the first set of vaccinated individuals are ready for their second shot. Dr Minnis made the comments while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Inagua Passport Office opening ceremony. “Remember we have an additional 33,700 on its way and that should be here in a matter of weeks, if not sooner,” he stated. “And then we’re in discussion (for an) additional few hundred senior physician health care workers would have been involved along with other physician and nursing colleagues. “It is disrespectful and for government officials of health and the nation to play a blind eye as to what should be proper protocol, sets a poor example as leaders especially after it has been brought to their attention on numerous occasions. “We just pray that all persons in the country will remain safe, including those that will be administered the vaccine, and that we continue to safeguard our nation during this pandemic. “We urge our citizens to continue to practice the safety measures, including wearing our masks, social distancing, washing our hands and taking care of our overall mental and
thousand so we’re on our way”. The Prime Minister said he could not speak on what portion of the 20,000 doses would be sent to the Family Islands or the amount that would be distributed to persons living in the capital. Still, he said the committee is working to address the matter. “I think the committee, they are drawing up their plans (and) their protocols and they will deal with that,” he said. “So it’s no political involvement, it will be fair play and our objective (and) our goal is to ensure that each and every Bahamian is vaccinated...I and my cabinet I’m sure will take the vaccine as soon as possible. But as I said, the vaccination committee, they set the protocols and all the plans so we would just fall in line essentially”. Asked whether it was frustrating to deal with the difficulty of getting vaccines into the country, he added: “It placed a difficult challenge on
physical health.” Amancha Williams, BNU president, similarly said the union had “no clue” as to how the rollout will work, adding she was not surprised that the union had not been consulted. She said: “No, they have not consulted with the union, so we have no clue how the roll out would work. “We have no idea outside of what you all (reporters) know as in what you put out in the newspaper and what is said in the media. We don’t have any information. “They refuse to give us that information for some reason. I don’t know why. We are a part of the health team with almost 2,000 members plus. “Even the doctors union and the consultant doctors union (doesn’t know) so it’s just the operation of our
MINISTER VISITS CORAL FARM By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
AGRICULTURE and Marine Resources Minister Michael Pintard toured Coral Vita’s landbased coral farm in Grand Bahama on Friday as his ministry moves to begin its Coral Restoration/Climate Action Project. He said his ministry is happy to partner with Coral Vita and was pleased with its progress post-Dorian. Since its restoration, the coral farm has been engaged in a coral restoration project in Grand Bahama. “We are happy they are bouncing back, consistent with global discussions about resilience in the age of climate change,” Minister Pintard said, following his tour and an update from Coral Vita co-founder Sam Teicher. Coral Vita is on a canalfront property in the subdivision of Discovery
MAN SHOT IN DRIVE-BY INCIDENT
A MAN is in stable condition in hospital after he was shot on Friday night. Police said shortly after 10pm, a man was walking in the area of Nicholas Court in Yellow Elder Gardens when he was approached by occupants in a Honda Fit. The man saw the car’s rear passenger window go down and heard gunshots. He later realised he was hit to the right leg and under his right arm. He was taken to hospital and is in stable condition. An investigation is ongoing.
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Bay. It experienced a 17ft storm surge, and all of the coral tanks floated away. They recovered one tank 35 miles away in the High Rock settlement. Mr Teicher, the chief reef officer, said they were able to recover almost all of the tanks to resume their operation. At the farm, they can grow coral at a much faster rate in tanks and more resilient to climate change. The government has supported the work at Coral Vita since its official launch in May 2019, added Mr Teicher. “We are here (today) commemorating a contract we signed with the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources,” Mr Teicher said. “In addition to the coral restoration permit we received for the past two years, we now are actually engaging in a coral restoration project in GB, and the intention is to grow coral to bring the reefs back to life.” According to Mr Teicher, about 80 percent of the
Bahamas’ coral reefs have died. “We need to scale up as much effort as possible to regrowth the reefs because they are ultimately taking care of us in the Bahamas and around the world,” he explained. “The government is doing an amazing job supporting us in our work here, and to help make this all happen.” Minister Pintard said the government is committed to growing the Blue economy and has forged several important partnerships in this regard. “We are also working collaboratively with the IDB and we are part of at least two significant projects. We have recently hired…a very important researcher who is concentrating on the blue economy,” he said. Mr Pintard believes Coral Vita’s coral farm is significant to the development of the country’s blue economy.
us. The longer the delay in obtaining the vaccine we must continue to strengthen measures in terms of protocol and continue to balance safety (and) life versus economy. And I think we have balanced it so well and have been doing that for such a long time I think we have basically struck the chord and know how to do that. “And we are more than happy that the vaccines have arrived and we’ll be even happier as more comes into our country and young individuals step forward, receive the vaccine and preach the word and inform the public as to how important it is to receive the vaccine so that we can get back to normal life as quickly as possible”. The recent spike of positive cases on Abaco has left some residents concerned that the island’s restrictions could be extended. However, Dr Minnis said officials will continue to “monitor the situation and be directed by
government and they failed to include all parties of the healthcare system. So, that’s how they are running our country. No conversation.” While this is the case, Ms Williams said she will not discourage nurses from doing their jobs or receiving the vaccine if they desire. When asked about these frustrations from healthcare unions, Mr Wells said: “The reality is the Ministry of Health has been driving this process.” He added: The most important persons in this process are those persons who’ve always been a part of the vaccination process, which is the Ministry of Health Immunisation Department that has been leading the charge in regard to immunisation in this country in general. “This is not new. This is
the science” before determining whether the safety measures would be lifted or prolonged. “As you know we brought the curfew down to 8 o’clock. The feeling is if that had not been done then we would have been in an even worse situation than we are in today. But the science, the doctors and the scientists are continuously monitoring the situation and they would inform us as to the way forward, relaxation of restrictions, etc”. On Friday, Dr Minnis was also asked if he still intended to legislate a term limit for the office of the Prime Minister, he stated: “That hasn’t changed. I have one more term. Election is due by May of next year. Whenever election is called, then I have no doubt we’ll win. I’d roll in to my last and final term. I would legislate it as quickly as possible. However, I most certainly would adhere to what has been said”.
something that The Bahamas has been doing for probably 180 years. The first vaccination bill, the bill that we use today to vaccinate folk was passed around April 6, 1860. That’s how long we’ve been vaccinating people in The Bahamas and the reality is the Ministry of Health with its very creative, innovative, bold, passionate individuals who are a part of that technical team along with the vaccination committee has put together a fantastic vaccination programme for the Bahamian people. It is one borne in what we have done in the past from our experiences.” He also said: “Many of those individuals are a part of the Ministry of Health and so at the end of the day their colleagues we are also a part of the Ministry
of Health who has the requisite training, who are also the individuals with the same kinds of degrees and so again we have been through this process on a number of occasions in vaccinating the Bahamian people, in vaccinating the public and we’re moving forward in that vein.” The Office of the Prime Minister said the rollout of the vaccine campaign will begin on Wednesday. Healthcare workers in the public sector; private sector healthcare workers participating in the vaccine rollout; residents and staff of senior home and non-ambulatory residents registered in the public healthcare system; as well as staff of the uniformed branches are eligible to be vaccinated in this first phase.
PASSPORT OFFICE OPENS IN INAGUA By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis officially opened a passport office in Inagua on Friday. Dr Minnis said the launch, a month after one was opened in Exuma, was “consistent” with the government’s commitment to make essential services offered in New Providence and Grand Bahama more accessible to Bahamians in the Family Islands. “Inagua is some 600 miles away from Nassau. It is burdensome for an Inaguan to have to spend so much money on airline tickets, accommodations, transportation, and food in Nassau to apply for a passport,” he said. “This expenditure may run an individual into over a thousand dollars,
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at the passport office in Inagua. depending on the circumstances. Given the present airline schedules, the cost includes being away from family and work for at least a week. The cost and inconvenience increased even more if an entire family had to travel to New Providence.” Dr Minnis said when the online portal went live on a trial basis for Inagua at the beginning of the month, 15 applicants were enrolled for passports. He said 14 of those have since been completed. Noting that Inagua remains the country’s southern gateway, he added: “We will continue to strengthen and to fortify our security establishments
in this southern flank. We will continue to invest in infrastructure to ensure that this community is strong and vibrant and continues to grow and make a contribution to our Commonwealth.” Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield also boasted about the economic benefits the new Passport Office would give people on the island. “Today this Minnis led administration makes it much easier and a whole lot more convenient for you in Mathew Town and the surrounding islands to get one of the most important documents that a free society can provide for its citizens: the passport,” he said.
PAGE 4, Monday, March 15, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Playful little boy who was gunned down at his home By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net TEN-YEAR-OLD Kenron Dean was looking forward to a fun movie night at his aunt’s house with his twin brother and cousins, but he’ll never again get the chance to enjoy something he loved doing after gunmen opened fire at his home, killing him Thursday night. His aunt, Doneisha Sherman told The Tribune on Friday that the sweet, energetic TG Glover Primary School student loved to play games and spend quality time with his family. “Guppy was his nickname,” she said, tears streaming from her eyes. “He was in the fifth grade. “He liked his belly, but he was sweet. Liked games. Loved his twin, of course, his cousins and his parents. He was sweet and a playful little boy.” On the day he died, Ms Sherman said Kenron reminded her about a promise to host movie night for him and his relatives. However, being busy at the time, Ms Sherman said she brushed it off, something she now regrets. “The night before that, all of them slept by me and this was the most painful part for me because they was there and I said something to him but yesterday (Thursday) when I came from work, he came to the car and say ‘Doneisha, ain’t you say we gone have movie night?” “And where I was in a
KENRON DEAN rush and they been by me from the night before and I already tell them ‘I need a break from y’all, all y’all’. So, that bother me a lot. They was outside playing with the door open but when I left, they was inside the house (and) the door was closed but the (gunmen) had to do what they did with the door closed.” An hour later, Ms Sherman said she received one of most shocking calls of her life, her nephew was dead. Police said shortly after 9pm Thursday, they were called to the scene of a shooting at Finlayson Street and Bola Avenue in Bain Town, where four people — an adult male and three children whose ages range from seven to ten years old — were injured. Emergency Medical Services were summoned and one of the juveniles, a ten-year-old boy was pronounced dead. Assistant Commissioner of Police Solomon Cash told reporters at the scene the remaining victims were
taken to hospital and were being treated. Kenron Dean is the country’s youngest murder victim for the year. His twin brother and cousin – both minors – and uncle were injured during Thursday’s ordeal. Police said the children’s mother and grandmother were in the house at the time of the shooting. Kenron’s mother was inconsolable when The Tribune visited her house off Finlayson Street in Bain Town Friday morning and did not speak to this newspaper. Relatives said they do not know the motive behind the shooting, but insisted it was not domestic-related. Asked about the condition of the three victims, relatives did not have any additional information on the uncle, who is still believed to be in hospital. However, they told The Tribune the two minors had been released from hospital, but have been left seriously shaken by Thursday’s horrific incident. “Mentally, no one is okay, especially the twin because they saw the whole situation,” Ms Sherman said. “It ain’t playing with him right because he still hearing the gunshots when he closes his eyes. He’s screaming and saying he miss his brother who he supposed to do things with, so it’s a lot. “It’s hard on the kids and the twin and (he’s) saying now he don’t want to live here so it’s a lot because different from my mummy and
sister and then you have all the kids, to deal with. Who to start with? Where to start? What to say to them?” The family wants justice, saying those responsible deserve to be punished for taking the life of an innocent child. “Ain’t no justifying taking the life of a child. You cancelled all his dreams, his goals. You shortened his life. Over what? Make it clear. Why would you come to a house where only women and children are known to live? Anybody who knows this house or who knows me or my sister, know we live here – women and children. I don’t get that.” The shooting in Bain Town was one of two incidents that occurred within the span of about two hours Thursday night. Around 10pm, police were called to a second homicide scene in Fox Hill, where they discovered the body of a man lying on the ground on Barger Lane with apparent gunshot wounds. Officers said information reported to them was that the victim was standing outside in front of his home when he was approached by a gunman who fired shots in his direction before escaping. The two killings on Thursday pushed the country’s homicide count to 26 for the year, according to this newspaper’s records. Anyone with information on any of these incidents is asked to call police at 5029991 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477).
SEARCH GOES ON FOR MISSING PLANE By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
THE family of one of two men missing after a plane crash off Acklins met law enforcement officers yesterday as search and recovery efforts continue. Passenger Steven Sawyer and pilot Cliff Dean, were last seen on Friday, March 5. A yellow and white Piper PA28 aircraft, piloted by Mr Dean, departed Lynden Pindling International Airport at 8am en route to Inagua before crashing into the ocean off Acklins. “We have a meeting today (Sunday) at 4pm
to discuss the next phase of our own search,” said Judy Brown, Mr Sawyer’s mother. “We are not giving up hope. The Coast Guard and Defence Force are doing their part and private citizens are also doing a search of the area as well. We have done all the area around Acklins and nothing has shown up as yet. “We don’t feel the plane has crashed as there is no debris or anything like that so we feel they are drifting and might have gotten caught up in Cuban waters. Now we cannot go searching in Cuban water. That is crossing international lines so we leave that up to
the Defence Force, but we have sent Steven’s picture to people we know in Cuba to see if he was seen there.” Ms Brown said she is asking sympathisers to hold off on sending “condolences” as she says there is no evidence that her son is dead. “I see some people posting a lot of kind words in condolences and I am asking them to stop,” she said. “No one has said my son is dead so I don’t know why they are doing that. There is no body presented to us and no proof or evidence that Steven is dead. So please stop that. God forbid, but until a body is presented to me, then I
am going to hold the faith that Steven is alive and will return home.” The Royal Bahamas Defence Force and US Coast Guard are leading the search. The incident is also being investigated by the Air Accident Investigation Authority. Over the weekend there were no updates from any of the entities involved in the search for the missing men. The last update from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force said the agency continues to work with its partnering agencies in the search for the missing aircraft.
FATHER SHOT DEAD BY OFF-DUTY COP from page one
The officer, who was armed with his service pistol, fired several shots at his assailant, fatally wounding him. Emergency Medical Services were called in and they pronounced the man dead. The officer was transported to the hospital where he is in stable condition. The coroner visited the scene and was appraised of the initial facts, police said. Contacted on Sunday for more information on the matter, police press liaison, ASP Audley Peters, said the officer was only trying to keep the peace. “He was not the initial person involved in the altercation,” ASP Peters said. “He was attempting to quell the argument. The person left and came back and attacked him with a baseball bat. The officer then got his pistol and shot him.” Asked for the official ID for both the officer involved and the deceased, ASP Peters declined. “We have not officially identified the deceased as yet and no, I cannot give you the officer’s name. He is in serious, but stable condition,” he said. Relatives say the deceased is 28-year-old Nawal Mackey Sr. His mother, Iris Murphy of Andros, and girlfriend are now left with unanswered questions after the incident and do not believe the police’s version of the events. “Honestly I am lost for words,” Ms Murphy told The Tribune. “The way I understand that it happened is that they shot my son like a dog. Even a dog had a better chance than him. “I understand they shot him twice. He fell to the ground and they shot him again,” she alleged. “Now (for them) to turn around... and say he attacked them... This brings the pain that Mary had when she saw Jesus killed... I would like closure on this, but the pain is piercing my heart. It is
not easy. That was my only child. I pray the truth is found.” Mackey was an employee of Apex Paving Company for the past five years. His mother and girlfriend Shaneeka Miller said they can get no answers from police as everything is on hold, even his car has been impounded. Ms Miller, the mother of Mackey’s son Nawal Mackey Jr, is distraught that her young child now has no father. She said someone who was present when the incident occurred gave her a different version of the events than what police reported. “Someone who was there said this happened in the place where they were playing pool, not in the parking lot,” Ms Miller alleged. “He was not arguing with anyone else. He was arguing with the officer that shot him. I was told things got heated and the officer ran outside with his girl and people went outside behind them. Seems like some kind of fighting went on out there and another officer who was there fired a warning shot so they could stop.” She said she was told while her boyfriend did have a bat, he “started to run away from them” when he “saw the gun”. “He was then shot by the officer. He fell to the ground and then he was shot again. That is what was told to us by someone who was there,” she alleged. During the interview, a small voice in the background asked to speak to this writer. It was Mackey’s six-year-old son. “I miss my daddy. I want to see him. I want to speak to him. That’s my only daddy,” said Nawal Jr as he started to cry. Ms Murphy is set to come to Nassau today hopefully to identify the body of her son, secure his belongings and make arrangements for his remains. The incident will head to Coroner’s Court for a hearing.
MITCHELL: GOVT HAS TO GET ITS ACT TOGETHER By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
SENATOR Fred Mitchell said “government has to get its act together” as he expressed displeasure Friday regarding the upper chamber not being able to hold a sitting due to lack of attendance. The Senate was called to order shortly after 10.30am and about three minutes later the few that were present left after being dismissed. Six members must
be present for a meeting to proceed. Senator Mitchell, leader of the Opposition’s business, was one of few senators present in the Upper Chamber, when they were told the Senate would have to adjourn due to lack of quorum. He immediately released a statement blaming government for the no show, while Attorney General Carl Bethel also released a statement offering an explanation of what led to Friday’s events.
“The President of the Senate who summoned the senators was a no show and no minister of the government showed up,” Senator Mitchell’s statement read. “The Attorney General who is responsible for setting the date and time, moving bills and conducting government business did not show up. No other government minister showed up. The number of Senators required for a quorum did not show up.” He said the Senate therefore could not meet and
was forced to adjourn indefinitely because a quorum was not formed. The statement continued: “I find this particularly egregious because during our deliberations over scheduling, l told the leader of government business, the Attorney General that since the meeting date had originally been set for Monday, to just leave that date in place. “He insisted the date should be changed to today’s date. The man who set the date did not
show up. This level of disorganisation and rank incompetence is ridiculous and a total disgrace.” Senator Mitchell’s statement concluded: “The government needs to get its act together and get serious about governance and the people’s business.” Attorney General Carl Bethel’s statement said: “On Tuesday past I requested that the Senate meet this morning for the purpose of Tabling a Resolution for debate next week,” the statement said. “A Notice had previously been issued (on Monday past, the 8th March 2021) for a meeting of the Senate on Monday the 15th March 2021. However, at the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday the 9th March 2021, it was indicated that the Government intended to continue the debate on the Financial Bills on the same day that the Senate had been summoned to meet. “As a result of the decision on Tuesday in Cabinet, I sent a note, that same day, requesting that the Senate meeting be brought forward to today’s date, only for the purpose of tabling the Resolution to approve the Mid-term Budget statement. “I also spoke with the Minister of State for Finance on Tuesday, and indicated that I was already committed to attend two
negotiation sessions in respect of two major development proposals on Friday morning. I asked him to stand in for me and to Table the Resolution. “Unfortunately, despite my request since Tuesday past, the Clerk did not issue a Notice to change the date of the meeting until 6:44 pm last evening. It is important to note that during our conversation of Tuesday and until the email was sent on Thursday evening, the Minister of State for Finance had only received the original email setting the Senate date for Tabling on the following Monday. “Apparently, the Minister of State, who had already travelled to Freeport that day, did not check his emails and thus was not informed of the confirmation of the change of date from next Monday to today’s date. This very innocent late communication, and innocent oversight, explains the absence of a Cabinet Minister in the Senate this morning. “The Senate will accordingly be requested to meet on Tuesday morning the 16th March 2021 for the purposes of Tabling the Resolution, which will allow for the commencement of a full debate on the Financial Bills and the Midterm Budget Statement on Wednesday the 17th March 2021.”
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, March 15, 2021, PAGE 5
JET SKIER DIES AFTER COLLISION WITH BOAT A MAN is dead after his jet ski collided with a boat off Anthol Island yesterday. Assistant Superintendent Audley Peters said police were alerted about the incident after 6pm. He said the captain of a 19ft boat told police that while he was cruising into port towards Montagu harbour, he noticed a jet ski heading in his direction. “As they attempted to evade each other, both crafts collided into one another,” ASP Peters said. The captain fished the jet ski rider out of the water, and both he and the vessel were brought to shore, he added. Paramedics were called and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. ASP Peters said the deceased appeared to be in his 40s. He said it is unclear why the people involved in the incident were on
the water. “The facts are not clear at the moment but we understand there were a number of boats in the water and they were coming from an area,” ASP Peters said. The victim’s face had extensive injuries, ASP Peters said, however he refuted speculation that the man was decapitated. ASP Peters said there is no way to say at the moment if the jet ski rider was intoxicated. A coroner’s inquest will be held into the incident, he said. • At midnight last night, police were unable to confirm reports that a woman had died in a boating accident off Harbour Island and that three other people were missing. A police spokesman said they could only confirm information once it had been corroborated. Police also were unable to confirm reports of a murder in Homestead Street, Nassau.
A BODY being removed from the scene last night after a jet ski collided with a boat off Anthol Island. Photo: Racardo Thomas
PM and FNM seek Centreville votes MINNIS STILL IN FAVOUR OF TERM LIMITS... NEXT TIME AROUND
FNM supporters in Centreville on Saturday. PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and a large group of supporters campaigned in the Centreville constituency on Saturday. Dr Minnis was flanked by the Free National Movement’s candidate for the area Courtney Coulibaly, as well as several FNM Members of Parliament and dozens of supporters. “The PLP has had it for a long time, but now they are with us and we have no intention of losing any of our seats,” Dr Minnis told supporters.
The walkabout attracted some criticism due to the number of people canvassing the area and current COVID-19 protocols limiting gatherings. While everyone in the group wore masks, at some points they were not standing the recommended six feet apart as they canvassed the community. Asked to respond to criticism, Dr Minnis told reporters that while the gathering was “large,” the event did not breach any current COVID-19
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he still plans to institute term limits, suggesting this would be on the agenda if he is re-elected for a second term. On Friday, Dr Minnis was asked about the term-limit promise he made on the campaign trail and shortly after winning the 2017 election. He said: “That hasn’t changed. I have one more term. Election is due by May of next year. Whenever (the) election is called, then I have no doubt we’ll win. I’d roll in to my last and final term. I would legislate it as quickly as possible. However, I most certainly would adhere to what guidelines. “Every individual (is) wearing their masks, they are wearing it properly and when we visit homes they don’t go inside,” Dr Minnis said. “What happens is only two or three would go — myself and the candidate. If it’s a very elderly individual, we speak to them from the outside, we don’t go inside.”
has been said.” Shortly after the May 2017 general election, the Minnis administration said it would seek the consent of the electorate in a referendum on instituting term limits for the prime minister, a recall system for non-performing members of Parliament and an independent Constituencies Commission and Electoral Commission. The promises were made in the Speech from The Throne, which revealed the government’s intended plans over the ensuing five years. In May 2018, Attorney General Carl Bethel said public consultation on bills establishing term limits for
He also said: “In terms of the numbers, the numbers are large, but in addition to that, the numbers are adhering to the protocols that we put forth in terms of wearing the mask and wearing it properly.” Dr Minnis and other party members spoke with residents of Centreville, handed out flyers and tried to drum up support
prime ministers and fixed dates for election would begin before the end of that year. At the time, he said the Law Reform Commission would “finalise two draft constitutional bills” to address such matters. “Once completed we will commence public consultations before the end of this year, and the government will then decide if it is required to hold a referendum, when to pass the bills and when to hold any referendum which might become necessary,” Mr Bethel said in 2018. However, it is unclear what movement, if any, on the issue has occurred since then.
for Mr Coulibaly, who is an engineer and owner of Dynamics Builders. The area is currently represented by independent MP Reece Chipman who quit the FNM in 2019. Before Mr Chipman’s election, the area had been represented for 40 years by former Prime Minister Perry Christie, of the Progressive Liberal Party.
Political candidates have been campaigning in their communities in recent weeks even though a general election is not expected until early 2022. Dr Minnis has repeatedly brushed off speculation about a snap or early election. However, the PLP and other observers have predicted a general election will be called this year.
UNCERTAINTY OVER SEABREEZE CANDIDATE AS ROLLE SEEN CAMPAIGNING By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement Seabreeze Constituency Association chairman Danny Sumner says he’s uncertain about the progress of choosing a candidate for the area. Area residents have reportedly seen the former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Lanisha Rolle in the constituency campaigning. Mrs Rolle resigned the Cabinet post nearly three weeks ago and it remains
unclear whether she will be ratified by the party to fight for the Seabreeze constituency. While he did not deny that Mrs Rolle was in the area campaigning, Mr Sumner was also tightlipped about her candidacy. “To be honest with you, I don’t know what the status is,” Mr Sumner said. “I really cannot even comment because I just don’t know. I just don’t know what the situation is.” FNM chairman Carl Culmer said he had no comment when contacted. One resident told The Tribune she did not
understand how the party expected to win the seat with Mrs Rolle as its candidate. “If I had not seen Lanisha Rolle with my two eyes, I would have said somebody lied on her,” said Lenora Bowleg on Friday. “I saw her twice in one day. She and a few people were dressed in red and canvassing the area. The group had been going door-to-door last Saturday. “I cannot see how the FNM could possibly think they could win by running Lanisha Rolle in Seabreeze again. This is total madness.”
She claimed Mrs Rolle did “no work” in the area and that constituents would not support her reelection. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis accepted Mrs Rolle’s resignation last month, the Cabinet Office said in a statement. “The Cabinet Office notifies for general information that Lanisha Rolle has tendered her resignation as
minister of youth, sports and culture,” the statement noted. “Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has accepted Mrs Rolle’s resignation. Certain matters have been brought to the attention of the prime minister and are under investigation. “The prime minister thanks Mrs Rolle for her service. The prime minister has advised His Excellency the Governor General to
appoint Iram Lewis as substantive minister of youth, sports and culture. Mr Lewis will demit his post as minister of state in the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, which remains under the ministerial portfolio of the prime minister.” Several calls were made to Mrs Rolle, but were unanswered.
Death Notice for
Sadie Floreen Lowe
of Palm Cay, Nassau was born in The Current, Eleuthera on February 10th, 1924 to Edmund Hall and Annie Griffin. Sadie was pre-deceased by her mother Annie Griffin, her father Edmund Hall, her husband Homer Lowe, her daughter Linda Thompson, her Sister Nellie Isaacs and brother Noel Hall.
She is survived by: Her son, Jimmie (Lori) Lowe; Grandson, Stephen (Clare) Thompson; her Granddaughter, Rachel Assee; her Grandson, Jody Lowe; her seven great grandchildren, Luke & Jake Thompson, Brooke & Danielle Assee, Ethan, Adrianna & Tiffany Lowe. Sister-in-law, Jean Lowe. Nieces and nephews, Janis Saunders, Scott (Theres) Saunders & family, William (BJ) Saunders & family, Steve Sands & Family, Samantha Adderley & Family, Monique Martin & Family & Stephanie Sands; Donna Fox & family, Nita Treco & Family, Sandra Eldon & family, Dave Lowe & family, Mark Lowe & family, Andy Lowe & Family, Minerva Lowe & Family, Rose Lowe & Family. Her caregiver, Grace Obillo. All of her Green Turtle Cay family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Albert Lowe Museum G.T.C., FCIB Account # 1129711 Marsh Harbour, Abaco Branch. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private service will be held.
PAGE 6, Monday, March 15, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
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Chile becomes vaccination champion SANTIAGO, Chile — After being among the world’s hardest-hit nations with COVID-19, Chile is now near the top among countries at vaccinating its population against the virus. With more than 25 percent of its people having received at least one shot, the country of 19 million on South America’s Pacific coast is the champion of Latin America, and globally it is just behind Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. That’s a far cry from the beginning of the pandemic, when Chile was criticized over its inability to trace and isolate infected people. So what is the secret to its success? Government officials and health experts say it was the country’s early negotiations with vaccine producers, as well as its past experience with robust vaccination programs, a record praised by the World Health Organization. During the first months of the pandemic, the headlines in Chile were bleak, with the country’s intensive care units almost full and the government unable to control the virus’s spread despite restrictions that included mandatory lockdowns. But another story was developing in parallel that few people knew about, one that had begun months before and would later guarantee Chile fast access to vaccines. Andrés Couve, Chile’s minister of science, said formal negotiations with vaccine-producing companies started last April, only a month after COVID19 was declared a pandemic. By May, Couve said, a team of experts and officials presented a plan to President Sebastián Piñera, including a road map about how to use the country’s network of trade agreements and its previous contacts with pharmaceutical companies to get vaccines once they were developed. Recommendations included being part of clinical trials. This effort was helped by contacts made months earlier in China. In October 2019, Chilean biochemist Dr Alexis Kalergis had traveled to Beijing with two Chilean colleagues for an international congress on immunology. There Kalergis met experts from the Chinese pharmaceutical Sinovac Biotech Ltd. Kalergis had already approached Sinovac about working on vaccine research. So when China announced in January 2020 it had identified a new virus, and within weeks the world saw it spreading around the globe, Kalergis knew he needed to reach out to his colleagues at Sinovac. “Taking advantage of our experience, the contacts and the interest that we
expressed … we started conversations with Sinovac,” said Kalergis, director of the Milenio Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy at Chile’s Catholic University. He spoke to Sinovac colleagues in January and February 2020, then went to Catholic University Dean Ignacio Sánchez with the details, saying they needed to be passed on to the government. Sánchez approached Chile’s health minister and foreign secretary, urging early negotiations with Sinovac and other pharmaceuticals and for Chile to be part of their clinical trials. The ministers agreed, and the Chilean government began making diplomatic contacts. By June, long before any other country in Latin America, Chile had secured a contract with Sinovac, which agreed to deliver an early batch once the vaccine was authorised, Kalergis said. Rodrigo Yáñez, undersecretary for international economic relations and lead negotiator with companies to get the vaccines, said Chile understood from the beginning that it needed to work with different pharmaceutical companies at the same time. “We looked at different alternatives and didn’t put all the eggs in the same basket,” he said. Chile was part of a Sinovac clinical trial that started in December and involved 2,300 medical workers. The government has not published its results, saying only that they were good. Trials for vaccines by AstraZeneca, Janssen and the Chinese pharmaceutical CanSino were also done in Chile, and those results also have not been disclosed. Chile received its first vaccine doses in December, some 21,000 from Pfizer, but they were fewer than promised. The country immediately began vaccinating medical workers. By the end of January, Chile received the first 4 million doses from Sinovac and was able to speed up inoculation. Massive vaccination started in February. Chile was administering more than 100,000 shots almost daily since early February, and that more than tripled this week. On Wednesday, it reached a daily global record of 1.3 shots per 100 inhabitants, followed by Israel with 1.04 doses, according to Our World in Data, a collaboration between researchers at the University of Oxford and the nonprofit Global Change Data Lab. No other country in Latin America has had anything near Chile’s success. By EVA VERGARA and PATRICIA LUNA, Associated Press
Elections and Christian voters EDITOR, The Tribune. AS CHRISTIANS we have a sacred duty to know the character and competence of our political candidates, to understand their personal and political philosophies, and to evaluate their policies and promises so that we can determine by the grace of God who are the best persons to rule this great country. We must ask particular and relevant questions that would prevent candidates from giving generalities and shooting off hot air. We need to know exactly where they stand on Biblical and moral issues and how they will solve critical, national problems. Why? We are accountable to the Lord for promoting the teachings of Christ and endorsing political candidates who will uphold the values of Christianity. It is not sufficient that we register to vote and simply receive the various parties’ ready-made manifestos or collect their propaganda
packages. We must seek the Lord’s face as to who are best suited to govern The Bahamas. It is not our will, but His will be done. A general election, therefore, is an opportunity for us to be led by God to elect candidates who have the courage to bring about positive change and create an environment for economic growth that will touch every home. For example, if the nation’s sovereign fund is a potential resource of great wealth, then Parliament should prudently and transparently use it to make life better for all Bahamians and residents. It is important that we remind and sensitize our future members of Parliament that transparency counts, that accountability counts, that moral clarity counts, that above all, God will judge us all on how we use power to advance His kingdom on earth. If we put God first by being led by His Spirit in the ballot booth then the best will come – spiritual and material blessings will come
abundantly in ways that we did not imagine. Jesus said: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” If Jesus is truly our Master, then we will allow His words to determine our political choice. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). “‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when the wicked Beareth rule the people mourn” (Proverbs 29:2). “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth and a foot out of joint.” (Proverbs 25:19). “Those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants,” William Penn. REV PERRY R CUNNINGHAM Nassau, March 13, 2021.
Save the children EDITOR, The Tribune.
THE recent spike in shootings and alleged homicides through the nation but more particularly here in New Providence, is troubling. What is even more startling is to see and read about the apparent wanton killing of innocent young children. It is written: “Suffer the little children to come unto me.....” Nowhere does it say: “Kill the babies.” Last year a young girl was shot and killed in the Carmichael area as a result of a suspected drive by shooting. Shortly before that another young child, a male, was shot and killed in Nassau Village. A few years before these senseless murders a young boy was shot and killed as he walked to school at Centerville Primary, formerly Southern Junior High School, my old alma mater. In all of these cases suspected persons were taken into custody and possibly charged, but the general public is often left in the dark once the initial publicity dies down. The Royal Bahamas Police Force is one of the best if not the best in this region. Its detection and apprehension rates are the highest in the western hemisphere bar none. The problem with these and other suspected homicides lies squarely at the feet of individuals; families and the wider community. We have become numbed and callous in most cases towards serious crimes inclusive of murders over the years. We have evolved into the
LETTERS
letters@tribunemedia.net proverbial “dog eat dog” nation of old and no one , seemingly except for me, cares. We cannot and should not blame the police for the escalation in crime, even if some rogue officers are known to be within the ranks. The blame game has its place, but now is the time to conceptualize and implement workable solutions to reduce the incidences of the killing of our children to the irreducible minimum. Where are the societal engineers? Where is the collective church in all of this? The inner city areas have now become “killing fields” and far too many young Bahamian children are being cut down even before puberty. They will never live to become productive adults and/or have children of their own. Who cares? What is happening my brothers and sisters? The Minister of National Security is a seasoned former Assistant Commissioner of Police. He, along with my brother and good friend Elliston Greenslade, former Commissioner of Police, were further educated in Canada and elsewhere at taxpayers’ expense. Neither of them are dummies in the traditional sense. No doubt when they were in office these child killings proved vexing, but they are now even more so with the newly installed Paul Rolle.
The death penalty is still a part of the laws of The Bahamas, but we observe it more in the breach than the actual implementation. It was none other than the interim Prime Minister, while on the campaign trail that he (Minnis) would personally pop the necks of convicted and sentenced murderers who would have exhausted all appeals, in Rawson Square. Now in office, Minnis cannot even fix his lips to utter: “Hang them high.” By the way, where is the Hon Marvin “Pretty Boy Floyd” Dames (FNM-Mount Moriah) in all of this? Not a single statement on the unacceptable spike? This is no time to play the political blame game. It is clear, however, that the judicial system is not working or serving the unwashed masses well or at all. The police will catch up with perpetrators of crime and prosecute them based on evidence. Too often, however, these same people, many of whom are as guilty as hell, will slip through the huge cracks in the judicial system for any number of reasons. As a nation we have to do more to save our little darlings, to quote the Hon Algernon SPB Allen. I an the Executive Director of Save The Children Foundation and I invite persons who are interested in join me in this cause to Save The Children that you call or whatsapp me @ 428-4814 or 454-1971. ORTLAND H BODIE Jr Nassau, March 13, 2021.
Elect then neglect EDITOR, The Tribune. DURING the election season we are all up in arms over “We” politicians or political parties. When elections are over and it’s all said and done we does be like “do whatever you like Sir/Madam”. This leads me to think “We does elect, then neglect”. As a result, our members of parliament never feel as though they must follow our wishes. Not to mention, if our member of parliament happens to get a Cabinet post or a position within the administration, dog eat the constituency lunch then cause now the excuse is the “minister has no time for the constituency cause he has a portfolio”.
What kinda nonsense is that....when an employee can be “so bold” as to tell an employer who hired him that he’s got another job and as a result, ain’t gat time for us. Bear in mind, we still paying him a salary. Unfortunately, that’s been a part of Bahamian politics for quite some time. I don’t care who you vote for, if they are not doing the task you hired them for, speak up and hold them to account. Far to often we feel like I support this party and if I feel like they’re doing something wrong, I can’t speak up against them cause that’s not right..... but yet, the same people will go and speak ill about their spouse when they do
wrong. No government will do everything right, but if you support them on everything they say or do, they will never know what’s wrong and needs correcting. Criticism isn’t always a bad thing, as it can sometimes facilitate positive meaningful changes. How did we get like this, where did we go wrong? If we continue to elect members of parliament as Independent, PLP, FNM, DNA or the Coalition Party and never hold them accountable, we will never see the effective governance we so desperately need. CLIFF Nassau, March 12, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, March 15, 2021, PAGE 7
Network is the first of its kind A “FIRST-OF-ITSKIND” Bahamian designed Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network exceeding that of other industrialised nations will enhance the safety of The Bahamas and boost key industries vital to the Bahamian economy’s postCOVID rebound, a top US aerospace, defence, intelligence, cyber security, jet- engine manufacturer and weather contractor has asserted. Gene Welch, Raytheon Intelligence & Space’s managing director for air traffic systems, told The Tribune that the multibillion dollar giant was “eager” to deepen its strategic alliance with Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network (BACSWN) - now that the Cabinet Select Committee has finished its negotiations with respect to validating BACSWN’s intellectual property designs and business plans for the rollout of a nationwide Aviation, Aeronautical, Climate, Marine, Meteorological, Navigation, Ocean and 3D Street, Chart and Weather Sensing Network. Describing the $427m project as “quite a vision”, Mr Welch said the project will transform The Bahamas’ ability among many other things to track and predict the path of monster storms such as Hurricane Dorian in virtual real time
- enabling the government, emergency management officials and National Hurricane Centre (NHC) to prepare evacuation plans and/or issue far more accurate and timely alerts. Mr Welch added that as BACSWN’s strategic partner and technology supplier, Raytheon Intelligence & Space was eager to deepen its collaboration to create the “First-of-itsKind” network. He added that Raython plans to assist BACSWN bring its vision to fruition to assist the aviation, meteorological and tourism industries combat increasing effects of climate change and adverse weather events as well as, assist the principals of BACSWN honour their pledge to provide heretofore unimaginable opportunities for training and collaboration with the Dept of Meteorology. An ancillary benefit of said WxSensenet is that it will empower the Government of The Bahamas to avail itself of its sole, sovereign and exclusive rights under the Chicago Convention to collect what has been projected to be upwards of $300n in overflight fees from the 594,000 flights, vessels and craft of each and every commercial, cargo and private carriers using Bahamas sovereign territory. BACSWN and Raytheon will work together to allow
the Bahamian company to establish itself as a Met Watch Office for all air and sea traffic, allowing the company to help the Bahamian government collect overflight fees. A “Watch Office” provides vessels or crafts using Bahamian air space with charts, based on real-time data, that will enable them to adjust their flight plans and paths to avoid potentially dangerous weather systems that may be developing. Describing the merits of the BACSWN project, Mr Welch told The Tribune: “It should be near real-time, which with the hurricane threat and everything should be very beneficial to the people of The Bahamas. Part of this project is providing aviation
MAN ACCUSED OF MULTIPLE RAPES IS DENIED BAIL By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
A 39-YEAR-OLD man was remanded to prison on Friday after being accused of raping several women between January and last month. Divon Seymour was one of several men who appeared in the Magistrate’s Court charged with sex-related offences. Seymour was arraigned on three counts of rape. Officers allege that he raped two 21-year-old women – one on January 27 and the other on February 7 – and a 47-year-old woman on February 19. He is also accused of assaulting a 21-year-old woman on March 3 with
the intention to rape her. During Friday’s hearings, Seymour was also charged with one count of armed robbery after being accused of robbing the 21-year-old woman he allegedly raped on February 7 of a Samsung cellphone valued at $235. He was not required to plead to any of the charges due to the nature of the offences. The case was adjourned to May 21 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until that time. Also appearing in the Magistrate’s Court on Friday was Douglas Edey, 35, who was charged with attempting to rape an
18-year-old girl on March 7. Edey was also not required to enter a plea to the charge and was remanded to prison until April 30 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment. In separate matters Giovani Depass, 21, and Godfrey Gray, 38, were also charged in the Magistrate’s Court. Depass is accused of having had unlawful sexual intercourse with a 15-yearold girl on February 27 while Gray is accused of having had unlawful sex with a 14-year-old girl on March 7. Neither accused was required to enter a plea to the charge and were remanded to prison until April 18 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment.
FOUR FACE COURT OVER $300,000 DRUGS FIND By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net FOUR men were arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court Friday in connection with the recent seizure of more than $300,000 worth of marijuana found at a residence on Fire Trail Road. Emmanuel Brown, 32; Andy Glinton, 37; Peter Lewis, 47, and Collin Russell, 42, stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate
Andrew Forbes charged with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to import dangerous drugs and importation of dangerous drugs. Officers allege that on March 10, the men were found in possession of some 336 pounds of marijuana valued at $336,000. The group is also accused of conspiring to import
the drugs into the country sometime between March 6 and March 10. All pleaded not guilty to the drug related charges. Brown, Glinton and Lewis were granted $7,000 bail with one surety and were ordered to report to the Carmichael Road police station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. However, Russell, who is a Jamaican national, was remanded to prison until Monday for a bail inquiry.
weather, which will allow The Bahamas to collect for overflight fees. That should help the aviation and tourism community quite a bit in The Bahamas.” Raytheon works extensively with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Air Force on weatherrelated issues, given that they are one of the biggest distributors to air transportation. “This will be the firstof-its-kind system in the world,” Mr Welch said. “It’s definitely part of a very, very advanced aviation system. It can work in conjunction with what you would describe as terminal air traffic. This is data that can be beneficial for that. “BACSWN is looking at providing data for use by the people of The Bahamas, but it will also be available for use in the aviation sector. It’s quite an undertaking.” Mr Welch said Raytheon’s first goal will involve
launching the Watch Office, with weather data sourced via a variety of radars and sensors that will be located at multiple sites in The Bahamas with Raytheon’s revolutionary Skyler Radars as the centrepiece. Mr Welch said that Raytheon has been collaborating with the principals of BACSWN alongside Dept of Meteorology to help to bring this concept to fruition for a year-and-a-half, and, will finalise it agreement once BACSWN signs its Heads of Agreement, he added. “BACSWN really had quite a vision for this, and it’s nice to see it starting to come to fruition. It will provide, especially for some of the Out Islands, advance warning that they don’t have right now to better predict the timing of these catastrophic hurricanes and get people out of the way. “It will help the aviation industry with weather so that flight plans can be adjusted and moved if needed. Obviously, with
the tourism industry having more localised weather data, I have to imagine it would be helpful for them,” Mr Welch continued. “Your location is a blessing and a curse really. Being able to detect these things in advance goes a long way for the safety of the folks in The Bahamas.” The Tribune previously reported that Julian Rolle has accepted the post of BACSWN chairman. Eileen Dupuch Carron is executive chairman; Adam Darville vice-president of infrastructure; Montino Roberts, vice-president of information technology; Glen Ward, vice-president of business development; Burton Rodgers, vice-president of government affairs. Portia Nicholson of Higgs & Johnson serves as the group’s legal advisor. The project will likely create 450 jobs during the construction phase with an estimated 300 full-time positions once BACSWN reaches its full operating capacity, with total investment approaching $427m.
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
Global problems such as COVID cannot be solved by adhering to national boundaries
By R MASAKUI, India High Commissioner to The Bahamas
IT WAS on March 15, 2020, that the first COVID19 case was confirmed in The Bahamas. More than a year has elapsed, and the
pandemic shows no signs of abating. The situation is no better in most countries of the world. One of the few known ways to combat the coronavirus is the COVID19 vaccine, developed simultaneously by many companies and countries across the world.
It was a matter of great honour to watch a consignment of 20,000 “Made in India” WHO approved COVISHIELD vaccine doses landing at the Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport on March 10. The consignment was received by Prime Minister
MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021 PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on Wednesday of last week with the vaccines donated by India.
Dr Hubert Minnis, Minister of Health Renward Wells and Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield, and other dignitaries. The vaccine consignment is a gift from the people and the government of India to the people of The Bahamas and I am hopeful that the ‘Made in India’ vaccines will prove helpful in safeguarding the most vulnerable and those at the forefront in the fight against COVID-19. The vaccine consignment to The Bahamas is part of India’s larger effort named ‘Vaccine Maitri’ or ‘Vaccine Friendship’, under which we have been able to gift more than seven million vaccine doses and a total of 40 million doses to more than 50 countries of the world, most of them being fellow developing countries from the south. The CARICOM has also been our focus with close to 500,000 vaccine doses gifted to the region to date. This as we undertake the world’s largest vaccination drive back home having inoculated close to 30 million, including health and frontline workers, and those over 60 years of age. Many have asked in hushed tones what India seeks in return from distributing the COVID vccine. “There is more than meets the eye,” they say. “There is definitely some quid pro quo,” others state. I feel a sense of ‘déjà vu’ remembering that similar questions were raised when India’s Cipla company had slashed the price of AIDS recommended fixed drug combination in 2001 from $12,000 by western companies to $350 per year or less than a dollar per day, benefiting many in poor regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America. In the case of coronavirus, India has realised that it is impossible to control the COVID-19 pandemic by restricting vaccination only to India. Global problems such as these cannot be solved by adhering to national boundaries. This is also the reason why; besides starting vaccination in India and gifting to developing countries, India has also opened up the Made in India COVID vaccines for use in COVAX facility, GAVI Alliance and for commercial procurement around the world. The logic behind India’s approach can also be found in its age-old philosophy of ‘Vasudheva Kutumbakam’ which means that the world is one family. This philosophy is not just a speak-sake but has informed the Indian
mind and our outlook to the outside world since time immemorial. It is this philosophy that is the core of India’s for‘The logic behind eign policy approach India’s approach can and our also be found in its emphaage-old philosophy sis on southof ‘Vasudheva south Kutumbakam’ which coopmeans that the world results eration. from is one family.’ It is in COVthis spirit R Masakui AXIN’s that India Phase 3 also provided clinical trials COVID related have shown 81 medicines and medical equipment including percent efficacy. It is also paracetamol, Personal Pro- claimed that COVAXIN tection Equipment kits and is effective against the UK masks to The Bahamas that strain of COVID-19. The Medical Journal ‘Lancet’ reached here last year. Another reason why has also called COVAXIN India could pull off ‘Vac- “safe, immunogenic with cine Maitri’ and medical no serious side effects.” donations is because of COVAXIN may also be its huge pharmaceutical considered for import by manufacturing and vac- The Bahamas and other cine development capacity, countries in the region, built painstakingly over the subject to approval from years. India is the largest their regulatory authorities. provider of generic medi- About half a dozen other cines globally and also the COVID-19 vaccines are in only country with the larg- different stages of develest number of US-FDA opment in India, including compliant pharma plants an intra-nasal vaccine by outside the US. With more Bharat Biotech. WHO Director-General than 3,000 pharma companies and over 10,000 Tedros Ghebreyesus has manufacturing facilities, also said that the world is India is referred to as the “on the brink of a moral ‘Pharmacy of the World’. catastrophic failure” and Over 62 percent of the has warned that a “me-first world’s vaccines also come approach” in distributing from India and form the vaccines “will only prolong backbone of mass vaccina- the pandemic”. India firmly tion programmes by entities believes that the only way to like the UNICEF and the defeat the virus is through WHO. Indian vaccines are cooperation and sharing of not only uncompromis- resources between couning in quality and safety, tries. In the words of Indian but also the most afford- Prime Minister Narendra able in the world. This is Modi: “Today India, with what prompted the United not one but two Made in Nations Secretary-Gen- India vaccines, is ready to eral Antonio Guterres to protect humanity.” I have no doubt that recently say that in the times of COVID-19, the with closer cooperation, we vaccine production capac- will be able to make proity of India is ‘the best asset gress in not only tackling the COVID pandemic but the world has today’. As far as COVID-19 vac- other global issues too like cines are concerned, India global warming, poverty has thus far approved two and terrorism. I conclude Made in India vaccines for with another ancient Sanemergency use. The first is skrit couplet, a part of the COVISHIELD being which is also incidentally produced by the Serum printed on the COVID Institute of India. The other Vaccine consignment that is COVAXIN, developed landed in Bahamas: ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, by Bharat Biotech, one of the largest vaccine devel- Sarve Bhavantu Niramayah Sarve Bhadrani Pasyopers in India. COVAXIN Ma Kascidduh has already been adminis- antu, tered to many millions in Khabhagbhaveta’ ‘May all be at peace, may India, including to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, no one suffer from illness, May all see what is auspiwith little or no side effects. Recently, the preliminary cious, may no one suffer.’
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
INSIGHT
MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021 PAGE 9
We have the vaccine – now it’s time to win hearts and minds
By MALCOLM STRACHAN
importance of Bahamians taking the vaccine as soon as it became available. The COVID-19 Vaccine WITH the arrival of Consultative Committee 20,000 doses of the Oxford- has also been key in public AstraZeneca vaccine, there awareness efforts, but when should be a sense of relief we hear some of the quesafter a full year of a global tions that still exist in the pandemic. However, wor- public sphere – particularly ries persist over the need to in the medical community – convince the community to we know there is more that take the jab. needs to be done. As reports of temporary As for the Prime Minissuspensions of this vac- ter, he has made clear there cine in Europe and Asia will be no mandate to take have emerged, India, where the vaccine, while outlining the vaccine was made, how critical it is for us to has decided to carry out a return to normalcy. deeper investigation into During his February 21 the side effects that may address, he said: “By gethave caused blood clots in ting vaccinated you will some recipients. also help our economy to On Bahamian soil, the recover faster. When a large government is percentage of optimistic and Bahamians are ‘People would assured the vaccinated, we batches being much rather will be able to investigated responsibly hear from our are different open up even local health from the ones more. we’ve received. professionals and “More Health economic the government Minister Renactivity will be ward Wells on vaccine safety possible, leadalso sought to – particularly one ing to more quell concerns, jobs, more that has blown saying that working hours, incidents of the timeline more family blood clotting for vaccine income, more did not seem to small business be statistically production out of activity and a significant. As the stratosphere. return of more for what that The public needs tourists in the says to Bahamonths ahead. mians less to buy into the “It is also open to taking process – or quite possible the jab, that’s there will be that being vacnot hard to tell cinated will be when scrolling major economic a requirement through your and political by other counsocial media implications tries for you feeds. to travel overThe sole ahead.’ seas. Other interest right countries may now for any government not allow you to enter their would be for its citizens to borders unless you have get vaccinated. Especially proof of vaccination. for a tourism destination “We are hearing that such as ours, our primary cruise lines may require revenue stream requires their passengers to show visitors to land on our that they have been vaccishores, fill our hotels and nated. Proof of vaccination patronise Bahamian busi- may be one of the critical nesses. Without that, we’ve measures in helping the seen record unemployment tourism industry to bounce and the government has back around the world. had to borrow millions of “As a leading tourism dollars to keep businesses destination, we must play afloat, fund social assistance our part and set an example and feed citizens forced for the world.” into poverty. Indisputably, the public It makes perfect sense needs to be aware of all of as to why vaccinations these implications. This is a are a priority for any time to win hearts and minds government. – and perhaps it is time for As many Bahamians see the government to do its it, the Prime Minister has own study and report of been the torchbearer for its findings. Unfortunately, the government’s public directing us to the WHO relations campaign, using and PAHO has not been his national addresses as a comforting to the public. platform to highlight the People would much
rather hear from our local health professionals and the government on vaccine safety – particularly one that has blown the timeline for vaccine production out of the stratosphere. The public needs to buy into the process – or there will be major economic and political implications ahead. On top of what it is already doing now, it would be useful for the government to engage more advocates from the medical community to trumpet its messaging. But up to last week, a large section of the medical community still said they were in the dark about the government’s plans. Consultant Physicians Staff Association president Dr Sabriquet Pinder-Butler voiced the association’s “mixed feelings” about the rollout last week, saying a lack of knowledge has left a lot of members and healthcare workers with a lot of concerns about the vaccine. This comes of course as healthcare workers are due to be among the first recipients as jabs begin. The church community, whom we all know has a vast amount of influence within the country, has also been undecided about the jab due to moral issues surrounding the use of aborted fetal cells in vaccine production. Then there is the host of misinformation circulating on social media. When we take these conflicting narratives into account, the government has to be the most trustworthy voice in the room. To avoid a public relations nightmare, the government needs to tactically approach this rollout, ensuring the appropriate stakeholders, particularly those in the medical community that can help educate the masses and reduce fear of the vaccine, feel included. In addition to that, we should also pay special attention to India’s investigation of the instances of blood clotting after the administering of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Certainly, vaccinating our people should be a priority, but not more of a priority than ensuring it is done safely – something we believe the government wants to do. We are fully aware of the need to return to normalcy and more of us can get on board if we feel it is transparent and safe.
PUBLIC health nurse Ruth Bastian becomes the first person in The Bahamas to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at 10am yesterday, at Loyola Hall on Gladstone Road. Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS
PAGE 10 MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021
INSIGHT
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
Will regional unity be forever lost to the Caribbean? SEVERAL editorials in respected newspapers as well as blogs by influential people in the region are, once again, expressing deep concern about CARICOM, particularly over its lack of unity in international affairs and the failure of its leaders to implement their own decisions regarding the single market. This has led a Minister of the St Vincent and the Grenadines government to reproduce on his blog, a strong view that “CARICOM is dead”, depicted by a headstone in a burial ground. Against the background of these recent pronouncements, my commentary this week draws on an article I
World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS
wrote in 2013. Ian McDonald’s, “A Cloud of Witnesses”, published by The Caribbean Press, is a collection of thoughtful reflections on the Caribbean condition; visionary and inspirational addresses to diplomats and graduating University students; and moving accounts of experiences that are shaping the Caribbean in which we live.
The topics in the book are varied reflecting a long life in the Caribbean; the interests of a man who is poet and writer; lover of cricket; executive in the sugar industry and a consummate West Indian – born in Trinidad of Antigua and St Kitts ancestry, grew up in Trinidad and Antigua, earned a degree from Cambridge University, Captained the West
Indies Davis Cup tennis team, and worked most of his adult life in Guyana. He is also among a rare breed – a white and proud West Indian as comfortable in the company of other West Indians of all races as he is content in his own skin. After he retired as an executive of the Sugar Industry in Guyana, and by then an accomplished and well-recognised writer and poet, McDonald worked with the West Indian Commission – that body of distinguished West Indian men and women who produced in 1992 the seminal study, Time for Action, that laid out a blueprint for the Caribbean’s future. McDonald recalls the testimony of “experts” who pointed to the models that were being developed elsewhere – the Asian Tigers, the Singapore model, the new Europe. He also remembers with satisfaction the Commission felt that, while these models were useful reference points, the West Indian model had its own intrinsic value. “West Indians”, the report said, “offer a rare creation – a people of many nationalities, many races, many faiths, and different cultural heritages” who have stayed together in
a single community. McDonald asserts his own belief in the value of the West Indian model. Nonetheless, he is practical enough to “pray because I think we will need some heavenly blessing in a hard task… but in the end I profoundly believe because I think we already hold enough in common to secure an undivided future together”. His profound belief does not prevent him from being “disillusioned with the pettifogging gradualism that the word CARICOM is rapidly coming to stand for”. “All of our small countries”, he says, “simply have to make ourselves bigger very soon – enlarge our domestic market, broaden our technological base, combine our financial resources, increase the scale of opportunity for our ambitious young people, bring together behind one frontier the marvellous common cultural strains that exist in the West Indies side by side but apart – apart and therefore more vulnerable to outside cultural impact”. As for the grand communiques, speeches and often touted plans of CARICOM meetings, he despairs – “every country in the region is littered with the burnt-out corpses
of plans not implemented and reports unread”. Of the high-sounding declarations, he laments they are “Declarations of futility”. The book conjoins cricket with poetry not only in capturing the superlative stroke play of Rohan Kanhai and Vivian Richards; the genius of Frank Worrell; and the artistry of Garfield Sobers and Brian Lara, but the essence of what cricket means to every West Indian – “truly cricket is supremely an imaginative possession which binds our Caribbean Community together… If it is no longer to be so we have lost something of infinite value”. McDonald’s book celebrates the nobility and importance of West Indianness and the necessity to consolidate its value. However, it does not ignore the warts so obvious on our Caribbean face, nor does it avoid confronting our obsession with our sovereignty that is constantly invoked to pursue narrow political interests. Clinging to sovereignty, which in any event we only exercise against ourselves, is an obstacle to the unity we all need to survive in a world that cares little about small states. As the rest of the world sees the EnglishSpeaking Caribbean, our entire populations are collectively no more than a small city in the US, Europe or Asia. What is more, many of our countries frequently yield their sovereignty to larger countries when they are either lured or pressured to do so – even at the expense of the CARICOM Treaty obligations. In truth, as was evidenced in their testimony to the 1992 West Indian Commission, Caribbean people would prefer a Caribbean with one currency, one passport, free to travel between them, to invest in them, to benefit from its abundant collective wealth, to hail their joint heroes in sport, in literature and in other areas of achievement. And, more than anything else, to command respect in the world. McDonald’s book describes the things that give pleasure and cause the soul to soar and want to accomplish what looks impossible like “painting the wind” or creating a West Indian nation – the former only God can accomplish; the latter is within the capacity of Caribbean people inspired by their leaders, when we all get to it. • Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own)
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INSIGHT
MONDAY, MARCH 15. 2021 PAGE 11
US army chaplain Emil Kapaun advancing toward sainthood By JOANNE M PIERCE Professor of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross AT THE end of a small cemetery on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross, the Jesuit college where I teach, is the grave of Joseph O’Callahan, former professor of mathematics. O’Callahan is one of the few Catholic military chaplains to have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour, for his heroic actions during World War II. Only five Catholic priests have received this highest American military honour. Two of them are in the process of being considered for the highest honour recognised in Catholicism: becoming a canonised saint. They are Vincent Capodanno, a Navy chaplain killed in Vietnam while assigned to a Marine unit in 1967, and Emil Kapaun, an Army chaplain who died in a prison camp during the Korean War in 1951 – and whose remains were recently identified by the Pentagon. What interests me as a specialist in medieval liturgy and worship is the connection between military bravery and spiritual heroism.
CHRISTIAN PACIFISM AND MILITARY SERVICE Kapaun was captured while ministering, unarmed, to wounded and dying soldiers in active battle. His fellow soldiers lauded the way in which he continued to assist other prisoners before dying of pneumonia in the prison. He was awarded the Medal of Honour posthumously in 2013. Kapaun’s spiritual heroism was also noted by those he served. A preliminary evaluation of his sanctity, or “cause” for canonisation, was accepted by Pope John Paul II in 1993, and he was proclaimed “Servant of God”. It is not unusual for decades to pass before this approval; in fact, a mandatory five-year waiting period has become a first step in the formal process of becoming a saint. After this, officials in the Diocese of Wichita, Kansas, Kapaun’s home, spent several years conducting a thorough investigation into his life and ministry. A final report, called a “positio” was accepted and approved by Vatican officials in 2016. Now the pope must decide on declaring Kapaun “Venerable,” the third step toward canonisation. It might seem unusual to associate priestly ministry with the violence of war. In the early first century, Jesus himself preached peace
and nonviolence instead of retaliation. In some early Christian communities during the second and third centuries, soldiers could be accepted as candidates for baptism, the ritual immersion in water necessary for becoming a member of the church, only if they refused to kill other human beings. In addition, Christians who wanted to become soldiers would be rejected by some Christian communities. However, this was not a universal practice, and in other Christian communities, Christians did enter military service in the Roman imperial legions. In fact, by the end of the third century, Roman emperors would attempt to purge the army of all Christian soldiers. Christianity as a religion was illegal in the Roman empire during these early centuries. However, at the beginning of the fourth century, Constantine, a military commander, became emperor and legalized Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. By the end of that century, Christianity had become the official religion of the empire. But a Christian empire still needed to wage war and spill blood to survive. During this time, the theologian Augustine began to develop what came to be called the “Just War Theory”. In the 13th century, theologian Thomas Aquinas provided further explanation of how ordinary lay Christians could, under certain conditions, engage in warfare. A war had to be declared for just reasons and conducted by the appropriate authorities. The “legitimate” killing of enemy combatants was accepted by Christian bishops and the popes for several more centuries. However, the role of bishops, priests and other ordained clerics in warfare was less clear, because actual practice did not always reflect theological ideals.
CONFLICTING PRACTICES During the Middle Ages, this Just War theory was not always followed in the heat of combat. Before the 12th century, it was not uncommon for armed bishops to lead troops personally into battle and fight themselves. Priests, too, could be called into military service. However, the decrees of local Christian councils continued to forbid clerics from carrying weapons and shedding blood. Even in the later medieval period, the question of bishops and clerics serving in the military was muddled. Priests did accompany Christian armies to provide moral and sacramental
EMIL Kaupaun using a Jeep as an altar and, right, pictured as a second lieutenantin 1943. Below left, the Congressional Medal of Honour he received posthumously. support. But certainly, forced exile for many priests and monks, like the Jewish communities in parts influential abbot and spir- of Germany and Poland. itual author Bernard of Clairvaux, took active roles KAPAUN AS in preaching in support of PATRON SAINT? wars against heretics and Muslims as well. In the contemporary These religious wars, the Crusades, took place between American military, regulathe 11th and 15th centuries. tions require that chaplains Popes such as Urban II and go unarmed into combat; Innocent III would call for international law states they Crusades to the Holy Land or may not be treated as prisareas of Europe led by dissi- oners of war if captured, but must be treated with dent secular rulers. Aquinas himself offers respect and released. Apart from actually using two apparently contradictory opinions on the role weapons against enemy of clergy in wars. He con- forces, military chaplains cluded that they could not share the experiences of fight as soldiers because other soldiers. Many come they would be obliged to under fire themselves, riskshed blood, but elsewhere ing their own lives on active he defended the found- battlefields to minister to ing of religious orders of the dying and rescue the soldiers who would fight wounded. Their service is to defend the church and to all personnel regardless the poor. Most members of differences in faith or of these orders did take religion – for example, in religious vows but were conducting funeral rites. For many Catholics, unordained laymen. Kapaun’s selfless actions during combat and imprisPATRON SAINT OF onment would demonstrate extraordinary heroism, not MILITARY CHAPLAINS just in fighting the armed Even in pre-Christian enemies, but also in what times, religious figures the Vatican calls “offeraccompanied armies to ing of one’s life” for other the battlefield and offered human beings. With the recent official sacrifices and blessings for their victories. This contin- identification of Kapaun’s ued to be true in medieval remains, the next few stages and modern Europe, and to sainthood may proceed more quickly. Diocesan offilater, in the United States. Catholics already vener- cials note that part of the ate one saint as the patron process involves exhuming saint of military chaplains. and securing the candidate’s He is St John of Capist- body, which had not been rano, a 15th-century lawyer possible for Kapaun until and politician who became the return of American a Franciscan friar and a POW remains from their mass graves. famous preacher. For the moment, perhaps Nicknamed the “Soldier Saint”, he personally led his work as a Catholic chaptroops into battle at the lain could offer a resolution city of Belgrade in an effort to a centuries-old parato stop the advance of a dox: the pragmatic goals of Muslim Turkish army into military service and the Christian call to a life of Europe. However, John of Cap- ultimate peacemaking. istrano is also hugely • Originally published on controversial. His assumptheconversation.com tion of a military role was criticized because some found it inappropriate for a priest. His constant campaigning against the Jews reinforced existing hostility, leading to legal restrictions, anti-Semitic violence and
PAGE 12, Monday, March 15, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
POLICE CHIEF WILL NOT QUIT AFTER CRITICISM OF VIGIL HANDLING
PEOPLE gather and turn on their phone torches in Clapham Common in London on Saturday. LONDON coronavirus restrictions on Patel said scenes from the Associated Press Saturday to protest vio- vigil in south London were lence against women and “upsetting”. The capital’s LONDON’S police remember Sarah Everard, mayor, Sadiq Khan, said commissioner yesterday a 33-year-old London resi- the police response was “at defended her officers’ actions dent whose disappearance times neither appropriate and said she didn’t intend to and killing prompted a nor proportionate”. Both resign, after heavy criticism national outcry. But the vigil said they were not satisfied for the way police treated ended with clashes between with the force’s report of some protesters during a police and those attend- events and seek a full and vigil for a woman whom one ing, and many questioned independent investigation. of the force’s own officers is whether the police force Police were seen scufaccused of murdering. was too heavy-handed. fling with some women at Hundreds defied Home Secretary Priti the event, and one woman
was seen pinned to the ground by two officers. Video showed a woman was pulled up from the ground by officers who then shoved her from the back. Several women were led away in handcuffs as other attendees chanted “Shame on you” at police. The force later said four people were arrested for violating public order and coronavirus regulations. On Sunday, Metropolitan
Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, the first woman to head the force, said she was personally appalled by the attack on Everard and she was more determined than ever to lead the organisation. She said she fully understood the strength of feeling in response to Everard’s case, but stressed Saturday’s vigil was an unlawful gathering and officers had been put
Photo: Victoria Jones/PA via AP in a “very difficult position” trying to police a protest during a pandemic. She said officers needed to act to counter the considerable risk to people’s health. She added she welcomed a review into her force’s operations. A serving Metropolitan Police officer, Wayne Couzens, has been charged with the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard.
Survivors struggle as scientists race to solve COVID mystery By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer THERE was no reason to celebrate on Rachel Van Lear’s anniversary. The same day a global pandemic was declared, she developed symptoms of COVID-19. A year later, she’s still waiting for them to disappear. And for experts to come up with some answers. The Texas woman is one of thousands of selfdescribed long-haulers, patients with symptoms that linger or develop out of the blue months after they first became infected with coronavirus. Hers first arrived March 11, 2020. The condition affects an uncertain number of survivors in a baffling variety of ways. “We’re faced with a mystery,” said Dr Francis Collins, chief of the National Institutes of Health. Is it a condition unique to COVID-19, or just a variation of the syndrome that can occur after other infections? How many people are affected, and how long does it last? Is it a new form of chronic fatigue syndrome — a condition with similar symptoms? Or could some symptoms be unrelated to their COVID-19 but a physical reaction to the upheaval of this past pandemic year — the lockdowns, quarantines,
RACHEL Van Lear at her home in Buda, Texas, last Tuesday. Photo: Eric Gay/AP isolation, job losses, racial even if only a small fraction unrest, political turmoil, not of patients develop longto mention overwhelming term problems. illness and deaths? Fatigue, shortness of These are the questions breath, insomnia, trouble facing scientists as they thinking clearly and depressearch for disease markers, sion are among the many treatments and cures. With reported symptoms. Organ $1 billion from Congress, damage, including lung Collins’ agency is design- scarring and heart inflaming and soliciting studies mation, have also been that aim to follow at least seen. Pinpointing whether 20,000 people who’ve had these symptom are directly COVID-19. linked to the virus or per‘’We’ve never really been haps to some preexisting faced with a post-infectious condition is among sciencondition of this magnitude tists’ tasks. so this is unprecedented,’’ ‘’Is it just a very delayed Collins said Monday. “We recovery or is it something don’t have time to waste.’’ even more alarming and With nearly 30 million something that becomes the US cases of COVID-19 and new normal?’’ Collins said. 119 million worldwide, the There are a few working impact could be staggering, theories for what might be
causing persistent symptoms. One is that the virus remains in the body at undetectable levels yet still causes tissue or organ damage. Or it overstimulates the immune system, keeping it from returning to a normal state. A third theory: Symptoms linger or arise anew when the virus attacks blood vessels, causing minute, undetectable blood clots that can wreak havoc throughout the body. Some scientists think each of these may occur in different people. Dr Steven Deeks, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, said researchers first need to create a widely accepted definition of the syndrome. Estimates are “all over the map because no one is defining it in the same way”, he said. Deeks is leading one study, collecting blood and saliva samples from volunteers who will be followed for up to two years. Some people develop long-term problems even when their initial infections were silent. Deeks said some evidence suggests that those who initially get sicker from a coronavirus infection might be more prone to persistent symptoms, and women seem to develop them more than men, but those observations need to be confirmed,
Deeks said. Van Lear says she was in great shape when she got sick. At 35, the suburban Austin woman had no other health issues and was a busy mother of three who often worked out. First came a chest cold, then a high fever. A flu test came back negative, so her doctor tested for COVID-19. Soon after she developed blinding headaches, debilitating fatigue and nausea so severe that she needed emergency room treatment. ‘’I was very scared because no one could tell me what was going to happen to me,’’ Van Lear said. Over the next several months, symptoms would come and go: burning lungs, a rapid heartbeat, dizzy spells, hand tremors and hair loss. While most have disappeared, she still deals with an occasional racing heartbeat. Heart monitoring, bloodwork and other tests have all been normal. Fatigue, fever, and no taste or smell were Karla Jefferies’ first symptoms after testing positive last March. Then came brain fog, insomnia, a nagging smell of something burning that only recently disappeared, and intermittent ringing in her ears. Now she can’t hear out of her left ear. Doctors can’t find anything to explain it, and she bristles when some doctors
dismiss her symptoms. ‘’I understand that COVID is something that we’re all going through together but don’t brush me off,’’ said Jefferies, 64, a retired state worker in Detroit. As an African American woman with diabetes and high blood pressure, she was at high risk for a bad outcome and knows she’s lucky her initial illness wasn’t more serious. But her persistent symptoms and home confinement got her down and depression set in. Political and racial unrest that dominated the news didn’t help, and church services — often her salvation — were suspended. She knows all that could have contributed to her ill health and says listening to music — R&B, jazz and a little country — has helped her cope. Still, Jefferies wants to know what role the virus has played. “I’m a year in, and to still from time to time have lingering effects, I just don’t understand that,’’ Jefferies said. Jefferies and Van Lear are members of Survivor Corps, one of several online support groups created during the pandemic and that have amassed thousands of members. Some are enrolling in studies to help speed the science.