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YOUNG LIVES LOST IN BOAT TRAGEDY Three killed after collision in waters off Harbour Island By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net THREE people are dead after a tragic boating accident took place on Sunday evening in waters near Harbour Island. Two boats carrying people who had just attended a birthday party on nearby Man Island, collided, leading to the deaths of Leanna Cartwright,
Candice McDonald and Jay Roberts. Police said after 9pm, the captain of a 28-ft Bertram, which is used as a ferry, said he was travelling to Man Island when he heard and felt a loud bang. “He assumed that his vessel had hit a rock, but later realised that it collided with a 17ft Boston Whaler,” police said. The passengers on the Boston Whaler were SEE PAGE TWO
US QUESTIONS PROGRESS ON MONEY LAUNDERING
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE attorney general yesterday declared The Bahamas had largely received “a fair assessment” even though the US questioned this nation’s commitment to prosecuting financial crime. Carl Bethel QC said he was especially pleased the Biden administration’s International Narcotics Control
Strategy Report determined the Bahamian financial system “poses no threat” of providing a gateway for laundered proceeds from drug trafficking and other crimes to enter the US. Mr Bethel did, however, challenge assertions on money laundering prosecutions plus a failure to acknowledge delays in such cases due to COVID-19 lockdowns.
FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
FROM left, Leanna Cartwright, Candice McDonald and Jay Roberts.
NO EVIDENCE VACCINE ALL GOVT CONTRACTS BEHIND BLOOD CLOTS WILL BE MADE PUBLIC By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
WHILE a growing number of European countries have suspended use of the OxfordAstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine over concerns it may cause blood clots, Bahamian officials have defended the
shot as “safe.” In an interview yesterday, Dr Nikkiah Forbes, director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme, contended that so far there has been no indication of a link between the vaccine and blood clots. SEE PAGE FOUR
By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
ALL government contract awards will be published online and in newspapers when a Public Procurement Bill being debated in the House of Assembly is passed and
comes into force, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday. The bill is among a compendium of finance bills that Dr Minnis said will boost transparency and accountability in government operations. SEE PAGE THREE
BOY’S KILLER URGED - GIVE YOURSELF UP By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle has called on those responsible for the murder of a ten-year-old boy to turn themselves in. Yesterday, the Commissioner made his appeal after he and other police officials read stories on the topic of honesty to Yellow Elder Primary School’s students.
KENRON DEAN Kenron Dean was killed last Thursday when he was fatally shot. The boy’s twin brother, uncle and young
cousin were also injured in the incident. The three children were between the ages of seven and ten. Yesterday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Solomon Cash said the shooting seemed to be gang-related. He said police suspect the injured uncle was the intended target. “We’re still probing that investigation,” ACP Cash said. SEE PAGE TWO
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
WE’D ALL BETTER LEARN MANDARIN
SEE PAGE NINE
PAGE 2, Tuesday, March 16, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Young lives lost in boat tragedy from page one ejected from the boat into the water. Police said eight people were on board the Boston Whaler while three people were on the Bertram, the latter of which were all accounted for. A rescue team found seven people who were on board the Boston Whaler—two women who were later pronounced dead, two women who were airlifted to Nassau, and a male and two females who were treated and discharged. Rickey Mackey, member of Parliament for the area, spoke to The Tribune shortly after the third body was found yesterday morning. Mr Mackey was with the search party. “There was a birthday party on neighbouring Man Cay just to the north of Harbour Island last evening (Sunday),” he said. “When the event was over and persons were coming back to Harbour Island and the mainland, one of the local water taxis apparently ran into a privately operated vessel that had persons onboard that vessel. “Thus far, two bodies were recovered last night (Sunday). Two ladies from the mainland of Eleuthera -– one from Gregory Town area and one from Lower Bogue. We discovered the third body, who we knew was missing, at about 8.30 this morning. “There were several injuries where two young ladies were flown out last night (Sunday) with extensive injuries. Their condition right now, I am not fully aware of, however at this time we have three fatalities. Two females and one male.” He spoke to The Tribune from Spanish Wells, where one body had to be taken
THE REMAINS of a boat damaged in the accident. for storage due to a lack of still missing early this mornspace. ing and we discovered his He said: “I am currently lifeless body at the bottom in Spanish Wells where of the water.” we brought the third body Assistant Commissioner because our morgue in Har- of Police Solomon Cash said bour Island … we only have police are trying to figure two freezers. So we had out what happened leading to bring the third body to up to the incident. He also Spanish Wells so it could be had some advice to boaters. put in the morgue there.” “Currently we have a Asked if there are team of detectives on the any people still missing island trying to establish he said, “Well at this time exactly what happened we feel that all persons during the transportation of are accounted for. There those passengers between were three deaths, but sev- Man Cay and Harbour eral injuries with two that Island,” ACP Cash said. required people being flown “What we want to say, into Nassau last night. They particularly to boaters travwere flown out at about elling at night, please abide 12 o’clock (Sunday) night. by maritime codes that We did the search for the beacon lights should be on person that we knew was their vessels.
“They should pay close attention to lights that are afloat in the harbours because all harbours have lights in their proximity. Of course, the Defence Force has a role to play in dealing with the maritime issues of The Bahamas, but you will see police vessels when necessary out there also.” Senator Fred Mitchell, chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party, said one of the deceased victims was the girlfriend of a member of the party’s youth arm. “I want all of our supporters to pray for the repose of the soul of the late Candice McDonald and the others who died in that tragic boating accident on Sunday night off
Man Island near Harbour Island,” he said in a statement. “Candice is the late girlfriend of T’Sean Mott who is now the treasurer of Progressive Young Liberals. “I have spoken to Ms McDonald’s parents and to T’Sean. They are understandably distraught and distressed. They need our prayerful support. I assured them that the leader, Mrs Davis, the deputy, and Mrs Cooper and our entire leadership team are praying for them. Please remember them and all the other families in your prayers.” Yesterday, Mr Mott said he has lost his best friend who was destined for greatness.
“Last night I lost more than a girlfriend, I lost my best friend,” Mr Mott said in a tribute posted on Facebook. “We had just spoken and then this. I lost my other half. I lost my world. We were inseparable. My love for you was no secret Candice. I have no words to say, but thank you. You were everything I wanted in a woman. You kept me on my toes. You enhanced every aspect of my life. “I thought I had everything figured out until you came into my life and enlightened me. The world was robbed yesterday of untapped potential. You were destined for greatness. We’ve spent hours discussing the future, the various business ventures, the places we wanted to see; we talked about everything. You were the ideal model for young women to follow. You embodied what it meant to be a virtuous woman.” Mr Mott described Candice McDonald as God’s gift to him. The couple were together for the past two years. “I remember seeing you for the first time in the mall,” he recalled in tribute to Ms McDonald. “I didn’t have to guess my feelings for you. You were my main inspiration. I worked extra hard because I knew eventually I wanted to make you my wife. “However, God had other plans. I’m still lost for words. I planned out my entire life with you in it. Now, all I have left are memories. You may not be here physically, but I know you’re still with me. I will continue to push and fight because I know you would want me to continue. Thank you, Candice. Thank you for everything. I love you so much baby girl. Rest in peace.”
BOY’S KILLER URGED - GIVE YOURSELF UP from page one
“We don’t have all of the pieces to the puzzle as yet, but we can tell you that the adult victim is known to police and, of course, we suspect that that altercation or that incident was centred around that particular individual.” For his part,
Commissioner Rolle said no one was in custody as yet and police are still appealing to anyone who has information on the “unfortunate incident” to contact police. “I would also ask the person responsible to come in, turn himself in. You know you have a 10-yearold that has died and I believe a twin 10-year-old, and a seven-year-old also
who suffered injuries. “This is the level of disrespect and for law and hatred and I believe we need to get the message to the people to say to your family members you know that these guys have guns to put them down and not to be behaving in this callous fashion as that.” The Commissioner pointed out there are codes in the criminal world, but
police are seeing those lines being crossed. Commissioner Rolle warned: “Even in the criminal world, they have codes and there are some things that you don’t do. But what we’ve seen in recent times is persons who have thrown away those codes, even amongst the criminals and those with criminal tendencies, not obeying the code
and I think that is concern for us in law enforcement and that should be a concern for every citizen and resident in this country and they could speak up. “This is the time now when people need to be speaking up about this type of behaviour. We answer our questions in law enforcement but there are some persons who are
doing egregious (things) in this country. Y’all will help us if you get the message to these youngsters and to family members and to upstanding people in the community to speak out more against these kinds of injustices where our young children now are being injured. We are here. We’re trying to help these youngsters.”
THE TRIBUNE
Symonette and Speaker clash By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie’s advocacy for greater parliamentary independence sparked a tense exchange in the House of Assembly yesterday involving St Anne’s MP Brent Symonette, who suggested Speaker Moultrie impinged on his independence by directing him to support his agenda. The episode saw members of the governing Free National Movement party once again react awkwardly as Speaker Moultrie made observations and criticisms that are unusual from Speakers of the House. Speaker Moultrie, who resigned from the FNM last month, linked the rise in the country’s national debt to weak parliamentary oversight of the executive which prompted a rebuttal from Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells. A statement last week from the Office of the Attorney General about the abrupt ending to a Senate meeting and a directive from Cabinet Office from earlier this month are what prompted Speaker Moultrie’s latest call for greater independence for the legislature. He said the OAG’s statement wrongfully blamed the parliamentary clerk for the Senate’s scheduling mishap while the Cabinet Office’s directive “absurdly” implied the parliamentary clerk should coordinate with the secretary of Cabinet to set
parliament’s agenda. “There are a number of members of this Parliament who have indicated that they’re not going to be seeking reelection,” Speaker Moultrie said. “They include the member of St Anne’s, the member for East Grand Bahama, the member for Mangrove Cay, the member for South and Central Andros and the member for Garden Hills. Today I call on those members to throw a blow for democracy, for tough parliamentary democracy by supporting the initiative for the independence of this Parliament. “In fact, I call on all Bahamians, including the workers and taxpayers, to demand the independence of this Parliament, to throw a blow for the independence of this Parliament and the independence of the judiciary as is the right and proper thing to do as we move out of this pandemic and we purge ourself of this breach of the Westminster model that has led to the national debt growing from $500m to $9.5b without Cabinet being accountable to this Parliament. This haemorrhaging of the public purse must come to an end. The stranglehold of the Cabinet on the judiciary and the legislative branch of government must come to an end. “We are all fooling ourselves if we believe that human nature is such that without constraints and without boundaries human beings will do the right thing. As a matter of fact, Thomas Hobbs, the greatest
philosopher, postulated that men are brutish beasts and without the proper constraints they will encroach on the territories of other men to the detriment of the weaker in our society.” Later, Mr Symonette criticised Speaker Moultrie’s reference to him. “Throw a blow, stand up, stand on my head, I don’t care what you said, you were trying from the chair to direct this member on what he should do and what he should say. I am in my third non-consecutive term in this House and two terms in the other place. I have never had a Speaker of either chamber direct me on what I should do,” he said. Speaker Moultrie denied directing parliamentarians to do anything, saying he merely made a request. “In my opinion,” Mr Symonette responded, “when a request is made or a direction is made or a comment is made... from the judge of this House, that has a different intonation to me. It might not do to you but it does to me. So I wonder whether I am independent in here when I want to say some things or whether I will be censored, especially after making these comments. The role of the Speaker in my opinion is set out in the rules. I don’t think you can nudge, push, say throw a blow to me on what I can say, so I hope that’s not what you meant to say… Whilst we’re here, as the member of St Anne’s I am entitled to privileges of this House and I trust that they will not be
impinged on by comments from the chair, respectfully sir.” For his part, Mr Wells, the leader of government business in the House, pushed back against Speaker Moultrie’s comments about the national debt, saying the rise in debt has involved the legislative branch of government. “Every member of this place has a vote as to decide whether the budget of this country is moving forward,” he said. Speaker Moultrie said in response: “No matter which Prime Minister it may have been in the ‘80s that breached the principles of the Westminster system and breached the
Tuesday, March 16, 2021, PAGE 3 ST Anne’s MP Brent Symonette in the House yesterday. Photo: Donovan McIntosh/ Tribune Staff
conventions of the Westminster system by taking away the independence of the legislative branch of government, it was wrong when that happened and it was wrong when any other Prime Ministers that followed maintained that circumstance. “The facts are that despite the Parliament meeting on a regular basis, having oversight of the activities of the executive branch or the Cabinet of The Bahamas, we have a circumstance since the mid-80s where the Cabinet walks over to this Parliament with the majority of votes in the Parliament. I don’t know what kind of oversight a Parliament can
have when the Cabinet can outvote the backbench and the opposition combined. That is happening today. So, we need to address that situation. The facts are that since 1985 or thereabout, the national debt has grown from $500m to $9.5bn. We have arrived at at time in the middle of this pandemic where we need to address this stranglehold of the executive branch over the legislative branch and the judicial branch of government.” Speaker Moultrie has spoken about wanting to pass a bill that would limit the number of parliamentarians that can be members of the executive.
ALL GOVT CONTRACTS WILL BE MADE PUBLIC from page one
Public information about contracts “will state what the contract is for, who it was awarded to and the dollar value of the contract,” Dr Minnis said. A report will also be published at the end of the fiscal year that will compile the information into a single document. “This will help to address all the whispering, the rumours, and the political mischief that has gone on for decades in our country,” Dr Minnis added. “The citizens of The Bahamas will be able to see who is getting government contracts, for what purpose and in what amounts.” Dr Minnis said under the bill, suppliers and contractors will be able to review the actions of procuring entities. “In this vein, and for the first time, the bill provides for the establishment of a Procurement Review Tribunal, which will adjudicate disputes and complaints relating to government contracts, in accordance with the process established in the bill,” he said. “Thus, if a bidder believes that he or she was wronged during the bid process, they now, for the first time, have a formal recourse. In other arrangements, the bill sets out the ground and procedure for the suspension and debarment of a bidder; provides for the proper keeping of records of the procurement and the management of the procurement contract; and provides for the Procurement Act to be reviewed every five years by a committee of both houses of Parliament appointed by the prime minister in consultation with the leader of the opposition.” The government’s procurement process has long been criticised both locally and internationally. In its 2020 investment climate statement on The Bahamas, the US State Department said this
country lacks modern procurement legislation and that companies have complained that its tender process for public contracts is inconsistent. “US firms have identified corruption as an obstacle to FDI and have reported perceived corruption in government procurement and in the FDI approvals process,” the report said. The procurement bill maintains financial thresholds which will determine which entities are responsible for contract awards. Procurement units will be responsible for decisions involving contracts that do not exceed $250,000. Internal tender committees will be responsible for contracts worth more than $50,000 but less than $250,000, subject to approval from the minister responsible for the procuring entity. The tender’s committee will make recommendations to the tenders board with respect to contracts valued above $250,000. A newly established Public Procurement Board will award contracts valued above $250,000 but below $1m. The prime minister will appoint the chairperson of the board. For contracts worth more than $1m, the board will be required to make a recommendation to Cabinet. “Where the recommendation is not approved by Cabinet, the Cabinet may refer the matter back to the board for further advice or direct that a new procurement exercise is conducted,” Dr Minnis said. “The Public Procurement Bill we have before us today is designed to promote economy and efficiency in the use of public funds, to conduct procurement in a fair and transparent manner and to support an increase in the number of small Bahamianowned business involved in the public procurement space,” he added. Under the bill, a Public Procurement Department will be established that will be headed by a chief
procurement officer. Dr Minnis said the “functions of the PPD will be to provide all of the requisite procurement policies and standards to achieve effective implementation and administrative oversight of the full public procurement process and related operations.” During her contribution to the debate, Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin hit out at the governing party for moving to pass the bill near the end of its term, noting that many contracts have already been
issued without having to comply with the new rules. Changing the procurement system was among Dr Minnis’ promises in the lead-up to the last general election. Yesterday, Dr Minnis also discussed the Public Finance Management Bill, a “weighty” bill that will replace the Financial Administration and Audit Act. The difference between the two pieces of legislation, he said, is that the PFM will allow for a shift “from the present day
emphasis on administrative requirements to one which underscores accountability and responsible management for results or outputs.” “Under this modernised legislative framework, public sector managers will be required to focus on strategic priorities and will be held accountable for their performance. Like any progressive enterprise, public sector agencies will have to set goals and objectives, and the key performance indicators to measure the success of their operations
and programmes. And they will have to public these for all to see,” he said. Dr Minnis said under the bill, sanctions for “unsound management” and “criminal penalties for deliberate malfeasance in respect of public funds” will be established. “We cannot have accountability if there are not consequences for abuse of the public purse. This failure to articulate specific sanctions has been a glaring weakness of our existing framework. We are now fixing it,” he said.
PAGE 4, Tuesday, March 16, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
No evidence vaccine behind blood clots from page one
In view of this, she said, use of the jab should continue. Several countries, including Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, the Republic of Ireland and Iceland have suspended the use of the British-made vaccine out of fears people who received it have had blood clots. As a result the European Medicines Agency began investigating this issue after around 30 people out of five million reported having the issue. This works out to about 0.0006 percent of people or one in 167,000. The numbers suggest that 4,999,970 out of the 5m did not get blood clots – over 99.99 per cent, according to international reports. “This vaccine is safe,” Dr Forbes said yesterday. She was also among 110 people who received the shot on Sunday during a pilot programme held at Loyola Hall on Sunday. She continued: “The World Health Organisation on Friday past came out and said there was no risk from taking the AstraZeneca
TOTAL CASES TOTAL DEATHS
8,765 186 NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES SUNDAY 16 CASES GRAND BAHAMA 7 NEW PROVIDENCE 7 ELEUTHERA 1 BERRY ISLANDS 1
TOTAL TESTS
71,942
HOSPITALISED
17
COVID-19 vaccine and said that there is no clear evidence of a link (to blood clots). “So, what we have to know is that blood clots are not uncommon and when
CASES IN ICU
2
RECOVERED
7,645
the safety information for this vaccine candidate was looked at as a matter of the number of persons who reported getting clots it is less than the general
population in this vaccinated group. “At this time the European Medicines Agency has said that there is no indication of a link between the vaccine and blood clots and that the AstraZeneca vaccine can continue to be used and that there are global advisories on vaccine safety. “It’s just due diligence and so even these countries that have paused have said that they are not seeing that there is a causal relationship. They are reviewing it. “So, it should continue until there is a causal relationship. There are many countries that have not halted their vaccination plan. “You always have to know whether or not there is a causal relationship or just a coincidence and there is no clear evidence that there is.” After receiving the vaccine Sunday, Dr Forbes said she feels “fine” and is encouraged about the way forward for the country and Bahamians. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said similarly that the vaccine
is safe after he too was administered the shot on Sunday. Speaking at a pastoral installation at a local church, Dr Minnis reminded those gathered that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has already been given to millions of people. The vaccines used over the weekend were a part of 20,000 doses, which were a gift from the Indian government, that arrived last Wednesday. Dr Minnis said: “India has one of the largest pharmaceutical industries in the world and has graciously given 500,000 doses to the Caribbean. “Indeed, many of our HIV/AIDS drugs are produced in India. The vaccines we received are approved by the World Health Organisation. They have also received certification from the Caribbean Regulatory System. “They have been scientifically tested. They have already been given to millions of people. They are safe.” Last week, the Ministry of Health advised that the batch received from India
is different from the batch reportedly used in the affected countries. “The AstraZeneca vaccine received by The Bahamas has met all of the requirements and standards as outlined in the World Health Organisation’s prequalification system, which has provided emergency use listing. The vaccine has also received Caribbean Regulatory System certification,” the ministry said. “The Ministry of Health assures the public that COVID-19 vaccines received by The Bahamas will continue to meet the stringent regulatory approval standards stated above.” Amid the concerns, AstraZeneca released a statement on Sunday night saying there had only been 37 blood clot related events of 17 million people who received the jabs in the United Kingdom and the European Union. The drug company said there had been 15 cases of deep vein thrombosis, which usually affects the legs, and 22 pulmonary embolisms, which are blood clots in the lungs.
FOOD GIFT FOR GRAND BAHAMA By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Paradise Cruise Line presented over 8,000 pounds of food and other items to the Rotary Clubs for distribution to local food banks and charitable organisations on Grand Bahama. Rotarian James Sarles, chairman of the Rotary Disaster Relief Committee, accepted the generous donation that arrived at Freeport Harbour last Friday onboard the Grand Classica vessel, one of the two vessels operated by Bahamas Paradise. Due to the global shutdown of the cruise industry because of the COVID19 pandemic, cruise ships around the world are unable to sail. As a result, the Grand Classica – a 2,000-passenger vessel – was
forced to reduce its staff of 800 to a skeleton crew of 34. Mr Sarles has worked closely with the cruise line in the past helping to deliver relief aid during Hurricane Dorian. He said: “Because there are no more passengers on the ship, and they let go most of their staff, there were in the middle of this pandemic with their deep freezers full of food items – everything they needed to serve in their buffets and restaurants. And so instead of letting it go bad, they donated it to the Rotary Clubs on Grand Bahama.” He noted that with the assistance of Rotary assistant governor Billy Jane Ferguson they were able to work with the Customs Department to get the items released VAT and dutyfree. Jeremy Cafferata, of Freeport Ship Services, transported the items on
release to the Leader Beverage warehouse on Queens Highway, where the items were separated between the five Rotary Clubs for distribution to people, churches, and organisations within the community. Bahamas Paradise said that it was pleased to partner with the Rotary Clubs of Grand Bahama to distribute humanitarian aid to local food banks around Grand Bahama. Oneil Khosa, the cruise line’s CEO, said: “This past year has been an incredible challenge, not just for the cruise industry, but for many destinations that rely on cruising as their primary source of economy development and sustainability.” Mr Khosa said that Bahamas Paradise has always had a special bond with Grand Bahama, which he described as their “home away from home”.
SOME of the food being unloaded to help food banks and charities in Grand Bahama. He stated that the cruise line remains committed to helping its friends and neighbours in Grand Bahama in every way they can. The cruise line provided
humanitarian relief assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. “While we are eager to return safely to sea and welcome guests back onboard, the delay in
sailing operations we’ve encountered during the COVID-19 global pandemic has presented a unique opportunity to further our mission of giving back,” Mr Khosa said.
POLICE TO PROBE SHOOTING BY OFF-DUTY OFFICER By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
AFTER an off-duty officer fatally shot a man police said attacked him with a bat, Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle insisted that the matter will be investigated like any other incident. Loved ones of the deceased have questioned the police’s version of the events. Yesterday Commissioner Rolle said while he did not want to delve into the specifics of the case, he will make a determination based on the facts once
he has received the full details. He said the matter will then move on to the Coroner’s Court for a hearing where evidence will be heard. Commissioner Rolle said he spoke with the officer in question and planned to visit him yesterday. “I’ve spoken to him and I’m going to visit him this afternoon. He suffered a fractured left jaw and…cut to his ears and a fractured hand,” he said. He added: “We want to give respect to him as we do this investigation. That will follow the same procedure
as we do with any and all of our investigations. So, no different.” When asked about the concerns from the deceased’s loved ones, Commissioner Rolle said: “Those matters are being investigated.” He added: “I’ve said a million times whenever these matters happen, they’re gonna be investigated. The evidence will be tendered in court, so persons who have interest will be able to go to court and give their evidence. “I’m not going to get into the details of all of that. ACP Cash I believe spoke
to the media. We gave you the facts.” He also said: “The file, when I receive it, I review the file and make a determination and the file will move on to Her Majesty’s Coroner. We are essentially assisting the coroner ….All of those questions that you have and things coming up in social media - as much as I can ask persons as to have respect for the process, even in law enforcement we have to follow the process of the law. It is not about opinion, it’s about the law.” The incident took place after 10pm on Friday at a
plaza on East Street South opposite Cox Way. 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. 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. The deceased is 28-yearold Nawal Mackey Sr. Asked why the officer had his weapon while offduty, the police chief noted: “He’s a police officer and I made the decision to issue him with a weapon as we have many other officers, depending on their duties that they are assigned, they are allowed to… they’re issued with a personal weapon.” The victim’s girlfriend previously told The Tribune that someone who was at the scene gave a different account than police.
“Someone who was there said this happened in the place where they were playing pool, not in the parking lot,” she 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 claimed 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. Yesterday, the commissioner also reflected on the difficult year the police force has endured during the pandemic. “We have taken a lot of undue abuse from members of the public, but I have to steer the course because you know we are the lead agency in law enforcement and we have to enforce these laws,” he told reporters. “So we know that people are getting a little antsy. “My biggest task was to keep the officers focused and I believe we’ve done a very good job with that despite the difficulties that we face during those lockdown periods.”
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, March 16, 2021, PAGE 5
Union says university ‘lacks transparency’ By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas is again calling on the University of the Bahamas to address its concerns at the institution, insisting that UB’s “lack of transparency, fairness and integrity” in the management of its workers has affected staff morale. Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, UTEB president Daniel Thompson voiced several grievances with UB officials yesterday, claiming that the university owes over 10 union members money from as far back as 2011, among other things. He said despite several promises, faculty members have yet to receive the long overdue payments.
“The University of The Bahamas and the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas agreed to a set of promotional exercises in Spring 2019. These exercises covered periods beginning 2011, a decade ago,” he said. “In Fall 2019, the list of successful candidates was announced and in January 2020, letters were issued to the promotees for the periods beginning 2011/12, 2012/13, and 2013/14. “In November 2020, letters were issued confirming promoted salary amounts and indicating the effective new salary date of August 2020. As of March 2021, more than a year after receiving the first letter a decade after the period of promotion, nothing has been paid to promoted faculty.” Mr Thompson also raised
concerns about the lack of consultation between union and university officials concerning new appointments of senior positions at the educational institution. Earlier this year, union members were up in arms over the appointment of Iraqi-born Professor Sarim Al-Zubaidy to the position of executive vice president of UB. UB has now appointed a campus president for its Northern Campus, Dr Ian Strachan. However, Mr Thompson said the move was done without the union being consulted in advance. He told this newspaper yesterday: “On March 11, 2021 a communication was sent to the public about the appointment of a campus president for UB North and in the release, reference was made to a system
president. A quote from the announcement reads ‘however, the campus president will report administratively to the system president and will work collaboratively with appropriate system vice presidents.’ “UTEB asks the question – firstly, this is the first time on March 11 that we heard about this announcement as much as we are aware and we’re absolutely sure that there was no search committee for these posts, no consultation with internal stakeholders at UB. “No union discussion and I met personally with president (Dr Rodney) Smith on the 11th of March 2021, a day earlier… Also, in the university’s release in regards to these appointments, they make mention of their strategic plans. The
university is well aware that the strategic plan is just one type of plan. There also has to be a plan on how they’re going to implement the strategy and a part of that process is to consult and inform stakeholders.” The group is also calling for more transparency on the university’s financial affairs, saying they are concerned over the fact that UB has no financial controller. He continued: “There is no vice president (of finance and business enterprise) and there is also no financial controller and the current overseeing of the finance of the university which I know it’s over $5 million we’re dealing with and the Bahamian taxpayer’s money is of grave concern – the financial oversight—and none of
the vice presidents have an accounting background or the president to provide any type of oversight with the finances of the institution.” Asked yesterday if the union plans to take action if their financial concerns are not addressed, Mr Thompson said a decision will have to be made by his union members. “We are quite aware of what’s happening in the country financially, but again, that’s why we ask the government must take the helm at what’s happening at UB and don’t use the argument that UB is autonomous. If they are being funded almost 90 percent from the public purse, what autonomy are you talking about?” Attempts to reach UB officials were unsuccessful up to press time.
establish a satellite campus here back in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. You cannot grow this campus to its full potential from Nassau. To his lasting credit, Dr Smith has been committed to this process from day one. And my colleagues in the administrative council are supporting this agenda, for which we are grateful,” he said. The Grand Bahama campus is expected to become the home of programmes in environmental
DR IAN STRACHAN science, marine science, sustainable innovation, computer engineering, and entrepreneurship. Plans are also to establish a business incubator and technology hub and innovation centre in partnership with the government. Dr Strachan indicated that “things are looking up for UB-North.” As a result of courses going virtual during the pandemic, just over 1,000 students enrolled in UB-North classes, he said.
“We are looking forward to announcing to the nation the new location of UBNorth’s main campus. We know that there is much anticipation where this is concerned. We have two very good options we are weighing and are confident that our students and Grand Bahamians from all walks of life will be pleased,” he said. UB-North’s campus in East Grand Bahama was destroyed by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.
STRACHAN TAKES UP CAMPUS PRESIDENT ROLE FOR UB NORTH By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas-North has made one more step toward greater autonomy with the elevation of Dr Ian Strachan to the office of campus president, the institution said in a press release. It was noted that the change in Dr Strachan’s title from vice president “is part of a broader set of planned change intended to allow the campus to operate more independently and efficiently.” He has led the northern campus since August 1, 2017. “The ultimate goal is for UB-North to take its place alongside the Oakes Field campus as a sister institution in a national University of The Bahamas System,” the statement said. “On 10th November 2016, during the inauguration ceremony that saw the College of The Bahamas become the University of The Bahamas, president Dr Rodney Smith
reminded the audience that he viewed the transition to university status as a ‘race to the starting line’ and the ‘beginning of the next phase of evolution.’ When that evolution is complete, there will be campuses across the archipelago that have autonomy but are regulated by a central university system office and governed by a central board of trustees. “Each campus will have its own campus president and its own unique centres of excellence and signature programmes. State university systems in the United States have a similar model. In keeping with this goal, UB’s Strategic Plan 2019-2024 was published in two sections, one for the Nassau campus and one for the Freeport campus.” For his part, Dr Strachan said: “I am honoured to have served as leader of this campus, particularly through such trying times. Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19 have caused major delays in our plans,
but I believe we will look back and see that the crises we faced have also been pivotal in revealing even better opportunities for UB-North. It is good to know that going forward, leaders of this campus will be presidents, not vice presidents. “We invite our stakeholders to observe and hold us accountable for bringing about the changes we have committed to in our strategic plan. The changes will take time; they will not happen overnight,” the campus leader said. “But in the end, UBNorth will be empowered to grow and take advantage of the unique opportunities this part of the country affords.” He said there will be creation of a special committee of the board of trustees to address UB-North’s rebuild and the establishment of separate bank accounts for the campus. “We will be better able to serve our communities, which really is what motivated the university to
PAGE 6, Tuesday, March 16, 2021
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Speaker Moultrie the centre of attention again ONCE again, House Speaker Halson Moultrie is grabbing the headlines. This time, he ended up in a row with veteran MP Brent Symonette, who suggested the Speaker was stepping beyond his boundaries. How did it all start? Well, there was a scheduling mishap that resulted in a session of the Senate not going ahead as it should. Mr Moultrie waded in, saying the Attorney General’s office wrongly blamed the parliamentary clerk for the scheduling mishap. The Speaker’s business is the progress of the House – but he bizarrely then tried to rope in Members of Parliament who are not seeking re-election for… what, exactly? “There are a number of Members of this Parliament who have indicated that they’re not going to be seeking re-election,” he said. “They include the member of St Anne’s, the member for East Grand Bahama, the member for Mangrove Cay, the member for South and Central Andros and the member for Garden Hills. Today, I call on those members to throw a blow for democracy, for tough parliamentary democracy by supporting the initiative for the independence of this Parliament.” Independence is the most important word here – because that’s what a Speaker should be. The Speaker certainly should not be trying to influence sitting MPs to give support or oppose any particular agenda. Mr Symonette, rightly, was having none of it, telling Mr Moultrie “you were trying from the chair to direct this member on what he should do and what he should say. I am in my third nonconsecutive term in this House and two terms in the other place. I have never had a Speaker of either chamber direct me on what I should do”. Mr Moultrie claimed it wasn’t a direction, but a request – but that’s just word games. It’s not the role of the Speaker to influence MPs in that regard. It wasn’t just Mr Symonette getting into a debate with the Speaker, with Renward Wells MP also firing back at the Speaker’s statements about the rise in the national debt, which he linked to weak parliamentary oversight. Mr Wells pointed to the vote on the budget in response. Again, though, what is Mr Moultrie doing? He has long seemed a disgruntled figure in his post. He has complained about his offices, even turning in his keys in November because he was not satisfied with the office and bathroom facilities. He has left the FNM. He has regularly spoken about making Parliament independent of the executive branch. He has
also received backlash for his comment that spiritually a husband cannot rape his wife, while lashing out at “fake” stories in the press without making clear what he was talking about. He even clashed with a reporter for taking photographs in the House of Assembly. In the end, after all that, it’s difficult to see how much he has actually achieved, all while attracting headlines completely unrelated to his role in the chair. The impression he gave in the House was that he was seeking to sway Parliamentarians - the very opposite of the independence his role should carry. If he wants to campaign for legislation, he can do so – but it should be from the benches as an MP, not the chair as the Speaker. If he wants to do that, perhaps he should consider his future as Speaker. If not, then he must stay neutral, favouring neither party, and certainly not seeking support for legislation that is still only a theory and not a reality.
Vaccine safety There is a certain amount of unease after the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine – the one we have for our vaccinations – was suspended in a number of European countries. Concerns were raised as to whether it may cause blood clots, but the caution being exhibited by regulators is a good sign rather than something to worry about. This is how the process works. Indeed, local expert Dr Nikkiah Forbes has pointed out that so far there is no indication of a link between the vaccine and the blood clots. The European Medicines Agency is simply investigating after about 30 people out of five million reported an issue. Part of that process has seen some countries put a hold on more vaccinations while they wait for further information. As Dr Forbes says, “it’s just due diligence”. She’s not just saying that. She’s putting the money where her mouth is – or rather the vaccine where her arm is. She was one of the first 110 people to receive the vaccine on Sunday. Whenever a medication is rolled out, these types of pauses can happen. It doesn’t mean the medicine isn’t safe, it is in fact a sign of the thoroughness of the process. A pause does not mean a disaster. We should remember sometimes, we just need a little patience.
Markle and the Palace EDITOR, The Tribune. IT WOULD seem that — according to the world of former actress Meghan Markle – ancient Buckingham Palace should have changed its age-old traditions to accommodate her misunderstandings. Considering that she is an American, completely unaware of British traditions and way of life, and certainly unaware of the rules of Buckingham Palace, the mistake was made when no one tried to educate her on what to expect. As an actress in the US she was probably growing accustomed to a certain amount of adulation. No one would expect her to attract special notice, or to have traditions altered to accommodate her when she entered the palace. It is obvious that she expected a centuries old way of life to change to accommodate her — and when it didn’t the age old crutch was used – “it’s because of my colour!” Nothing to do with colour, m’lady, it’s all to do with a tradition into which you were not born, and didn’t bother to get educated, before you
took the first step! Again when your beautiful little son was born, it was announced that you and your husband had chosen not to give him a royal title – he would simply be known as “Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor” – no fuss or bother with “prince,” “earl” or “lord” – “just plain “Archie”. No problem. They were the parents. They made the decision and no one objected. But now, they go before the cameras with Oprah Winfrey, and they are singing a different tune. According to them, the decision about Archie’s name was not their decision. Megan claims he was denied the royal privilege even before the was born — alleging that it was possibly because of the colour of his skin. Now that he is born it is interesting to note that his skin colour is the same as that of his father! That is not meant to suggest that there is anything wrong with his mother’s skin tone, which is also on the “bright” side! What they both seemed to be ignorant of was that an order introduced by Harry’s
great great-grandfather, King George V in 1917 was that only the eldest living son of the Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) would receive the title of Royal Highness. Therefore, only Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William, would be entitled to the title of Prince and only after his grandfather, Prince Charles becomes King of England on the death of the Queen. Therefore Archie, who is seventh in line to the throne, is automatically disqualified from assuming a royal title — and it has nothing to do with skin colour! And now the royal couple is protesting that the Palace is no longer paying for their security. Are they not aware that the British taxpayers are the ones paying for their security as working royals? Harry and Meghan quit their job as working royals, and, in our world when you quit your job, your employer quits paying you! All very simple, but a big misunderstanding that has nothing to do with colour. JOHN Q PUBLIC Nassau, March 13, 2021
The only hope for my country EDITOR, The Tribune. I WILL state up front that the only Hope for The Bahamas is found in God and His Word. “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” - Romans 1:16 And this “good news” will keep an individual and a country from destruction and ruin, stop us from losing our direction and sanity, and it will guide us, and correct us. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints, and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” – Hebrews 4:12&13 All the Bahamian public may not believe that the things that I highlighted here will ever apply to us, but they are, and will be more strongly pushed around the world, including here at home, a sort of secular humanism that goes against our Judeo-Christian constitution and laws. A greater onslaught is knocking at our door. With the United States pushing this “equality act” which is actually unequal, unfair, and unjust, and adds transgender rights to the many other “unequal rights” in the Civil rights bill, and how these “rights” will destroy everything we know and love. I love my country and will speak out against any laws or changes that I believe will end in our country being destroyed. Each of us takes our standards for life, our choices between what is right and wrong, from one of two sources – either from God and His Word, or from man and his wisdom. How can anyone honestly argue that a country based on the Word of God, that recognises that marriage is between a man and a woman, that recognises that God created us man and woman, that recognises the sanctity of life, since God created us in his image,
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net that allows you to raise your own children, and not have the Government put you in jail for refusing to allow your child to go through an operation to change their sex, (thereby creating more physical and mental problems). Where sports are healthy and fun. (And where men compete against men, and women against women, not women against men), and where there is an abiding respect for Christian values is not better than a country that wants to leave God out of their laws? The Bahamas should not become a country that leaves God out of its civil rights, nor out of its gender equality bills, which, if it is allowed means that marriage is anything that goes, that men marrying and having sex with men, and women with women is good and normal, and to say differently is to make you evil. The Bahamas should not become a country that approves of abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy, and say that this is fine, because you have a right to make your own decisions, even if it is killing a baby. The Bahamas should not become a country that says kindergarten kids have a right to tell their parents what sex they want to be, and that the parents do not have the right to correct them and help them see that they were born that way and will be that way until they die. The Bahamas should not become a country that will allow sports as we know it to die, where transgender women, who are effectively still biologically and physiologically men, can now compete against women, where they can change in the same bathrooms. We need to protect our children to ensure that this does not lead to abuses in any way, shape, or form. The Olympics, where there used to be the joy of competition, and good sportsmanship, will soon be a thing of the past, Bahamas which way do we want to go? The Word of God is clear, “Let us not be conformed
to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds by the word of God” - Romans 12:2. Let us as a nation lead the way, and set the pace for our Caribbean region, and take a stand against the foolishness that the world is trying to force on us. Let me assure you, as sure as the sun rises in the east, and sets in the west, we will all one day come to know that God alone has the answer for the world, and our lives, and we will all one day have to answer to Him, whether you believe it or not, it will happen. So, let us heed His Word now while we still have time. Let us not delay, or it may be too late, and our next generation may be lost without hope. You may ask how I can be so sure that I am right, well because the evidence is all around us, and when one reads or hear others say “that we as a country need to move into the 21st century, and get away from all this Bible quoting, living in the past, outdated morals,” it hurts me, because I know where our country will end up, if we do so. “Without the right foundation people will become more and more lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” - 2 Timothy 3:2-4 We as individuals and us as a country have two choices before us, and there is not much time left before the return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, so let us choose wisely: 1) We choose life and hope with a blessed future based on God as our foundation. Or (2) We choose death and despair and a future of pain with no hope based on man’s wisdom, which is the world’s system. Fellow Bahamians let us choose life and hope. ANDY KNOWLES Bahamas Olympic swimmer and coach, Nassau, March 15, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, March 16, 2021, PAGE 7
Killer walked up from behind and shot man in head By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A 26-YEAR-OLD man was shot in the head and killed near a business in South Abaco on Sunday, becoming the island’s second murder victim of the year. Police said they were alerted to a shooting incident on Bay Street, Sandy Point shortly before 8pm. Officers said inquiries revealed the victim was standing at a dock in the community, also known as “the creek”, with a group of people when he was approached by a man from behind who shot him in the head. “Both the victim and the assailant fell into the sea under the dock,” police said in a statement yesterday morning. “The assailant was seen fleeing the scene. The victim was assisted out of water and taken to the Sandy Point Clinic where he was examined by a doctor and pronounced dead.” A 23-year-old man was arrested on Monday in connection with the incident after officers, while acting upon information, found him at an abandoned building on Casuarina Point. While police did not release the victim’s identity, he was identified by friends and relatives yesterday as Laphonso “Fanso” Stuart, 26, of Moore’s Island. His cousin, Kamilah Simms told The Tribune yesterday that a day before his death, Stuart and a group of his relatives had planned to go Sandy Point to for a birthday celebration.
However, what was supposed to be a short fun trip turned into a total nightmare. “We planned to go to Sandy Point that Sunday (because) a few of our cousins was celebrating their birthday so it was a group of us that planned to go,” she said. “Not knowing the rides they arranged had cancelled last minute to go on the banks… I didn’t go with them and went to Sandy Point (earlier) and came right back because it was getting late… but they left Sunday around five that evening and was coming right back home to Moore’s Island as they are only 35 to 45 minutes drive by boat.” However, Stuart never got the opportunity to return home after a gunman fired shots in his direction, killing him. Describing the moment when she first received the news, Ms Simms said: “Someone had messaged me and asked what happened to Fanso so I was like ‘what you mean’ so some of cousins who went in the boat to Sandy Point with him, I called them and one of my cousins who I called was crying and she was like ‘Fanso get shoot’.” Ms Simms does not know what led to the incident, but said her cousin’s untimely death left the family and the close-knit Moore’s Island community completely distraught. “This was a blow for the entire island and (my) aunty and uncle ain’t doing good. That was their baby, a grown man but he was still
their baby. He was going to celebrate his birthday next month,” she said, adding that his life was taken too soon. “He was a loving, caring and kindhearted person, always smiling. Never bothered anyone. He always thought he was the oldest because he’s bigger than everyone, very overprotective when it comes to his female cousins. He was just a cheerful, humble person, full of spirit and he was definitely the life of the party.” Stuart’s death has pushed the country’s homicide count to 27 for the year, according to this newspaper’s records. It is also one of two incidents that are currently being investigated by police on Abaco. In the second incident, shortly before 2pm Sunday, officers on Guana Cay were called to the Baker’s Bay Marina where they found an unresponsive Caucasian man lying on the dock of the marina. Baker’s Bay paramedics were summoned and administered CPR. However, the victim was later transported to the Marsh Harbour Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead by a local doctor. Police said “it was observed that the victim had an injury to the back of the head”. The matter is being investigated as a suspicious death at the moment. Anyone with information on any of these incidents or any other crime matters is asked to call police at 5029991 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477).
LAPHONSO “Fanso” Stuart, who was killed on Sunday.
TEENAGER CLAIMED HE FOUND LOADED PISTOL By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A MAGISTRATE is set to determine the fate of a teenager who was found with a loaded pistol he claimed to have found in his neighbourhood last week. Police arrested Taquan Mackey, 18, after they found a black Taurus 9mm pistol with a magazine containing six bullets in his
bedroom on March 13. He pleaded guilty to possession of an unlicenced firearm and ammunition when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt. The court was told a team of officers, acting on information, went to a Yellow Elder Gardens residence armed with a search warrant. Upon their arrival, they informed the occupants of their search and
began their investigation. The prosecution said officers recovered the weapon when they searched a southern bedroom. He was subsequently arrested and transported to the Grove police station. When he was questioned he owned up to the offence and said the gun was his, claiming to have found it on a dirt road between Nicholl’s Court and Malvern Road. Mackey’s attorney,
TOURISTS FORFEIT $11,000 TO COURT By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
TWO American tourists who were accused of making a false declaration to a US customs officer chose to forfeit over $11,000 when arraigned before a magistrate yesterday. The Baltimore natives were also fined $500 each after officers found $400 worth of cannabis products among their belongings when they searched them. Carissa Cartalemi, 34, and Michelle Christopher, 33, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt after they failed to declare $11,461 to a US border patrol agent at Lynden Pindling International Airport on March 13. The prosecution said the women were also found with 13 grams of loose marijuana, four THC waxes, two
THC oils and a THC cream on the day of their arrest. The court heard around 2.20pm that day, an officer on duty at LPIA was called to the US Customs preclearance area in reference to the defendants failing to declare a sum of cash in American currency. The prosecution said the officer was also informed the defendants had been found with a quantity of dangerous drugs. Upon his arrival, Cartalemi and Christopher were handed over to him and the drugs found in their possession were pointed out. The women were then arrested and transported to a police station. In an interview with police there, they declined to comment. Yesterday, the women’s attorney told the magistrate her clients owned a health and wellness retail business in their home state. She explained that Cartalemi
and Christopher were not aware that the products they used in their medications would land them in their current situation and insisted they were extremely remorseful and distressed about the circumstances they had found themselves in. In response, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt told the women it was unfortunate their vacation had to end with them appearing before the court. Still, she said she had to send a clear message that people had to abide by the rules and regulations of the country. As a result, she fined Cartalemi and Christopher $500 each for simple possession and forfeited the $11,461 that they originally failed to declare to the crown. Both women indicated they had made arrangements to return to Baltimore the same day.
TEENAGER ACCUSED OF TRYING TO KILL FIVE By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net A TEENAGER was yesterday remanded to prison accused of attempting to murder five people earlier this month. Dino Lafleur, 19, was
accused of trying to kill Kinisha Jules, Shantique Green, Aaliyah Green, Antonesha Taylor and Alvinique Ferguson on March 5. During the hearing before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt, the prosecution alleged that the accused also used a firearm
to endanger the lives of the women on January 9. Due to the nature of the charges, Lafleur was not required to enter a plea and the case was adjourned to June 7 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment. Lafleur was remanded into custody until that time.
Nathan Smith said this was his client’s first time appearing before a court. He also stated Mackey took ownership of the weapon from the onset and admitted his wrongdoing. Noting the 18-year-old had “barely crossed the threshold of a juvenile,” Mr Smith asked the court to take a rehabilitative view with Mackey. “He happened upon the firearm and picked it up,” Mr Smith argued. “It
was not bought or sought, but he came upon it by happenstance.” In response, prosecutor Samantha Miah noted Mackey was old enough to know right from wrong. She also stated the accused made a “foolish” decision when he chose to take the firearm home and keep it. Ms Miah insisted the offence was a very serious one since several of the crimes that have troubled
the country in recent times have been linked to the use of unlicenced firearms. After listening to both sides, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt said she would need time to review the case before she passed a sentence. As a result, she remanded Mackey to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services overnight. He returns to court today for sentencing.
Viewing, Memorial & Burial for
MR. DON WOOD JOHNSON Viewing Family Members Only Wednesday, March 17th @ B.B.M 2:30pm. Viewing General Public Thursday, March 18th @ B.B.M, followed by a Memorial March 18th @ 7pm, Voice of Deliverance Church. Viewing General Public Friday, March 19th @ The Regional National Church of God @ 4:30pm - 6:00pm, followed by a Memorial Service @ 7pm The Regional National Church of God. Viewing General Public Saturday, March 20th @ St. Gregory’s Church, Gregory Town, Eleuthera @ 7am-10am. All family members are asked to meet at the church @ 10am; Burial service at Gregory Town Cemetery @ 11am.
PAGE 8, Tuesday, March 16, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
n o k r a m r i e h t g n i k a M n e m o w f o s e v i l e th CLOCKWISE from top left, Kenea Andrews, Bahamian epidemiologist for the Georgia Department of Health, Dame Ivy Dumont, first woman to be Bahamas Governor General, Briony Vanden Bussche, of educatethefuturenow.com, Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin, of the Yoruba tribe, and Princess Moradeun Ogunlana, UN ambassador for peace. I SPENT International Women’s Day speaking with some phenomenal women. Their stories reminded me of how unique we are and how in our own right, we are each adding our bit of magic to the world. Our living legend Dame Ivy Dumont took the time to speak with me. She celebrated her 90th birthday this past October and is still as sharp as a tack. We laughed and talked about Long Island and her childhood days. I told her that it was likely that because she was a teacher’s assistant since the age of 12, her mind had been sharpened in such a way that it is still serving her well. She was even able to recite a phone number off the top of her head of a family member I should connect with to get more family history. Her grandmother was the niece of my great grandfather, Willie William Wallace Whitfield Watson. Dame Ivy Leona Dumont (nee Turnquest) was the first female Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Her long and extensive career in education led her all the way to the top - she served in the Cabinet of the Free National Government as Minister of Education from 1995 to 2000. She served in other posts in government but this one was by far dearest to her heart. Her career in teaching put her in a position to make real policy changes for the better. She then served as acting Governor General on November 13, 2001 until she officially became Governor General on January 1, 2002. She was a gracious head of state and she served in that capacity until November 30, 2005. “It was my joy to do most of what I did,” she told me. “I had my hand in many areas of life. I have been blessed and I am still able to do many things, if I so desire. I cannot go all over the place (with COVID restrictions in place) but I am still doing what I can still helping where I can.” My next two conversations to celebrate the day took place with two Nigerian princesses. Both have connections to The Bahamas and have travelled
Face to Face
By FELICITY DARVILLE
here several times. They about it and one day, with were close with the late Dr the advent of the Internet, I Myles Munroe through his said let me google it, maybe International Third World I will find it. I did that and Leaders Association, and boom! It just came up. Who they are great friends with was the first person I told? Dr Debbie Bartlett through Dr. Debbie Bartlett. I asked her CEO Network. her if she was aware, she The first is Princess Mora- said ‘no’. I sent her the link. deun Adedoyin-Solarin, She was called Queen of the a Yoruba Princess, Pan South. And all of her regaAfrican Royal, Cultural lia came from Africa from Ambassador, broadcaster, our tribe - her queen’s scarf media specialist, speaker of office, all her regalia was and community leader. We sent to her from the Yoruba spoke about a previous Kingdom in Nigeria. and column I did on people also came Queen Ophelia, ‘Do they from Nigeria who was crowned who assisted in know they as a Yoruba the coronation Queen right have Yoruba ceremony. here in Nassau - origins? Well “She was not Grants Town to just chosen. The let me tell you! elders consulted be specific. Princess Mora- In the late the oracle, and deun revealed 1800s, there the oracle had even more than chosen her. She what we dis- was a Yoruba was a real role covered on queen who model. She was bahamianology. presided over very particular com. On one about young men. occasion, Prin- The Bahamas She worked with cess Moradeun and her name them, mentoring was visiting the was Ophelia them and coachcountry for a ing them, and conference at Rutherford.’ talking to them Bahamas Faith about what it is to Ministries. She told her be an African and a young father, Prince Israel Ire- man. She explained to them tiola Adedoyin about her what the tradition says they wonderful experience with should be. Royalty is a privithe country and people. lege from God. For you to He asked her if Bahamians be put in a Royal family is know they have Yoruba a privilege. But with that heritage. comes responsibility. Roy“I said no, dad, we didn’t alty is about leadership and talk about that... I didn’t leadership is about service know that,” she said. to your community, your She added with a chuckle: society and larger humanity. “He said, ‘small girl, you So this woman must have are not listening to me! already known that - she Do they know they have knew who she was. She was Yoruba origins? Well let me also groomed and trained tell you! In the late 1800s, before she sat on the throne. there was a Yoruba queen We heard that she did so who presided over The well that she groomed amazBahamas and her name was ing young men into leaders Ophelia Rutherford.’ I said in The Bahamas.” wow. Well that was a long Princess Moradeun urged time ago and there was no The Bahamas government Internet available at that to highlight such great histime... it was the 1980s. All tory and commemorate her I had was what I heard from coronation day - Saturday, my dad. I had forgotten September 9, 1884.
The second Princess I interviewed was Princess Moradeun Ogunlana, better known as Princess Deun. Her grandfather was the late Oba David Ajasa Ogunlana, who ruled Lagos from 1948 to 1969. She has been inducted at the US, China and Taiwan Culture Development Centre (UCT) at the UN as an Ambassador of Culture. In 2014, she was inducted as an Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation at the UN and serves as the international coordinator for the Nigerian Ambassador for Peace in the Diaspora Initiatives. She was highlighted for International Women’s Day because of her African Women’s Health Project International, which is growing so strongly that its effects are already being felt here in The Bahamas. Princess Deun first got the idea to start the initiative after a life changing experience. She had been living in the United States for many years after schooling there. When her grandmother passed away, she went home to Nigeria for the home going ceremonies. While there, she was at an event at the beach when she saw a little boy eating food out of the sand. She followed him to his mother. She met a woman with six children all under the age of nine. She was breastfeeding a toddler on one breast, while the other was oozing with gangrene. In that moment, Princess Deun decided she could not see things like this going on in the world and do nothing. She realised that women often put themselves last when it comes to their health. She set on a mission to help women with their health needs. She established African Women’s Health Project International officially in 2003 and since then, women all around the world have benefitted from financial aid, much needed medical assistance, expertise, information and education. Her group has grown to begin to include educational and social purposes, and are helping children in Nigeria to not only have healthy food and
medical assistance, but have access to education as well. Globally, her project has brought information and assistance to women with cancer. Princess Deun is a fashion designer by profession. She connected with our local noted designer, Gillian Curry Williams, who was the focus on a previous Face to Face column. Together, they are devising ways to help Bahamian women, especially in light of astounding numbers in breast cancer in the country. She spoke to me from her home in Houston. Yet another interview took me to Trinidad where I spoke with visionary international entrepreneur, Briony Vanden Bussche. She was born in New Caledonia to Belgian parents, but her father’s diplomatic status gave her the opportunity to grow up in different parts of the world. Today, she is a trainer and the creator of the Quantum Shift method. She is an expert in business and educational innovation and trains entrepreneurs in business expansion and quantum thinking. “Know that your imagination is the most powerful force inside of you,” said Briony. “Your imagination is more powerful than your natural thoughts. You can envision yourself as you want to be. Think of how it feels being confident, how people would react to you and how you would react to people if you were already living in that reality. Play this game in yourself that you are already in that future. In that moment that you do that, your environment and even people will react to it (hence, your dream can become your reality). It is based on the principles of quantum physics.” “In an experiment, if you shoot certain particles through a certain split, electrons for example, they behave like waves of potential. It’s all potential. It’s not defined yet. If you put an observer there - you can call it consciousness - what happens is you create matter. So, matter is only there because of an observer. You
can call it consciousness, you can call it God, or your imaginative power. It’s an observer focusing on a certain outcome that creates the reality. We might want a certain goal, but things inside of us - like fears they are creating a different reality. So a Quantum shift is a whole process about being conscious about everything you feel and think, because it will very much affect the outcome of what you will achieve.” Finally, I highlight a young Bahamian woman who is indeed living out her goals. Twenty-five-year-old Kenea Andrews is working for the Georgia State Department as an Epidemiologist - a most valued profession during a time like this. Kenea is a recent graduate of Mercer University where she earned a Master’s degree in Public Health in May, 2020. “When I graduated, the pandemic had already started,” Kenea said. “For the last few months of our graduate study, we spent a lot of time having class discussions about the pandemic. We talked about what we would do, how we would change things, and what our thoughts were as the pandemic started to progress. This is something we had gone to school for, so we were all ecstatic for the opportunity (to work to make a difference). After that, I started to look for a job. A lot of students who study public health would like to get a touch of epidemiology to study the diseases because that is what we have been trained to do. It’s very interesting and enlightening, and I got the opportunity just months after I graduated, and that was the biggest blessing. I am sure the pandemic made my work or my hands in the pandemic necessary, but I was very grateful to land that opportunity so soon after I graduated. I am an epidemiologist and this is my dream job!” Kenea says she won’t ever forget her Bahamian roots, and intends to do research and work that would benefit the Ministry of Health in The Bahamas one day.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, March 16, 2021, PAGE 9
The way it’s going we’d all better learn Mandarin The Peter Young column THERE is a risk of stating the obvious to say China looms large in the minds of many as an increasingly dominant force in the world in its inexorable advance towards its aim of superpower status. Partly out of fear, global anti-China sentiment seems to be growing as other countries react negatively to issues like its military expansion in the South China Sea and renewed threat to Taiwan, its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, alleged genocide of the Muslim Uighurs, tightening of security laws in Hong Kong and, now, its stance on the recent military coup in Myanmar. During the Trump presidency there was also constant publicity about a trade war, including allegations of unfair trading practices and theft of US intellectual property. Then there was President Xi Jinping’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative to extend Chinese influence around the world followed by the consolidation of his hold on political power when, in 2018, China approved the removal of the two-term limit on the presidency - thus allowing him, effectively, to remain in power for life. All the while, the extension of China’s economic power and influence in different parts of the world has grown relentlessly, from Africa to the Caribbean including, of course, here in The Bahamas with, for example, Baha Mar and The Pointe as well as investment in Grand Bahama - and to the US itself. But, with such issues of uppermost interest and concern, there has been relatively little publicity about the development of spectacular new infrastructure within China itself. It was therefore fascinating to receive recently from a friend a reference to a study entitled “The Chinese are leaving US in the dust – An Internet survey of recent Chinese achievements”, and it ends with the provocative words “Yes - very depressing, tell your grandchildren to learn Mandarin”. I could find no date of publication but, from references within the text, this survey looks to
CHINESE workers from The Pointe and, below, Baha Mar courtyard. have been compiled in 2019. The author is named as Jim Gordon and a Google search will bring it up in full. The survey chronicles the amazing advances and accomplishments in China in recent years in developing its infrastructure in so many fields like railways, dams, ports, bridges, roads, airports, aircraft manufacture and space. In summary, to name just a few, China now has more high speed train track and more highways - with 130,000 kilometres nationwide - than anywhere in the world. It has the three highest dams in the world to produce hydroelectric power together with the largest power plant. Of all its numerous long and high bridges, the 55-kilometre Hong Kong- Zhuhai one, built in 2018, is the world’s longest sea crossing. Its more than 200 hundred airports handle about 550 million passengers annually while the number of airports is projected to double by 2035 to meet the growing demand for air travel. China is developing its home-grown aircraft industry including military planes as well as its ship building industry with plans for a new doublehulled aircraft carrier with two runways, and it now has its own space programme. The downside to all this is heavy air pollution through the use of coal-fired power plants that will continue to affect the local population as well as contribute to global warming. There
SPRING HAS SPRUNG is also widespread poverty, though the government is said to be on track to lift millions out of extreme poverty year by year. Overseas, China is continuing to take a financial interest in foreign ports, including in Europe, the US, Asia and Africa. It is building super ports in countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and in east Africa where it is positioned to become a major player in the regional maritime industry - also in Antwerp in Belgium and Piraeus in Greece, which has become the second largest port in the Mediterranean, and elsewhere in Europe. In addition, it is involved financially in places like Seattle and Los Angeles as well as both ends of the Panama Canal and, as is well known, has been seeking raw materials in Africa for many years. Along with all this, China’s national debt has been calculated to be about the same as that of the US while its ‘deficit to GDP’ ratio has been well below the US level and its projected population in 2021 is about 1.4 billion, or more than three times
larger than the US figure. Those who are concerned about all this will, indeed, find the survey depressing, as the author contends. They will argue such spectacular infrastructural development could only have been achieved in a tightly controlled society dominated by a Communist Party which demands total loyalty and obedience and brooks no debate or dissension - and they will stress the importance for the West of promoting democracy with all its freedoms. For Britain, China remains more of a global challenge as an economic competitor rather than an overall threat despite its increased cyber warfare capability; though, reportedly, a new official review of the UK’s defence requirements that is due to be published next week will doubtless have something to say on the subject. But I think that to appreciate fully what China is seeking to achieve on the world stage, it is important to understand how it is developing its own home base - and for that, Jim Gordon’s survey is surely essential reading.
WITH the clocks going forward last weekend by one hour, I feel compelled to write about what a joy it is to herald the onset of the spring season. It is the case, of course, that in the Caribbean winter is the high season for tourism. But, for long-term visitors to The Bahamas from more northern countries and indeed those who live here for most of the year and only move away for short periods during the heat of full summer - one of the joys is to experience the differences in weather brought about by the change of seasons while being spared the extremes of winter weather further north. How much nicer that is than to live in countries like Singapore on the Equator or even in a city like Lagos in Nigeria at 7 degrees north of it which means missing out on the seasons. The arrival of spring is inevitably more of a time for rejoicing for those who have suffered the rigours of a lengthy hard winter in northern climes. March 20 this year marks the vernal equinox when day and night are of equal length and the new season is officially upon us. In Britain, after a long and tedious winter the first
signs of spring are symbols of promise, rebirth, renewal and the wonder of nature. While it is said that one swallow does not make a summer, tradition dictates that spring has not arrived until one hears the first cuckoo, a migratory bird that travels from Africa when the weather becomes warmer. At the same time, hedgehogs and other wildlife wake up from their winter hibernation and the “Mad March” hares indulge in furious boxing matches as a part of their mating rituals, while the spring blossom emerges and birds think about starting their melodious dawn chorus. But the most memorable symbol of the arrival of the spring season in England is the sight of daffodils. These were made famous as such a sign by one of England’s greatest poets, William Wordsworth, whose much-loved work “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” is familiar as the “daffodil poem”. It is close to the heart of many people because - with the onset of the spring season - it paints a picture of the beauty of nature and it carries a cheerful message of renewal, fresh beginnings and hope for the future.
THE DUST SETTLES AFTER A WEEK OF HYSTERIA - TO WHAT END? AS A columnist, it is encouraging to receive feedback - both good and less so - on one’s weekly labours. Naturally, one appreciates positive comments, and, more often than not, can also learn from criticism and try to improve accordingly. What is more, it is interesting to engage in conversation with one’s critics if they are prepared to debate an issue personally. In response to my column last week about the Harry and Meghan interview with Oprah Winfrey, it was suggested by one commentator that, as a “stalwart of extreme conservatism”, I had ignored “everything the young couple said” and believed them to be “100 percent in the wrong”. Since these contentions are patently incorrect, I was clearly remiss in not expressing myself more clearly. I support conservative values but not in an extreme manner because I believe
there is a middle ground in most matters and the perceptions and views of other people should be respected. Certainly, in this column over the last couple of years I have always sought to present both sides of an argument before reaching what I hope is an objective and reasonable conclusion. Reactions to Harry and Meghan’s largely unsubstantiated claims that should have been challenged during the interview have, of course, been varied. But there has already been something of a backlash because of what people see as the couple’s distortion of the truth, as many are genuinely bewildered about what they were aiming to achieve by airing their grievances publicly in this way. The extent of the damage inflicted on the Crown is unclear but the couple have created a climate of divisive hysteria that seems to be wholly unwarranted.
All right-minded people believe mental health issues should be treated seriously and never belittled. So the recent statement from Buckingham Palace expressing the Royal Family’s sadness at learning the full extent of the challenges facing Harry and Meghan - and its commitment to take their concerns seriously and address them within the family - should surely be welcomed. In particular, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are known to have done much good work to promote awareness of mental health issues. Perhaps the most serious of the accusations is the one of racism on the part of both the family and palace staff - based, it seems, on the grounds that an unnamed family member wondered about the unborn baby Archie and what he would look like, including the colour of his skin. But no context is given and no name mentioned.
In modern society, most people consider racism is abhorrent and such a charge is extremely serious. It should not be made frivolously or maliciously and without evidence. I think it is regrettable that people across the world who know little about the Royal Family should accuse them of institutionalised racism based on what appears to have been an alleged throwaway remark when all the objective evidence points against this. After all, Meghan, as someone of mixed race, was warmly welcomed into the family and the large crowds at their wedding cheered the couple vociferously. Moreover, The Queen is known for her love of the Commonwealth with its majority of mixed race people and has worked tirelessly throughout her long reign to promote and support the organisation. Indeed, the whole family, in particular Prince Charles, have always embraced the importance
of diversity. So an accusation of racism cannot be justified. In the plethora of information and wall-to-wall press coverage following the Oprah interview, some people may have missed during the last few days reports of the large numbers of people in the UK who have poured cold water on this accusation as being simply untrue. Among many, these have included several LordLieutenants, who have extensive dealings with the Royals and happen to be of mixed race, and prominent members of the BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) local community, as well as the founder of the Gospel Choir which performed at the 2018 wedding and the chairman of Britain’s Equality and Human Rights Commission who is himself also of mixed race. It is significant, too, that the latest polls show The Queen’s popularity level
remains at a very healthy 80 percent (a level politicians can only dream about!) while, sadly, that of Harry and Meghan has fallen. Moreover, the polls show no increase of republican sentiment. Much damage has been done and, with an investigation of accusations of bullying of staff by Meghan now under way, no one can predict the lasting effects. But, given all the good work the Royals do both at home and around the world, it is likely the monarchy will recover from the criticism by Harry and Meghan - after fully addressing their concerns and continue to thrive. It is hard to believe members of the family want any form of permanent estrangement, and UK press reports suggest The Queen herself is anxious for a reconciliation. Let us hope her wish will materialise - for the longterm health and benefit of the monarchy and of Harry and Meghan themselves.
PAGE 10, Tuesday, March 16, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
European nations suspend use of AstraZeneca vaccine BERLIN Associated Press
A CASCADING number of European countries — including Germany, France, Italy and Spain — suspended use of AstraZeneca’s COVID19 vaccine yesterday over reports of dangerous blood clots in some recipients, though the company and international regulators say there is no evidence the shot is to blame. AstraZeneca’s formula is one of three vaccines in use on the continent. But the escalating concern is another setback for the European Union’s vaccination drive, which has been plagued by shortages and other hurdles and is lagging well behind the campaigns in Britain and the US. The EU’s drug regulatory agency called a meeting for Thursday to review experts’ findings on the AstraZeneca shot and decide whether action needs to be taken. The furor comes as much of Europe is tightening restrictions on schools and businesses amid surging cases of COVID-19. Germany’s health minister said the decision to suspend AstraZeneca shots was taken on the advice of the country’s vaccine regulator, the Paul Ehrlich Institute, which called for further investigation into seven cases of clots in the brains of people who had been vaccinated. “Today’s decision is a purely precautionary measure,” Jens Spahn said. French President Emmanuel Macron said his country will likewise stop dispensing the vaccine until at least Tuesday afternoon. Italy also announced a temporary ban, as did Spain, Portugal and Slovenia. Other countries that have done so over the past few days include Denmark, which was the first, as well as Ireland, Thailand, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, Congo and Bulgaria. Canada and Britain are
AN EMPLOYEE prepares AstraZeneca’s vaccine for vaccination in Munich, Germany. The German government says it is suspending use of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine over fresh reports of blood clots. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP standing by the vaccine for now. In the coming weeks, AstraZeneca is expected to apply for US authorization of its vaccine. The US now relies on Pfizer’s, Moderna’s and Johnson & Johnson’s shots. AstraZeneca said there have been 37 reports of blood clots out of more than 17 million people vaccinated in the 27-country EU and Britain. The drugmaker said there is no evidence the vaccine carries an increased risk of clots. In fact, it said the incidence of clots is much lower than would be expected to occur naturally in a general population of this size and is similar to that of other licensed COVID-19 vaccines. The World Health Organization and the EU’s European Medicines Agency have also said that the data does not suggest the vaccine caused the clots and that people should
continue to be immunised. “Many thousands of people develop blood clots annually in the EU for different reasons,” the European Medicines Agency said. The incidence in vaccinated people “seems not to be higher than that seen in the general population.” The agency said that while the investigation is going on, “the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine in preventing COVID-19, with its associated risk of hospitalisation and death, outweigh the risks of side effects.” Blood clots can travel through the body and cause heart attacks, strokes and deadly blockages in the lungs. AstraZeneca reported 15 cases of deep vein thrombosis, or a type of clot that often develops in the legs, and 22 instances of pulmonary embolisms, or clots in the lungs. The AstraZeneca shot has become a key tool in
European countries’ efforts to boost their sluggish vaccine rollouts. It is also pillar of a UN-backed project known as COVAX that aims to supply COVID-19 vaccines to poorer countries. That programme continues unaffected by the European suspension. Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines are also used on the European continent, and J&J’s one-shot vaccine has been authorised but not yet delivered. Dr Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health at the University of Southampton in England, said there is no data yet to justify suspending the AstraZeneca vaccine and called the decision “baffling”. “Halting a vaccine rollout during a pandemic has consequences,” Head said. “This results in delays in protecting people, and the potential for increased vaccine hesitancy, as a result of people who have seen the
headlines and understandably become concerned.” Spahn, the German health minister, defended the country’s decision, saying, “The most important thing for confidence is transparency.” He said both first and second doses would be suspended. Germany has received slightly over three million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, and about half of those have so far been administered, compared with almost seven million of the Pfizer shot and about 285,000 from Moderna. German authorities have encouraged anyone who feels increasingly ill more than four days after receiving the shot — for example, with persistent headaches or dot-shaped bruises — to seek medical attention. The head of the Spanish Medicines Agency, Maria Jesús Lamas, said Spain detected its first case of clots on Saturday. She said the ban was “not an
easy decision” because it further slows the nation’s vaccination campaign, but it was the “most prudent” approach. Almost 940,000 people in Spain have received the AstraZeneca shot. Some European countries, meanwhile, have begun reimposing restrictions in a bid to beat back a resurgence in infections, many of them from variants of the original virus. In Italy, 80 percent of children nationwide couldn’t attend classes after stricter rules in more regions took effect on Monday. In Poland, bolstered restrictions were applied to two more regions, including Warsaw. Paris could go into lockdown in a matter of days because intensive care units are getting swamped with COVID-19 patients. And calls are growing in Germany to “ pull the emergency brake” in regions where cases are rising.
HOW WELL DO COVID VACCINES PROTECT AFTER ORGAN TRANSPLANT? A NEW study raised questions about how well COVID-19 vaccines protect organ transplant recipients — and what precautions people with suppressed immune systems should take after the shots. Vaccines rev up the immune system to recognise the virus, something that’s harder to do if someone’s immune cells aren’t in good working order. Transplant recipients take powerful immune-suppressing drugs to prevent organ rejection, which also increases their risk from the coronavirus — but excluded them from vaccine studies.
Specialists say the shots appear safe for transplant recipients and any protection is better than none. But how much protection do they get? On Monday, researchers at Johns Hopkins University reported a first attempt to find out. They tested 436 people who had received new organs in recent years and were getting the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. A few weeks after the first dose, 17 percent of the transplant recipients had developed antibodies against the coronavirus, said Dr Dorry Segev, a Hopkins transplant surgeon who co-authored
the study. Segev acknowledged transplant recipients may fare better after the needed second dose — he’ll also check that — but prior studies show the first shot is enough to kickstart antibody production in just about everybody with a well-functioning immune system. Of most concern, people whose transplant medications include a type called an anti-metabolite were far less likely to respond to the shot than those who don’t require that kind of drug, the team reported in the Journal
of the American Medical Association. The findings come after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said fully vaccinated people can relax some, but not all, of the masking and distancing precautions against the coronavirus. Segev called on CDC to consider a more nuanced message. “From what we know, transplant patients cannot assume that they are safe after being vaccinated,” Segev said. They may need post-vaccination blood tests to be sure, he added. The CDC didn’t
immediately comment. Dr. David Mulligan, Yale University’s chief of transplant surgery and immunology, said Monday’s report is a disappointment but not a surprise, because people with weak immune systems don’t respond as well to other vaccines. Some transplant groups, including the American Society of Transplantation, already have issued cautions about that. Yale’s Mulligan urged patients to check in with their transplant center for advice. Those waiting for a life-saving organ transplant might be able to get
vaccinated first. He said some people who’ve already had a transplant might be good candidates to temporarily cut back on certain immune-suppressing drugs. And the immune-compromised should be sure to get both vaccine doses for the best chance at protection. “Our patients are already calling” for advice, Mulligan said. “Until you’ve had your antibodies checked and you know, boy, I’ve got a vigorous immune response — or we’ve got better data,” the immunecompromised shouldn’t let down their guard against the virus.
CATHOLIC CHURCH DECLARES SAME-SEX UNIONS ARE A SIN
POPE Francis celebrates a Mass with members of religious institutions on the occasion of the celebration of the World Day of Consecrated Life, in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, last month. Photo: Andrew Medichini/AP
THE Vatican’s declaration that same-sex unions are a sin the Roman Catholic Church cannot bless was no surprise for LGBTQ Catholics in the United States — yet it stung deeply nonetheless. Marianne DuddyBurke, executive director of DignityUSA, said her organisation’s membership includes same-sex couples who have been together for decades, persevering in their love for one another in the face of bias and family rejection. “The fact that our church at its highest levels cannot recognise the grace in that and cannot extend any sort of blessing to these couples is just tragic,” she said. She was responding to a formal statement yesterday from the Vatican’s orthodoxy office, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, saying Roman Catholic clergy may not
bless such unions since God “cannot bless sin.” It was approved by Pope Francis. “Having sin be explicitly included in this statement kind of brings us back to zero,” said Ross Murray, who oversees religious issues for the LGBTQ rights group GLAAD. He expressed dismay that “the ability for us to live out our lives fully and freely is still seen as an affront to the church or, worse yet, an affront to God, who created us and knows us and loves us”. Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, which advocates for greater LGBTQ acceptance in the church, said that if those priests who have already been blessing same-sex unions now stop doing so, lay Catholics could be moved take their place. “If priests and pastoral ministers no longer feel they can
perform such a blessing, the Catholic laity will step in and perform their own rituals,” DeBernardo said. “The toothpaste is out of the tube, and it can’t be put back inside.” The Rev Bryan Massingale, an openly gay Catholic priest and professor of theology and social ethics at Fordham University, said priests who want to engage in pastoral outreach to the gay and lesbian community “will continue to do so, except that it will be even more under the table... than it was before.” For Catholics in same-sex relationships, he said, the Vatican’s new message will hurt. “Every human being is born with this innate desire to love,” he said. “For those who are oriented toward members of the same sex ... to have it being described as inherently or innately sinful without any qualification, that is crushing.”