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$2.92BN OF RUSSIAN FUNDS IN BAHAMAS

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Central Bank said international banks and trust companies had about $420m in deposits and $2.5bn in custody or trust assets for which the ultimate beneficial owners were from or connected to Russia.

That information was up to February 28.

“The greatest proportion of Russian exposure would be linked to the international sector.

“However, the Central Bank is currently canvassing domestic financial institutions - that is the commercial banks, money

transmission business and electronic money service providers - to ascertain any level of exposure within those sectors,” the bank said in a statement released on Friday.

“The information disclosed today are aggregates for the international banking and trust sector, and not specific to any sanctioned interests.”

The Central Bank’s statement, which came in response to press inquiries, comes after financial services regulators announced that Bahamian companies must comply with sanctions Western countries have put on Russia for its war against Ukraine.

SEE PAGE TWO

‘NO TAX MONEY SPENT ON HURRICANE CENTRE’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said taxpayer funds were not wasted in Abaco after Hurricane Dorian. Much of the funds, including money for building a hurricane centre, he said, were donations to The Bahamas.

His comments came after Myles Laroda’s mid-term budget speech last week.

The state minister, who

has responsibility for the Disaster Reconstruction Authority, said hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on the Abaco hurricane centre even though a foundation has yet to be poured.

Mr Laroda also said a former director of the authority acknowledged that up to $14m in money for debris management in Grand Bahama and Abaco was spent “without due diligence”.

SEE PAGE THREE

TOP OF THE WORLD

BAHAMIAN runner Shaunae Miller-Uibo flying the flag after winning the women’s 400m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, on Saturday. The gold medal also means the two-time Olympic champion can now be called the World Indoor 400m champion. See SPORTS for the full story.

Photo: Darko Vojinovic/AP

TRAVEL VISA FEE NOT ENOUGH WATER CORP GIVEN TWO WEEKS TO INCLUDE TEST, SAYS PINTARD TO OFFER DEFENCE OR PAY UP

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net FNM LEADER Michael Pintard has claimed it is impossible for the health travel visa fee to finance a free rapid antigen test for departing visitors - saying the $40 fee already includes

insurance of $25, $10 of administration costs and $5 for the Treasury.

He said the test cost a further $23, meaning taxpayers are subsidising the return of US visitors to their homeland, something the government denies.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A SUPREME Court judge has given the Water & Sewerage Corporation two weeks to either file a defence or pay Branville McCartney’s law firm $40,000 in a dispute related to a defamation

action launched by ex-chairman Adrian Gibson.

The former DNA leader slammed “stalling tactics” by the water utility over his firm’s demand it be paid outstanding fees in relation to collecting on delinquent accounts.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

ROYAL VISIT ‘SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY’ INSIGHT

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE visit of UK Royals to The Bahamas will boost exposure to important local issues and will provide a chance for Bahamians to change how the country is viewed internationally, the committee responsible for planning the event said yesterday.

The committee also said the cost of the visit from

BRITAIN’s Prince William and Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, will

be shared between the sovereign grant of the United Kingdom, local taxpayers and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

The press statement came after Jack Thompson, permanent secretary in the Office of the Governor General, said last week that such trips customarily come at the expense of the host nation, prompting some backlash.

SEE PAGE FOUR

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

ROYALS ARE ON THE WAY - BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR US?

SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Monday, March 21, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

BRIDGE TO LINK GREAT AND LITTLE ABACOS REOPENED THE RIBBON is cut on the bridge that connects Great Abaco and Little Abaco.

Photo: BIS JUBILANT Abaconians watched with pride as a ribbon was cut and a plaque unveiled to signal the formal reopening and renaming of the bridge that connects Great Abaco and Little Abaco.

More than two years ago, Hurricane Dorian destroyed Little Abaco Bridge resulting in a separation of the islands for the first time in 70 years.

Renamed Angel Fish Creek Bridge, the longest singlespan bridge ever built in The Bahamas was officially commissioned at a ceremony Friday, March 18.

Former Prime Ministers Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie were among those witnessing this important milestone.

The $5,340,217 project was executed through collaboration between public and private sector partners.

Designed by Deputy Director Robert Mouzas, and built by Stephan and Mark Knowles, Long Islanders, of SJK Engineering and Construction Services Limited, the super structure spans 256ft, is a sturdy, steel truss, ideal for withstanding storm conditions and features boat ramp solar street lighting.

In keynote remarks, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the opening of the bridge is a

major step towards normalcy for the people of Abaco.

“The greatest benefit of this new design is the fact that water will now be able to flow underneath the bridge, which means that boats will be able to navigate under the bridge with a clearance of 12 ft, which also means that for the first time in over 70 years marine life will be able to travel through this channel which should provide access to the mangroves, shallow water, nursery systems for local species to flourish and enter,” he said.

“Safe and easy passage of vehicles and boats will prove to be a boon for the recovering Abaco economy.

“In just a few days the surrounding water changed from a stagnant, dark green colour to a beautiful aquamarine reminiscent of the Bahamian Flag. People are now spotting a variety of fish species, turtles and sharks in the area. Fishermen are now benefiting from this increase in the local marine population.

What an excellent example of environmentally conscious building. This bridge is testament to the fact that we can make progress while co-existing with the local species and natural habitat.”

$2.92BN OF RUSSIAN FUNDS IN BAHAMAS from page one

Gowon Bowe, the chief executive of Fidelity Bank, said The Bahamas does not have significant exposure to assets whose beneficial owners are owned or connected to Russians.

“When you think about $2.5bn being connected with Russian beneficial owners, that’s less than two and a half percent of the total assets under administration in The Bahamas and that kind of puts it into context,” Mr Bowe told this newspaper yesterday.

“That money isn’t specifically speaking to any of the oligarchs who have been specifically sanctioned and

so from that perspective it kind of puts into context that while there’s no doubt there would be Russian assets here because we’re dealing with the international financial arena.

“On the cash side they spoke about having about $420m in deposits but when you look at it in the overall context, what is $420m relative to $172bn?

It’s not one that is of great concern.

“The Central Bank’s communication I think was intended to say we have a handle, we know what the amounts are, but not only do we know what the amounts are, but we know what the percentage is as well.”

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, March 21, 2022, PAGE 3

‘NO TAX MONEY SPENT ON HURRICANE CENTRE’

from page one Dr Minnis called on Mr Laroda to clarify this by tabling documents in the House of Assembly. He said his administration saved money on debris management.

“I would ask the minister to kindly lay all of that on the table and show us the facts,” Dr Minnis said yesterday. “We can do a breakdown of everything that was spent. I know DRA was always on top of that matter.

“With respect to the clean-up, we would’ve collected in excess of 2.5m cubic yards of debris. We would’ve gotten estimates before as to cleanup. We got

estimates from companies, international companies that submitted estimates of up to $90m to clean up, yet we were able to do it for less than $40m which meant we saved the Bahamian taxpayer $50m, so I advise the minister again to check his facts.”

Mr Laroda said a joint venture between a Bahamian and foreign company got the contract to build the hurricane centre. He said attempts had to be made to recover funds after $215k was given to the entity.

Dr Minnis, however, said Mr Laroda misunderstood what happened and that his administration was always satisfied with the performance of the joint venture.

“Approximately $215k would have been issued to the partner of the Bahamian company, but we were always involved at every step of the way,” he said.

“When they submitted their bill, we would question it to ensure that it was in compliance with the spending permitted by the private donors. That’s all that was. The American company may have wanted to include travel expenses in their bill to us, but we would’ve had arguments saying no, travel expenses and other such things were not to be included in that component of the bill. It was just a matter of us doing due diligence and checking to ensure that the expenses remained

AFTER a recent spate of murders and violent crime in the country, Bishop Simeon Hall is calling for parents whose children are involved in criminal activity to do the right thing and turn them into police.

The former Bahamas Christian Council president spoke after a woman was shot in the face during an

work they would discover that there are a lot of challenges of similar nature in the Central Pines area and we also had such challenges along the airport area also in terms of cavities and caverns.”

Dr Minnis stressed that taxpayer funds were not used.

“No money was government money,” he said.

“All money was raised from donors and we had to account to the donors to ensure that their monies were well spent. The Indian government donated $1m and they were ensuring that their monies were well spent and monitored and that what we had promised to do were done. So there were checks and balances

along the way. You had various Bahamian entities as well who donated monies, I don’t want to call their names.”

He added: “Not one red cent was government yet all the professionals on the design-build were Bahamians, the engineers, the architects, etc. And you must take into consideration that, yes, the original cost was $1.2m, but in preparation of the land, the cost would have gone up because of the cavities and caverns.

“Everything can be accounted for so I would advise the minister to please check his facts before he goes and blabbers his mouth.”

‘If your child is a criminal, turn them in to the police’

BISHOP SIMEON HALL

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

compliant with the expectations of donors.”

Mr Laroda said the hurricane centre, originally set to cost $1.8m, now costs $2.7m. He said $900k has been spent to date though no “foundation has been poured”.

Dr Minnis said the cost increased after workers found “caverns and cavities”.

“We had a design-build approach,” Dr Minnis said.

“We went out to RFP. A Bahamian company won the RFP in conjunction with the American company.

What we discovered when we started work on this site were multiple caverns and cavities. That in itself cost about $185k in preparation and if they would do their

armed robbery on Soursop Street, Pinewood Gardens over the weekend.

Police said the woman is currently in hospital, where she is listed in critical condition.

The woman had just arrived at a residence in the area when two armed men demanded her blue Suzuki Swift. She tried to evade the armed men, police said, but was shot; the thieves took her car and escaped.

The incident came days after two men were killed in

a shooting on Market Street on Thursday night.

One of the men died on the scene, while the other died of his injuries the next day. Their deaths have pushed the country’s murder count to 30 so far for the year, according to this newspaper’s records.

Yesterday, Bishop Hall raised concern about the escalating crime rate in the country and said more needs to be done, specifically by parents, to combat the issue.

SHOOTING LEAVES TWO MEN DEAD TWO men are dead and a woman is in hospital after a shooting on Market Street on Thursday night.

According to police, around 10pm a group of people were gathered outside a residence on Westend Avenue when a white vehicle pulled up. Two armed men got out of the vehicle and fired at the gathering, injuring a woman and a man.

Another man from the gathering fled, pursued by one of the suspects who continued shooting before fatally wounding him. He was later pronounced dead by Emergency Medical Services.

The injured woman and man were taken to hospital, where the man died of his injuries on Friday morning. The woman’s condition is described as critical.

He said simply praying about it and remaining silent would not resolve the issue.

“I am of the firm opinion that besides the work of the police and the courts, persons, mostly mothers and fathers, must not engage in what I call sanctified silence, to know your good son is part of a criminal gang and has weapons in your house while you go to church is what I call sanctified silence.

“If the criminals are known to police, they are obviously known to parents. We have to bury them. As a pastor, I have seen numerous young men who were tragically killed, and the parents have to bear the cost. I am saying it’s difficult to go to church while you know you harbour your criminal son. . .I think people need to speak up.”

Under the Christie administration, a gun

amnesty was temporarily put in place as a means to help stem the rise of crime.

The initiative, which previously existed in various iterations, allowed for illegal weapons to be anonymously turned into designated pastors and churches.

This initiative was conducted in the past under Bishop Hall when he was BCC president.

Asked if he thinks the programme should be revived under this new Davis administration, the religious leader replied: “I think we need a multifaceted approach to crime. The social problems that breed crime are not one singular thing, but many and so we must take a multi-faceted approach to the solution to crime.

“Mind you, I would hope that Mr Wayne Munroe would bring some of that vigour that he had while

he was an attorney, I would hope and pray that he brings some of that rather national approach to the solution to crime. We wish him well and we wish the police and the courts well, but I think the community itself must respond to crime.

“To know that you and I have a son who’s in a gang and has weapons at home then you must do something (other) than just pray about it. I prefer to turn him in rather than bury him. We as a community must not harbour criminals in any way.”

Bishop Delton Fernander, the current BCC president, could not be reached for comment despite numerous attempts from this paper yesterday.

However, The Tribune understands the religious group intends to hold a meeting this week to discuss the rising incidents of violent crime.

‘IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOUNG TO COPE’ WITH RISING GAS PRICES

By PAVEL BAILEY

BAHAMIANS have weighed in on rising gas prices and how they believe the current situation is starting to hit the working class hardest.

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions from the United States to ban Russian oil imports has caused oil prices to skyrocket. The Tribune recently hit the streets to find out how the average citizen has been affected by the current crisis.

Sashuan Armbrister, a recent college graduate, said the oil crisis has already disrupted parts of his life. He said that with the country’s stagnant minimum wage it would be nearly impossible for young

workers to cope with rising fuel costs.

“Basically, the increase in gas price is going to significantly impact how I live my daily life, mainly because the minimum wage in The Bahamas has not grown to accompany this raise in gas price,” he said. “How can anyone expect to live where the minimum wage of the nation that you are in doesn’t even compensate for the amount of gas that you have to spend going to the place of employment?”

While he is seriously considering buying a bicycle, Mr Armbrister also suggested that the government look into ways to improve public transport, such as the creation of bike lanes for the Bahamian people.

“How it’s going, the

government might as well use some funds to incorporate proper bike lanes into the roads or the infrastructure so we can actually ride bikes since that’s going to be significantly cheaper than going to buy gas,” he said.

One person who asked to remain anonymous, had similar views as Mr Armbrister. He said that the hike in gas prices is hitting the working-class Bahamian hardest and that combined with the stagnant minimum wage some people are barely able to get by.

“I truly dislike that only the average Bahamian working class have to grapple with the rising cost of gas prices; seeing as gas is now more than the hourly minimum wage.

“There are people that are barely getting by as it is with other

cost of living prices (food, rent) and now they are also met with another increase in expenses.

“I want better for my country.”

Lacharo Nottage, a shopper at a local grocery store, said that he hasn’t really encountered any significant price increases in groceries, but that he is starting to feel the effects of the oil crisis.

“You really notice it on gas prices, like for example my parents live in Eleuthera and the island is more expensive than over here. So, the situation what going on, it really impacting us.”

Mr Nottage believes that there isn’t much the government can do to relieve the current situation and that The Bahamas should brace for its wider impact.

“Honestly the way things going there ain’t really much you can do because at the end of the day, regardless of the situation, it

gone still impact us. That’s like the oil or what not it’s impacting things that you wouldn’t even think related, but just pray for the best.”

PAGE 4, Monday, March 21, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

‘Not enough vaccinated to end public mask mandate’

By PAVEL BAILEY A LOCAL infectious disease expert said while The Bahamas has successfully flattened the curve on the most recent COVID wave, the country still hasn’t achieved a high enough vaccination coverage to end the public mask mandate yet.

Dr Nikkiah Forbes, director of the National HIV/ AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme at the Ministry of Health, discussed how the country had successfully lowered the rate of COVID-19 infections in the Omicron wave and said that the nation had finally “flattened” the curve.

“At this time the number of cases per day and the average number of cases per week are down, we have flattened the fourth COVID

wave,” she said in a recent interview with The Tribune.

Dr Forbes also said that healthcare workers are “happy” with the current low number of COVID cases, noting that hospital cases are also low.

However, while she sees the current trend in cases as encouraging, she believes that COVID cases will “flare up” and settle down again periodically.

Dr Forbes said COVID is “here to stay”.

Still, she stressed that the world is in a much better place two years into the COVID pandemic then at the beginning with vaccines to reduce the risk of disease have been administered and doctors have successfully identified ways to track how the virus spreads.

In addition to highlighting the fact that therapies

have been made available to help people who contract COVID-19, Dr Forbes said that the time to classify the response to the pandemic as an emergency has ended but the coronavirus reality remains.

“So, we know a lot more, we are in a much better place than when this new virus broke out for the first time two years ago and people had no immunity and people were dying,” she said. “So, two years in you can no longer refer to it as responding to an emergency; COVID is here to stay. We have to have guidelines and precautions whereby we can have normal life continue.

And so, what can people do to protect themselves?

You should still wear your mask.”

The government recently announced that people will

not be required to wear a face mask while in a lobby, corridor or casino of a hotel or while in an outdoor setting where there is three feet spacing.

However, Dr Forbes spoke about how mask wearing is still the most effective method of COVID prevention.

“We still know that mask wearing works and it’s scientifically proven and there are a lot of studies to support that, that if it’s universally adhered to, meaning that everyone is doing it indoors and in crowds particularly, it can cut down the risk of COVID transmission by 53 percent.”

Although Dr Forbes acknowledged that some countries have ended the requirement to wear masks indoors like in the UK and

US, she also noted that these countries have a far higher vaccination coverage (around 70 percent) compared to the Bahamas. She noted that as of February 26, only 161,916 persons were fully vaccinated putting The Bahamas vaccination coverage at only around 41 percent.

Dr Forbes recommended that more people get vaccinated as it reduces the risk of serious hospitalisation.

She said the country needs to aim for higher coverage to cut down the potential pressure on healthcare systems in future waves.

“Avoiding crowds and keeping your distance at least three feet between persons, if you are sick stay home, I have to keep saying these over and over again, those are the measures that we know can help to reduce

COVID transmission,” she said. “Overall, we should continue to adhere to mask mandates in public transportation and in indoor spaces at this time.”

Daily case counts have been in the low single digits recently with eight new cases recorded on March 18 and just two cases on March 19. Zero cases were recorded on March 17.

According to the latest information from health officials, seven people are in hospital with the virus.

Meanwhile, 787 people have died from COVID-19.

Four deaths were reported in the Ministry of Health’s March 15 release; nine new deaths were reported in its March 16 release; and one additional death was recorded on March 17. The deaths occurred between January and early March.

40 YEARS - AND WATER WORKS START

By PAVEL BAILEY

THE MP for Mount Moriah oversaw the start of major water works in his constituency on Friday after over 40 years of water issue complaints from Melvern Road residents.

For decades, the citizens of the Yellow Elder Gardens community have petitioned several successive governments to address the water pipe issue in their community. Due to the state of the pipes that service Melvern Road, rusty water with low pressure was piped into their houses, to the constant financial and emotional stress of the residents of 80 homes.

But last week Mount Moriah MP and Chairman of the Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority McKell Bonaby, in conjunction with the Water and Sewerage Corporation, finally

commenced the six-week long, six figure project to replace the decrepit pipes.

Mr Bonaby said that commencement of this work was the fulfilment of a longstanding campaign promise he made to his beleaguered constituents.

“We are dealing with some infrastructural work,” he told The Tribune.

“During the campaign trail many of the residents on Melvern Road lamented about the problems that they were facing. Specifically, they were dealing with issues of rusty water and low water pressure, and they explained to me that these issues have been prolonged and protracted and they’ve been experiencing these issues for more than 40 years.

“And so, it was incumbent upon me as the candidate at that time to find out what was happening, and I promised them that I would try my best to

deal with the issues once elected. And so said so done,” Mr Bonaby said.

“I am here with the team from Water and Sewerage, and they are doing yeoman’s work today. They are currently replacing some of the old rusty pipes that have been laid many moons ago and also making sure that by doing so we are remediating the rusty water and also the low water pressure. And this is not about me, just understand that this is about the people this is about dealing with the people’s work. And this is not about their future, but this is about the urgency of now.”

He detailed the troubles faced by Melvern Road residents and said that it was his duty to finally ensure that his constituents could live with dignity.

“We’ve had residents having to throw away old water, washing machines, water heaters because of

the hard water and it’s created a lot of hardships in this community. And that is my job to relieve some of those hardships wherever I may by using government resources to ensure that the people can live with dignity.”

Samuel Knowles, a Melvern Road resident of over 30 years, discussed how the water issue affected his life for years, saying it had a real impact on his high school years.

“It’s affected my life plenty,” Mr Knowles said.

“Growing up just simply going to school, anything that white, you ain’t have nothing white. You can only wear these things once.

From you wash, they turn that rusty colour. So, imagine you’re going to HO Nash, you gotta wash that white shirt. Imagine you going to Government High, you gotta wash that white pants. So how you think that affecting your life? The

WORK begins in Mount Moriah. teachers or the principal telling you, you aren’t wearing the right colour pants,” Mr Knowles said.

He said he felt the government “owed” him and the other residents for how long it took to finally address the issue.

“And that’s a major problem. And you know you can’t drink it, you can’t cook in it, you can’t do nothing with it, so we’ve been spending for a long time just to maintain our life. I feel like at the end of the

Photo: Pavel Bailey day the government owes me some of this money back.”

Mr Knowles voiced his support for Mr Bonaby, saying he is proud of the “marvellous work” his MP was doing for the community.

While the MP for Mount Moriah could not say why it took successive governments so long to finally address the issue on Melvern Road, he said it was now his aim to prioritise his constituents’ needs.

ROYAL VISIT ‘SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY’ from page one

The committee said: “On this visit, the cost of travel to and from The Bahamas will be borne by the Royal household. The Governor General’s reception is being sponsored by a corporate donor.

Accommodation costs for two nights will be borne by the government of The Bahamas. Other thirdparty costs for the cultural events we wish to showcase, will be paid to Bahamian artisans, creative and production talent. All other costs (eg security, domestic travel, etc) are the internal costs of various government

ministries and agencies, and therefore will not require additional expenditure outside of existing budgets.”

The committee said visits by world leaders attract a lot of attention and help strengthen ties between countries and their people.

“In recent years The Bahamas has had to rely on the support and goodwill of many countries, during our time of national tragedy, as well to support our national development,” the statement said.

“The United Kingdom continues to be one of our closest friends and allies.

As an example, each year

when hurricanes threaten us, the UK continues to provide essential support by following hurricanes with the British Navy to provide vital rescue and relief efforts. As one of the G7 countries, the UK is well-placed to support our international position with investors and lenders.

“And as the UK’s foreign policy priorities are changing post-Brexit, we want The Bahamas to be at the forefront for consideration of any enhanced trading relationships. Discussions are already underway about providing more scholarships for Bahamian students, and

exploring ways to expand the exchange of goods and services between our two countries. In particular, we are keen for members of the Bahamian creative and cultural communities to have an opportunity to be able to work in the UK.” The committee said the itinerary for the visit is designed to achieve specific objectives, adding that every activity the Royals engage in will be reported around the world.

“This is a significant opportunity for The Bahamas to shift the way in which we wish to be seen on the world stage,” the

committee said.

“As well as sending a strong message that, postDorian and post-Covid, The Bahamas is open for business, we also wish to project Bahamian culture, to show that we are much more than just sun, sand and sea.”

The Royal couple will arrive in the country on Thursday and depart on Saturday.

On Friday, they will attend a special combined school assembly at Sybil Strachan Primary School.

The organising committee said officials want to highlight both the learning loss experienced by young people during the COVID19 pandemic, as well as the importance placed on

education.

The couple will then attend the Garden of Remembrance where frontline healthcare workers will be recognised. After that, there will be a “Taste of The Bahamas” cultural event in Parliament Square, including the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and a selection of Junkanoo groups. The public is invited to attend this event.

Later that day, the couple will attend a regatta at Montagu Harbour followed by an official reception at Baha Mar. On Saturday, the couple will visit Grand Bahama and Abaco.

The trip is part of celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Is seeking experienced and qualified

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES and/or

SR. SALES ASSOCIATES For our branches in

FREEPORT, ABACO, ELEUTHERA, AND EXUMA Interested Applicants can email their C.V. to:

hr@imbbah.com

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, March 21, 2022, PAGE 5

PROTEST signs being held up at Saunders Beach Park at the weekend. A march is planned on Wednesday.

Photo: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff

Residents to stage protest march over deforestation

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A GROUP of concerned residents is planning to march on Wednesday to protest suspected deforestation of the former Perpall Tract Wellfield located in western New Providence.

Event organiser Terry Miller told The Tribune yesterday that the march will begin on Saunders Beach Park at 11am Wednesday, adding all are welcomed to participate.

Mr Miller, who is also the CEO of Earth Village, said the upcoming demonstration is being held to protest

the deforestation of the Perpall Tract Wellfield, land consisting of 212 acres that was secured by the government in the late 1930s to provide water to the city of Nassau.

He said destruction of the area has threatened the country’s natural resources and conceded he will not stop fighting until the government intervenes.

Mr Miller and a small group also held up signs on Saturday to protest the issue near Saunders Beach.

“We’re going to march on Wednesday,” the environmentalist told this newspaper yesterday.

“We’re trying to make the public aware of the

destruction of a large portion of the Perpall Tract Wellfield which has been going on sometime, but which has accelerated over the last several months.

“It looks like scores of acres are now being ripped up and they are building a subdivision on public property… because as far as I know and in speaking with the minister of the environment, they were not legally doing this.

“There were no applications to remove the protected trees that were ripped down in the forest and when we reported them in 2017, the Department of Physical Planning said the two houses (that) they built

$430M SCHEME FOR GRAND BAHAMA

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey announced that a $430m Agrihaven development in East Lucaya is among several major developments that are on tap this year for Grand Bahama.

She was speaking at the 23rd Grand Bahama Business Outlook “Beyond Recovery into Growth” conference on Thursday.

“I see Grand Bahama as the home of innovation where many of the new and innovative projects are spearheaded,” she said.

Some of the new projects include a new hospital with an oncology centre, which is set to break ground in

June, and the O2 Development at Bell Channel. The minister said land has been cleared for approval of the development.

Ms Moxey also indicated that developments to rejuvenate downtown Freeport are also underway, including the new Solomon’s Fresh Market, and the relocation of several government offices to downtown.

Another significant announcement was that of a multi-purpose sports complex shelter with an indoor swimming facility at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex. This, Ms Moxey, said is to be included in the new budget.

And she said residents can soon expect the road opening of West Sunrise

Highway at the old Royal Oasis resort, which had been closed for many years.

This has been a sore issue for many people who felt the closing of the road had contributed to the final demise of the International Bazaar, where the storefront buildings are dilapidated. There had been ongoing calls for the reopening of the road.

She also expects to launch the “Beautiful Grand Bahama” holistic clean up and jobs campaign in the coming days.

A $5,000 micro grant initiative for those in the orange economy and tourism sector is expected to be launched in April.

Several other projects are expected to take place later this year, she said.

on the property were illegally built.

“So we are marching against and protesting the deforestation of that natural forest and whatever legal authorisation and we don’t think he has any authorisation because so far the government has not given us any indication that there was legal authorisation so whether it is or not, it has to stop.

“Because at a time like this, when (we are) among some of the most vulnerable nations in the world as a small island developing state, we’re vulnerable to global warming, climate change and we’re going all around the world, pleading

to developing countries to save the forest and to save our environment,” he also said.

The planned demonstration comes weeks after Mr Miller sounded the alarm over the issue during a press conference held this month.

At the time, Mr Miller told reporters he had consulted a lawyer to see if they can sue the Ministry of Environment to “make them do their job” and stop the reported action.

When contacted about the complaints earlier this month, Minister of Environment Vaughn Miller told The Tribune he was not certain what had happened in the area, but said he was

told the property was taken by the government under eminent domain.

He insisted his ministry will not stand idly by and watch the land be destroyed.

Yesterday, Terry Miller said he heard similar sentiments from the minister earlier this year, but added nothing has been done by the government to date.

“This minister of environment promised me in early February that he was going to put a stop (to) it because he had so many things on his agenda but I’ve heard nothing. I’ve called his office several times, but I couldn’t reach him anymore,” he said.

PAGE 6, Monday, March 21, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

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Royal visit a chance to show off our future THERE is sometimes a tendency to naysay by force of habit.

This week will see the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to The Bahamas for a three-day visit. Prince William and his wife Kate will spend their time on several of our islands, and the world’s media will, for a time, turn its lenses our way.

There are questions that hover in the air during the trip – some more important than others. For some, it’s a moment to ask about our future as part of the Commonwealth in the wake of Barbados moving to a republic, for others it’s a time to question what will happen next with the monarchy at a time when Queen Elizabeth’s days of travel to other countries appear to be behind her.

Some of the questions are very parochial – such as who is paying for the trip and how much it will be. Those are fair questions, just as with the government’s trip to Dubai it is a matter of being transparent, not a cause to be adversarial.

But while those doubts and queries may circle, we should not lose sight of the trip itself – which will be a celebration of not just our nation, but of some of the talented minds here on our shores.

Among those recognised during the trip will be the people who have been fighting to keep us healthy during the battle against COVID-19 – the frontline healthcare workers.

We will also see Junkanoo in the spotlight in an event at Parliament Square – not just a chance to celebrate our culture but a moment to wish Junkanoo had been able to take its traditional place at that location at the Boxing Day and New Year marches these past two years.

With COVID-19 receding – but not yet gone – it is a reminder of the possibility of returning to something so much part of our culture.

There will also be a visit to Coral Vita, in Grand Bahama, which won the Earthshot prize, created by Prince William.

With that prize came £1m (a little over $1.3m), and this will be a chance for Prince William to see the organisation’s work up close.

Coral Vita works to restore reefs by growing and transplanting corals.

You can bet that, thanks to Prince William’s visit, their work will be featured in newspapers, magazines and TV slots around the world.

As the committee responsible for planning the event also said, this will also send “a strong message that, postDorian and post-COVID, The Bahamas is open for business”.

We are not quite post-COVID yet – that part might be a little wishful thinking. But this will be a chance to show what we can be when that day comes.

So let us welcome our royal guests – and show them, and the world, what we have to offer.

Don’t let cruise ships define us EDITOR, The Tribune.

FOR some time now I have been trying to deal with a subject matter that is not a pleasant topic.

Most people avoid it; but I feel it must be dealt with.

The issue was focused on, superficially, as a News item on CNN and MSNBC. The incident in Ukraine last week, triggered my inspiration to write about it. I am writing about how Black persons were treated, allegedly, in their desire to leave Ukraine. The order for departure was White persons, first; Indians, second; Blacks were last.

This event caused me to remember an incident, here in The Bahamas, about three years ago.

At that time, a store was being opened on Bay Street, north of John Bull. They erected a pictorial sign, indicating types of wares that were available. I, personally, went to a man pointed out as manager of the store, expressing my personal disapproval of the sign. I indicated to him that theTBahamas was

approximately 85% black people, but there was not one black person depicted on his pictorial sign. I assured him that as a Black man, I was offended by his sign. He assured me that he would attempt to remedy. Three years hence, nothing has happened. The pictorial art work is there unchanged.

This brings me to the real reason for writing.

Every week, ships come to The Bahamas and the “peoples” interchange.

Many Bahamians are not aware of the messages that are conveyed by the ships to their guests; one of the messages conveyed is that crime is higher here than New York and Chicago; another message: do not carry cash for you will be robbed; another; minimise use of taxis, they are druggies and crooks.

There are lots of messages conveyed.

Last week, I was asked by a guest from the cruise ship, if my picture was posted at the post office: with a big and hearty laugh.

I am in “pain” because of the insult and he is laughing

at me in my country?

I have spoken to many Bahamians about this subject matter, and would like for those of you who have tapes and recordings of these initial introduction meetings of ship passengers and tour directors and senior personnel to begin looking for these recordings. I need them.

During the summer, a group and I will be meeting, airing these tapes and recordings.

We will be inviting the press and the public to hear and appreciate how the ships are portraying us and how we are being perceived by their guests.

Should the ships be allowed to define who the Bahamian people are?

The Bahamas government must activate their files on these initial, introductory meetings of ship’s guests, tour representative and executive staff.

Should the ships be allowed to define who the Bahamian people are?

FELTON COX Nassau, March 8, 2022.

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Media narrative on Ukraine wrong EDITOR, The Tribune.

I HOLD no brief for Vladimir Putin. I never met him nor even visited his country.

I do know that he deeply distrusts the collective west and believes it is trying to militarily encircle his country. In this, he is at one with China’s leader Xi Jinping, and for precisely the same reasons.

I also hold no brief against the population of any western nation. In fact that is where most of my social and educational connections lie. I closely identify in many respects with “the west”.

But affiliations should not determine perspective.

If they did, then the world would be a tribalised war zone of people unable to make objective judgments of principle across lines of identity.

And to make such judgments, we need to go beyond merely listening to what politicians (be they Putin, Biden, Macron, or Xi) tell us about themselves and about each other and look instead to primary sources like facts and figures, historical contexts and (most of all) our own experience.

And it is these judgments, applied objectively, which tell me that in his ongoing conflict with the west (long pre-dating today’s war), Mr Putin is broadly right, and the western world is broadly wrong – though neither is an angel or a demon, nor should be expected to be.

To start with, the background context of the western narrative, which is its deep-seated belief in its own intrinsic benignity, simply defies the empirical evidence of the recent and historic past.

In my lifetime, western nations have been intervening in some or other country without interruption. Of those, only the ones that successfully resisted such intervention (Vietnam, Cuba, Iran, now probably Syria) have remained basically intact, despite the crippling, inhumane sanctions that have been spitefully imposed on them often for generations afterwards.

And “sanctions” is simply a euphemism for economic genocide. According to UNICEF, around 500,000 Iraqi children died as a direct result of western sanctions against their country in the years before the war. A similar pattern is developing right now in Afghanistan, following the west’s exit.

In my lifetime, there has not been one single instance where western military intervention has improved the welfare of the people of a foreign state. It simply defies credibility to believe that that has ever been its genuine intent.

In fact, what has invariably followed western intervention is the reversal of policies protecting the state’s resources from foreign ownership and the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net emergence of new opportunities for western oil corporations and ‘defence contractors’ – once known as “mercenaries”.

And no benefit from these wars has accrued to the west’s own populations either, whose incomes and living standards have stagnated and become less equal since the 1970’s.

On leaving office, General Eisenhower warned that the corrupt relationship between politics, the military and big business would lead to a ‘military industrial complex’ with a life of its own and no concern for the citizenry. Even he could not foresee that the media would also be joining the party.

True to Eisenhower’s predictions, war has become a primarily commercial pursuit in the west, while the maintenance of dominance, rather than balance or respect for others, is the driving principle of its policy. The media then sells this policy by demonising foes and oversimplifying conflicts.

In this context, if we measure what Mr Putin says against what we already know about both recent Russian history and the ways of the modern west, too much of it rings true to simply ignore.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, a weakened Russia desperately welcomed western investment and friendship.

It disbanded the Warsaw Pact military alliance and expected NATO to do the same. It did not. In fact, despite assurances to Gorbachev that it would expand no eastward of Germany, it has continued to inch toward Russia’s borders.

If Ukraine (where a rightwing coup deposed the elected president in 2014) ever acceded to NATO, this could mean the positioning on Russia’s borders of weapons of such destructive capacity that the United States would never tolerate them being placed by another power anywhere in the entire western hemisphere. Understandably.

Similarly understandably, Mr Putin viewed his request for security assurances on this issue (which was unreasonably denied by the western powers and Ukraine) as a “red line” issue. In line with this, he made clear that the subsequent invasion was intended to “demilitarise” Ukraine, degrading its military capacities, rather than occupying its cities.

Yet if we are to believe the narratives being spun by western media, his failure to capture all the cities is evidence of “poor execution”, while successful attacks on military facilities near the Polish border (known entry points for NATO-supplied weapons) are mere “outrages”.

Yet both these developments precisely support Mr.

Putin’s narrative and precisely negate the western media’s.

Further, according to western media and military sources, Russia has lost four generals and over 7,000 soldiers in this war. This dwarfs the “at least 816” Ukrainian civilians estimated to have died through the 17th of March by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

In the Iraq war, 185,000 civilians died, as against 5,000 US soldiers. This contrast, immensely in Mr Putin’s favour from a humanitarian perspective, also supports his assertion that he is not there to attack civilians, but to destroy military hardware, armaments and other “hard targets” - which of course fight back, unlike Iraqi wedding parties.

While these observable facts undermine western media narratives about Mr Putin’s objectives, others clearly support his assertion that he is achieving them.

The first and most obvious of these is that Mr Zelensky, having refused to rule out joining NATO in the run up to this war, now frantically offers to do so if the Russians would call off their invasion.

The second is the reaction of western leaders themselves, which range from the desperate to the hysterical. Imagine a “winning side” so desperate for friends in this dispute that it is suddenly courting Nicolas Maduro, a man it was attempting to overthrow and allegedly even kill just a year ago. This is not the reaction of a confident rival to a “failing” opponent.

And Mr Biden is now even urging China to take the side of the west in this dispute.

But China didn’t get to be 5,000 years old by being stupid. It is fully aware that it is western nations (located thousands of miles away) that have bullied, attacked, partitioned and threatened it dozens of times in the last two centuries, rather than Russia, with which it shares a 3,000 mile border, yet has had only one serious skirmish.

Indeed, Chinese leaders frequently remind sanctimonious western politicians that their first interaction was when a western power (Britain) invaded it in 1839 to “defend” its citizens’ right to get addicted to British-supplied opium, which the Qing dynasty had the sheer temerity to ban.

With such historic memory, we can safely assume that China remembers that distant year of 2021, when it was the designated target of a new strategic alliance of Australia, Britain and the USA, involving advanced nuclear attack submarines.

Who do you think China supposes will be next in line after it helps the usual suspects “isolate” Russia?

ANDREW ALLEN Nassau, March 20, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, March 21, 2022, PAGE 7

Strachan named executive vice-president at university

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas announced on Friday that Dr Ian Strachan has been promoted to executive vice-president and will retain his position as president of the UB-North campus in Grand Bahama.

The announcement by Allyson Maynard Gibson, chair of UB’s board of trustees, came several days after she announced that academic Dr Erik Rolland — who was born in Norway, but has lived in the United States for years — has been selected University of the Bahamas president.

Dr Strachan was one of three people shortlisted for that role and he had the backing of UB’s faculty and staff. Ultimately, the board chose Dr Rolland — the most capable and suitable person for the top post, Mrs Maynard Gibson said.

She said on Friday: “Dr Strachan, a proud graduate of this institution, is a respected member of

DR Ian Strachan will also keep his position as president of the UB-North campus in Grand Bahama.

the academy, the fine arts community and the Bahamian society. He is one of the university’s most fervent champions, so I am extremely delighted that he will continue, as EVP, to enthusiastically help to lead UB to international accreditation.”

Dr Strachan said he is happy to serve as executive vice president. In a short statement, he said he especially looks forward to continuing his work at UB-North.

Dr Strachan replaces Iraqi Dr Sarim Al-Zubaidy, who served as executive vice-president since January 4, 2021.

Dr Al-Zubaidy’s short stay in the role prompted speculation from critics that Dr Strachan has replaced him to placate those who wanted a Bahamian to be president.

“I say to those people that we are proud that Dr Strachan is stepping up to the plate as executive vice president, a position that is in the University of The Bahamas Act and he has

agreed to stay on as president of UB-North,” Mrs Maynard Gibson said.

On Wednesday, Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin distanced the Davis administration from UB’s board decision to make Dr Rolland president, saying the board has autonomy.

She said she expects a Bahamian to be president of the institution in short order.

Mrs Maynard-Gibson said she did not hear the comment and that the government respects the board’s decision.

“I can’t comment on what she said, I didn’t hear it,” she said. “What I can say is what actually happened, that is the decision of the board of trustees under the Act and so far as I’m aware the government did not participate in our decision and the government respects our decisions, both of the selection of the president and, happily announced today, the promotion of Dr Strachan and the bringing to the table to take your university to the next level.”

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2022

Royals on the way but what does that mean for us?

By MALCOLM STRACHAN

PRINCE William and Catherine, top, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who will be visiting The Bahamas from Thursday - and the statue of Columbus, which remains broken with no decision made on what to do about it.

IN this column in December, we asked the question of whether we were ready or not to become a republic.

The question was in the air as Barbados stopped pledging allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II and became a republic themselves. There was a huge celebration in Barbados. Our own Prime Minister, Philip “Brave” Davis, was in attendance. Rihanna was honoured as a national hero. Our Foreign Minister, Fred Mitchell, lamented how he had been unable to convince successive generations to his view that we should become a republic. A few days later, press secretary Clint Watson, flatly stated that the whole matter was not on the agenda of the Davis administration anyway.

And that was that.

Our desire to break up with the sovereignty might not be tested any time soon – but our affection for the members of the monarchy will be in the spotlight in the coming days.

On Thursday, Prince William and his wife, Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will arrive in The Bahamas for a three-day visit.

It is the first time there has been a royal visit since 2012, when Prince Harry was welcomed.

Prince Harry particularly seemed to enjoy a youth event complete with sports and dance, held at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Most notably, the crowd there seemed to enjoy his presence too. There seemed a genuine warmth from both sides during the visit.

We will await to see how William and Kate are welcomed – as part of their tour of the region that also sees them visit Belize and Jamaica.

In truth, there seems no reason to believe there will be any lack of warmth in the welcome. There seems little pressure for a change to our current system and little sign of anyone complaining whenever the Queen bestows a medal or a knighthood on a Bahamian.

We have our own national honours now, but they still seem to play second fiddle to the British honours.

Indeed, it seems less like there is no desire for the debate so much as that

we have not really even committed to making any kind of decision.

When Barbados became a republic, its first president, Sandra Mason, said: “We must seek to redefine our definition of self, of state, and the Barbados brand, in a more complex, fractured and turbulent world. Our country and people must dream big dreams and fight to realise them.”

Who are we, and what do we want our nation to mean in this world? Those are lofty questions that we are not even beginning to be engaged with.

Let us take a case in point from Friday’s Tribune.

In October of last year, a man took a sledge hammer to the statue of Columbus outside Government House.

In Friday’s Tribune, press secretary Clint Watson told us that the government has still not decided what to do with the shattered statue.

Five months and we can’t even make our mind up.

There are plenty of good reasons for getting rid of the statue permanently, given the slaughter of natives ordered

by Columbus, who ordered dismembered bodies to be paraded through the streets. On the other hand, there are those who credit his explorations for opening up our understanding of the world and there are those who would keep his statue for historic reasons.

But us? It’s not that we’re having the debate, we can’t even make our mind up to start the debate.

How hard would it be to ask the question, maybe even have a public poll and abide by the results. Not for us. Columbus sits under his shroud, a broken symbol that no one seems to have any interest in fixing. It’s hard not to see that as an analogy for our country. The things in our country that are broken, there seems to be little interest in fixing.

We have just had the mid-year budget and the discussion around it has been full of finger-pointing and blame rather than fixing and elevating our ambitions.

So the royal visit will come and go and there will be smiles and dancing and everything will go on the same.

This seems far from a moment of possible change, it seems indeed that this is a moment when we’re not even ready to talk about change – and even if we were, there is a lot more we should be changing right here at home before we set our sights on such things as the potential of a republic.

As Barbados’ President Mason said, we must seek to redefine our definition of self. That is as true for ourselves as it is for Barbados.

If there is a glimmer of light, it is that already this government has shown it can be pushed by public pressure into changing its agenda.

In November, Prime Minister Davis, when asked whether marital rape would be on his administration’s agenda, he shrugged it off saying he had too many other things to be thinking about.

Now, after significant pushback to that response, the government has apparently prepared a whole suite of legislation to deal with issues such as gender violence, marital rape and gender inequality.

If enough of us demand it, the government will act. So it’s up to us. The same as it always was.

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

INSIGHT

MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2022 PAGE 9

A pebble in the wheel

By DR KENNETH D KEMP IMAGINE having chest tightness so excruciating it feels as if there’s a 300ton crane sitting on top of you, intermittently squeezing more and more deeply and crushing your sternum making it harder to breathe.

In 2019, following four years of the most agonising chest pain imaginable, my patient was wheeled into the operating theatre for her third heart surgery.

As she kissed her husband of 13 years goodbye, and his hands slipped away, she thought about how they met 20 years ago at a friend’s birthday party. From then until now they’ve been best friends as well as husband and wife.

They had three incredible daughters together.

When she got closer to the theatre and further away from her husband, who’d already suffered through the unimaginable loss of his mother and two sisters, she cried softly. As the tears fell, blanketing her cheek and pillow, she said a quick prayer, desperately hopeful that she’d soon be with him and their daughters again.

The notable French physician, Rene Laennec, invented the stethoscope over 200 years ago in 1816.

Today, physicians all over the world continue to utilise this instrument to diagnose a multitude of heart ailments.

In 2015, at the age of 35, my patient began experiencing chest pain that quickly became progressively worse and more debilitating over the ensuing weeks. Initially she and her husband didn’t take it seriously.

When she saw her physician for a routine check-up, she mentioned her symptoms and, using a stethoscope, he was able to discern a small heart murmur but initially he felt it was minor and simply wanted to observe it.

Following that, her next episode was so severe she fell to her knees. It left her completely exhausted and lightheaded so, barely able to walk, her husband took her to the hospital where tests were performed suggesting that she had a mitral valve prolapse. From there, she was referred to a local heart specialist.

The cardiologist explained that her condition occurred when the two flaps in the mitral valve, located on the left side of the heart, don’t close properly. They then bulge into a separate chamber when the heart contracts forcing blood to leak out. Even though he didn’t think it was serious, the patient opted to get another opinion at a hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

While there, they also ran tests and didn’t consider her situation to be emergent, but she suffered from another episode of chest pain.

PART TWO

A STONE skipping over the surface of the water.

In response, she was given a shot of Benadryl in the emergency room but she had an immediate allergic reaction to it and the crash team had to expeditiously prevent her from going into anaphylactic shock.

Now that her doctors had witnessed for themselves the severity of the pain when it occurred, they opted to implant a stent, which initially worked well.

For several months, she didn’t have any symptoms but then without warning she began to experience shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain, more intense than prior to her stent placement.

Given that she didn’t have insurance and the first surgery cost over thirty-five thousand dollars, she was very reluctant to undergo surgery once again. But the longer she waited, the worse her symptoms became so she eventually had another follow-up with her heart surgeon at which time he recommended open heart surgery.

The open-heart surgery was performed in 2018 and following that she was in a coma in the intensive care unit (ICU) for four days.

Her husband prayed over her every day and chronicled her progress on his cell phone for her to see when she awoke.

While his wife was in the ICU, he met a Bahamian nurse who worked there and she took especially great care of them both.

My patient remained in the ICU for three weeks and in her own room on the surgical floor for another six weeks. She was then discharged but had to stay in a hotel for two weeks because she wasn’t allowed to travel given her high risk of developing blood clots.

Before returning home

to Nassau, right before Christmas, she had a final follow-up with her surgeon and he reluctantly gave her the greenlight to fly. This was particularly important to her because she hadn’t seen her daughters for over three months.

Less than four months following her second surgery, however, her chest pain recurred. She and her husband were devastated given that at this point they’d been saddled with debts totaling over $100,000 in medical costs and she still wasn’t any better.

During a particularly bad episode she became severely tachycardic, her heart beating so fast she felt like she could not catch her breath.

As her heart rate neared explosive levels, she was taken to the hospital and placed on a Morphine drip. Her team of doctors described to her that she was having an electric arrhythmic heart dysfunction.

She was referred to yet another cardiologist who suggested performing a new cutting-edge procedure that would help to regulate the abnormal electrical impulses being fired every time her heart contracted.

In 2019, four years after she experienced the first severe chest pains and after a medical merry-go-round of diagnoses and two other heart surgeries, she was wheeled away from her husband to undergo this final procedure. Everything rested on its outcome.

From then until now, my patient has miraculously been symptom free and has returned to a normal life.

The memories of everything she and Jake endured are still ever-present and they give thanks daily for what they’ve overcome. She shared that she was able to

get through this ordeal with a considerable amount of prayer and the support of her family.

Jake specifically wanted to thank his father-in-law for his remarkable support. Having loved ones pray for him and his family was also deeply important to him and something he is infinitely grateful for.

They both advocate getting health insurance and they hope that others can take from their story the importance of faith during times of struggle and having a support system that you can depend on.

A small pebble in the wheel of a horse-drawn carriage can simply be a nuisance but under certain circumstances it can also cause the wheel to dislodge

and the entire carriage to collapse.

Recently my patient’s husband went to the beach, like he has so many Saturdays before, but this time he wasn’t alone. He had his wife and daughters by his side and he took a small pebble and threw it into the ocean.

As it skipped along the calm turquoise surface and fell deeper and deeper into the abyss, he thought about everything that he and his family had endured. They returned home now fortified with the truth that the sun always shines after the rain and now they, never having lost the strength to smile, for the first time in a long time have become infinitely more excited for tomorrow.

This is the KDK Teport.

• Nicknamed ‘The Prince of Podiatry’, Dr Kenneth D Kemp is the founder and medical director of Bahamas Foot and Ankle located in Caves Village, Western New Providence. He served as the deputy chairman for the Health Council for five years and he currently sits on the board of directors for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation in his role as co-vice-chairman. He is the recipient of over 15 global awards and certifications and has treated royalty, billionaires, celebrities, Oscar winning actors, Grammy winning singers, world-renowned super models, professional athletes, ambassadors and both local and international politicians.

PAGE 10 MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2022

INSIGHT

A VOLUNTEER of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces smokes in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Wednesday.

Ukraine’s fighters have also been joined by international volunteers joining the ranks.

Photo: Andrew Marienko/AP

By SEBASTIAAN FABER, Oberlin College and Conservatory WHEN an aging Abe Osheroff recalled why, as a 21-year-old kid from Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighbourhood, he had volunteered to join the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War in 1936, he framed it as a personal, ethical decision.

“Some of my friends were already going over. Some of them had been killed and wounded… Then I began to see pictures of what was going on… Bombardments, civilians getting plastered all over the place… I knew that if I didn’t go, I’d be ashamed all my life.”

Today, his words seem to echo those of individuals from around the world who are willing to risk their lives to help Ukraine in its desperate struggle against the Russian invasion.

“Sitting by and doing nothing? I had to do that when Afghanistan fell apart, and it weighed heavily on me. I had to act,” a US veteran confessed to a New York Times reporter

before he headed east.

Encouraged by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, volunteers are signing up – according to some reports, by the thousands – to join the ranks of what UK newspaper The Guardian has called “the most significant international brigade since the Spanish civil war”.

The Guardian is not the first to draw an analogy between 1930s Spain and today’s Ukraine. But tempting as it is to compare the two, doing so does more to obscure than to explain either of the conflicts.

In some instances, I see the analogy relying on distorted frames inherited from the Cold War; in others, it seems to be driven by blatant opportunism.

SURFACE-LEVEL SIMILARITIES

The Spanish Civil War broke out in the summer of 1936 after an attempted military coup, led by Gen. Francisco Franco, failed to overthrow the government of the Popular Front, a

liberal-progressive coalition that had been democratically elected to lead the Second Spanish Republic.

But while the Republican government managed to hold on to Spain’s largest cities and about half of the national territory, the rightwing rebels took control of the other half. They proceeded to wage a bloody war.

Republican forces faced a well-equipped rebel army that Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy had supplied with soldiers, planes, weapons and tanks. By contrast, other democracies left the republic to fend for itself, with more than two dozen countries signing a non-intervention pact. The republic was also shut out of the international arms market, leaving only the Soviet Union and Mexico as sources of military support.

After the republic’s defeat in 1939, a repressive military dictatorship headed by Franco ruled Spain for the next 36 years.

Osheroff was one of roughly 2,800 US volunteers – and more than 35,000 from around the

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

UKRAINE’S FOREIGN FIGHTERS HAVE LITTLE IN COMMON WITH SPANISH CIVIL WAR VOLUNTEERS

world – who flocked to Spain to help fight fascism.

These foreign fighters were largely recruited through communist organizations, although many were not communists. What they had in common was their staunch opposition to everything fascism stood for.

Upon arriving in Spain, the volunteers became fully integrated members of the Spanish Republican Army, where most of them served in one of five International Brigades.

As a scholar of the Spanish Civil War and its legacy, I can see why many people would be tempted to read the war in Ukraine through a Spanish lens.

Much as in civil war Spain, Ukrainian cities are being bombarded and civilians are dying, while those attacked are putting up an unexpectedly persistent defense against a much stronger enemy. As in Spain, the war is producing seemingly unending streams of refugees. And, as in Spain, the war seems to reflect an unusual degree of moral clarity – “It’s a conflict that has a clear good and bad side,” one US veteran told The New York Times – while the fate of the world seems to hang in the balance.

MOTIVATED BY CLASS SOLIDARITY

Yet historical analogies are never perfect, rarely useful and often misleading.

For one thing, the geopolitics of today has little connection to the 1930s. In 1936 there was no NATO, only a weak and ineffectual League of Nations, and no threat of nuclear war.

Furthermore, the volunteers who joined the International Brigades in 1936 from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia have little in common with the combat veterans and Ukrainian nationalists who are signing up today, and whose politics, as NPR has reported, are vague and may skew to the right or far right. While the Russian invasion clearly violates Ukrainian sovereignty, those defending Ukraine represent ideologies that cover the entire political spectrum.

By contrast, very few of the volunteers in Spain had military training or experience. And if Osheroff knew that the Spanish war was also his to fight, it was, as he explained, because he’d grown up steeped in progressive politics.

He and his fellow brigaders were driven by the internationalist solidarity that’s the bedrock of the labour movement, but they also knew they had a personal stake in the struggle. Many of them were Jews and immigrants; they belonged to a generation that, as the historian Helen Graham has written, was resisting “attempts, by fascism, either alone or in coalition, violently to impose ethnic and class hierarchies both old and new across the whole continent”.

The analogy falters in other ways as well. The halfmillion Spanish refugees who fled Spain in the last months of the war were not welcomed with open arms.

The French government put them in concentration camps, while most countries around the world closed their borders, with some notable exceptions, such as Mexico. During Germany’s occupation of France, as many as 15,000 of the Spanish Republicans interned in France were deported to Nazi camps, where some 5,000 died.

And yet in 1945, as Europe was liberated from fascism, the Allies decided to leave Franco alone and let him retain his grip on Spain. By the 1950s, Franco had become a US ally in the Cold War.

DISTORTING HISTORY

That same Cold War reshaped how the story of the Spanish Civil War was told. In the US, it became common to paint the anti-fascist volunteers as communist dupes. In 1984, US President Ronald Reagan famously said the Americans in Spain had joined the wrong side.

Prompted by the Ukraine war, some of these Cold War clichés are slipping back into mainstream journalism. The New York Times reporter covering

Zelenskyy’s international fighters, for instance, wrote that the adventure of the Americans in Spain, “often romanticised as a valiant prelude to the fight against the Nazis”, had “ended badly”. In reality, many of those who fought fascism in Spain went on to join the Allied armies in World War II. Others formed the backbone of the resistance movements in Nazi - and fascist-occupied territories.

Invoking the Spanish Civil War to frame the invasion of Ukraine as a clash between fascism and antifascism, moreover, plays into the Kremlin’s narrative, which seeks to portray the “special military operation” as an effort to “denazify” its western neighbour.

Ironically, one of the most opportunistic invocations of the historical analogy occurred in Spain itself. In early March 2022, when Spain’s progressive governing coalition decided to send arms to the Zelenskyy government, the country’s largest newspaper, El País, ran a supportive editorial stating: “Today, the weapons to defend Ukraine are the weapons that the Second Spanish Republic did not have 80 years ago.” In fact, the controversial decision to provide arms was dividing the governing coalition; the paper’s heartstringstugging invocation of the embattled Spanish Republic was an obvious attempt to end the debate.

If there is one way in which the Ukrainian analogy with Spain applies, it is the tragic way the country is being used as a proxy in a battle between the world’s great powers.

In July 1937, Dutch filmmaker Joris Ivens, journalist Martha Gellhorn and novelist Ernest Hemingway visited the White House to screen “The Spanish Earth,” Ivens’ documentary about the war. After seeing the film, Gellhorn recalled in a 1938 letter that President Franklin D Roosevelt remarked, “Spain is a vicarious sacrifice for us all.”

The same terrible fate seems to be reserved for Ukraine and its people.

• Originally published on www.theconversation.com

Death Notice Claudette Anetta Mohammed (née Burkett) of London, England, and formerly of Nassau, Bahamas and Westmoreland, Jamaica, died in London, England on Wednesday, 2nd March, 2022.

Claudette was predeceased by her husband, Retired Justice Faizool Mohammed.

She is survived by her daughter, Judy Mohammed; son, Adrian Mohammed and his wife Andria; grandchildren, Corey, Jonan and Romanee Mohammed; sisters Barbara Olsson, Joan Powell, Fay and Maureen Burkett; brother, John Burkett and a host of other relatives and friends.

Her funeral will take place in London, England on Tuesday, 22nd March, 2022.

We will miss her dearly and she will be in our hearts forever.

EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net

INSIGHT

MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2022 PAGE 11

The international order is broken - where are the leaders to fix it?

THE international order, which has existed, although shakily, since the end of World War II and the establishment of the Charter of the United Nations, is now severely broken.

Whether the pieces can be reassembled and strengthened to guarantee a peaceful world is uncertain.

What is certain is that the world is now in a dangerous place and urgently needs visionary leadership to try to pull it back from its current perilous circumstances and to set it on a path of peace and cooperation between nations.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, threats of nuclear confrontation, unprecedented economic sanctions, high oil prices with the prospect of more increases, shortages of food supplies and attendant high costs, are the prevailing order of the day. No nation has been spared and the situation might well worsen in the coming weeks, with developing countries and small economies suffering the most, since they have the least capacity for resilience.

Every country and region will experience disruption in projected economic growth this year.

The European Union has already announced that it expects much less than the 4% growth that it had expected for its 27 nations collectively.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which was conceived as the forum for guaranteeing peace by ensuring that nations would uphold and respect international law and the principles of the UN Charter, has only been effective when the vested individual interest of the five permanent members was not involved. Once any of the five – Britain,

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

China, France, Russia and the United States (US) – were affected, each of them used their anachronistic veto power to block UNSC action – the only international instrument binding on every nation.

The absurdity of the world being subjected to the veto power of one of five nations was brought into sharp focus throughout the UNSC’s deliberations on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Not only did Russia make it clear that it would veto any decision it disliked, but it also presided over the proceedings as the rotating President.

This unrepresentative and gravely flawed system has proved impossible to change, and it now seems set to harden.

The UNSC’s role has departed from the original concept enshrined in the UN Charter, specifically articles 39 to 51 of Chapter VII, titled “Action with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace and acts of aggression”. This chapter established a framework for collective security based on the use of military forces and gave the UNSC authority for enforcement.

But, since 1947, the political and military ambitions of the nations of the East and West put this chapter into abeyance. It has remained there ever since. Over the years, a more limited role described as “peace keeping” has emerged. While this role

has been beneficial when it has been activated, it has been fraught with difficulties.

For instance, peacekeeping can only be launched after a conflict has broken out; a mandate from the UNSC is required, and this depends on agreement by all 5 Permanent members of the Council (which seldom happens); no automatic or obligatory mechanism for financing peacekeeping exists, financing depends on the voluntary contributions of rich countries; and peacekeepers cannot pressure combatants to withdraw from occupied territory or to resolve the conflict in general.

In summary, the UNSC, and, consequently, the UN Charter have proven to be paralysed and ineffective, particularly when permanent members have a vested interest, either directly or indirectly.

Since the end of 1990s, and an initial détente between the nations of the West and East, the nations of the West and Russia have developed different and contradictory approaches to peace-making. Ostensibly, the Western approach is to resolve armed conflicts through inclusive peace processes and liberal state transformation including democratisation, human rights, political freedoms and good governance.

Although, it has to be said that there is more than a little hypocrisy in that stand, as was seen in the

RUSSIA’s ambassador Vasily Nebenzya speaks at the end of a meeting of the United Nations Security Council at UN headquarters on Friday.

Photo: Jason DeCrow/AP US military intervention in including China, India and require the involvement of Iraq and Afghanistan, and South Africa. all countries; none can be Many of the countries tackled by any one nation the US accommodation of Israeli settlements in occu- that voted in favour were or group of nations. fearful of being invaded pied Palestinian territory.

Humanity’s need for For its part, Russia has themselves or recognised enlightened global action, argued for the primacy of that, in their own inter- with cooperation at its centre, sovereignty, the need for est, they had to condemn is now more urgent than strong states and politi- violation of international ever. It is such international cal order, and the rights of law. Those nations that cooperation that should now government to suppress voted against might have invigorate the world’s peointernal conflict using any been contemplating fol- ples, making it clear that means necessary.

This lowing the Russian action invasions and war are no was Russia’s stance, for as a basis for their own use answers. Might is not right. instance, in relation to the of force in their territorial Leadership based on conflict in Syria. There is ambitions. The motivation ethics, morality, fairness, a clear pattern of rigid dif- of the abstaining nations and justice is needed. Small ferences between Russia was rooted in what they Caribbean states must on the one hand, and the considered to be their own demand it, and give it, US, UK, and France on the national interest. For a few, principally by insisting on other, with China claiming that included not offend- respect and adherence to ing Russia with which they international law by all. neutrality.

Russia has now taken the depend for political support • Responses and previdifferences a leap further and military equipment. ous commentaries: www.

In short, humanity sirronaldsanders.com by invading a sovereign nation in pursuit of its own now exists in a troubled interests, with scant or no world which, even before (The writer is Antigua regard for the UN Security the invasion of Ukraine, and Barbuda’s AmbassaCouncil or the 141 mem- faced major crises such as dor to the United States of bers of the UN that voted managing the impact of America and the Organizain a Special Session of the Climate Change, increasing tion of American States. He UN General Assembly to pandemics, widening ecois also a Senior Fellow at condemn the invasion of nomic inequality between the Institute of CommonUkraine. Only 5 nations developed and developing wealth Studies, University voted against, all of them nations, and restructuring of London and Massey headed by tyrants. Thirty- the global financial archiCollege in the University of five countries abstained, tecture. All of these issues Toronto).

PAGE 12, Monday, March 21, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMIAN TEAM GOES TO SPAIN FOR INTERNATIONAL MOBILE EVENT

FROM left, ALIV executive consultant Will Casselton, Huawei account manager Jesus Castellano, senior director of commercial and marketing Amber Carey, ALIV chief executive officer John Gomez, group VP of engineering Tracey Boucher, group chief technical officer Stephen Curran, and group president & CEO Franklyn Butler.

A TEAM from The Bahamas has attended an international conference.

Last week, Cable Bahamas and ALIV executive leaders including group CEO Franklyn Butler and ALIV CEO John Gomez attended GSMA’s Mobile World Congress 2022 (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain.

“As GSMA members and leaders in communication, it was pivotal for us to attend the Mobile World Congress conference,” said Mr Butler.

“We engaged other leaders to discuss the

future of the industry and opportunities that could benefit The Bahamas.

Additionally, we were able to further align our business and The Bahamas with opportunities surrounding the digital transformation, including 5G, fiber, etc.”

The conference was postponed in 2020 and reduced in size for 2021 due to the pandemic but returned for in-person meetings and presentations this year.

On the last day of the conference, international winners of the Global

Mobile Awards (GLOMO) were recognised.

“Despite the pandemic slowing down many aspects of life, it’s inspired exponential growth locally and internationally surrounding the digital transformation,” said Mr Gomez.

“It was extremely encouraging to see companies, like ours, be recognised for dedication and network accomplishments.

“By attending events like Mobile World Congress, ALIV continues to prove that it’s a competitive network in the local and regional markets.”

Frequently Asked Questions 1. Q: Why did the Central Bank make the decision to discontinue brokerage services to the public?

A: The Central Bank is aligning its securities market operations with best international practices and to accommodate recent reforms that allow government debt securities to actively trade over BISX. Underlying costs to the financial market around these services will be more transparent, and encourage further customer-oriented improvement in services and pricing efficiency.

PROSPECTUS

PROSPECTUS THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS THE GOVERNMENT OF THE THE BAHAMAS BAHAMAS REGISTERED STOCK 2023 ISSUECOMMONWEALTH OF B$87,410,000OF ISSUED UNDER THE PUBLIC DEBT BAHAMAS REGISTERED STOCK 2023 ISSUE OF B$87,410,000 ISSUED UNDER THE PUBLIC DEBT MANAGEMENT ACT, 2021 th MANAGEMENT 2021 2022 March, Prospectus Date: 17ACT, Prospectus Date: 17th March, 2022 Issuer: Bahamas Government Open Date: 22nd March, 2022 (9:30 a.m.) nd March, th Issuer: Central Bahamas Open Date: 2224 20222022 (9:30(3:00 a.m.)p.m.)

Registrar: Bank Government of The Bahamas Close Date: March, th th Registrar:Central Central of The Bahamas Close Date: 2430 March, 20222022 (3:00 p.m.)

Organizer: BankBank of The Bahamas Settlement: March, th th March, Minimum: First Int. Pmt: 3030 September, Organizer:$100Central Bank of The Bahamas Settlement: 2022 2022 th Increment: $100 Calendar: Actual/365 Minimum: $100 First Int. Pmt: 30 September, 2022 Increment: $100 Calendar: Actual/365 Central Bank of The Bahamas must be in receipt of all applications and funds before 3 p.m. on 24th March 2022.

UnitofShare Tenor Interest Interest Canmust Grow/ Central of The Bahamas be in receipt all applications and funds before 3 p.m.Maturity on 24th March 2022.

Security ID Bank Issue Size Shrink?

(B$) (Years) Fixed Payment Interest Can Grow/ Unit Share Tenor Interest Security ID Issue Size BGR151023 87,410,000 Yes 100 1 3.15% Maturity 30-Mar-23 Payment Semi-annual Shrink?

(B$) (Years) Fixed 87,410,000 BGR151023 87,410,000 Yes 100 1 3.15% 30-Mar-23 Semi-annual 87,410,000 Instructions for participation in this Initial Public Offering are outlined below for: Existing Investors: Instructions for participation in this Initial Public Offering are outlined below for: pplication: Complete the electronic application form. Sign and submit the application form to the Existing Investors: Markets Unit IPO email address domesticofferings@centralbankbahamas.com with the Application: subject Complete the electronic+ “Client application form.(e.g.

SignBRS andApplication submit the for application formApplicants to the will “BRS Application” Name” John Doe).

Markets Unit IPO email address domesticofferings@centralbankbahamas.com with thehours. receive an acknowledgement within four hours of submission, during normal business subject “BRS Application” + “Client Name” (e.g. BRS Application for John Doe). Applicants will receive anE-Passport; acknowledgement YC/ID: (1) Bahamian or within four hours of submission, during normal business hours.

KYC/ID:

yment:

Payment:

(2) NIB Smart Card paired with one of the following: Bahamian Driver’s License, National (1) Bahamian E-Passport;Residence or Identity Card, Permanent Permit, other National Passport, or Spousal Permit.

(2) NIB Smart Card paired with one of the following: Bahamian Driver’s License, National Identity Card, Permanent other National Passport, or bank Spousal Subscription payments mayResidence be madePermit, electronically via commercial orPermit. digitally via Sand Dollar in accordance with the user’s wallet limit.

Settlement instructions asbe follows: Subscription paymentsare may made electronically via commercial bank or digitally via Sand Dollar in accordance with the user’s walletWire limit.Information: i) Bank Settlement instructions are as follows:Central Bank of The Bahamas Beneficiary Bank: Wire Information: BIC:i) Bank CBBHBSNS(XXX) Account: Account 1315010051 Beneficiary Bank: CBOB CentralGeneral Bank of The Bahamas Branch Code: (if applicable) BIC: 10000 CBBHBSNS(XXX) Details: Name + NIB1315010051 Number + BRS Application Account: Applicant CBOB General Account (e.g. John Doe NIB#12345 BRS Application) Branch Code: 10000 (if applicable) Details: Applicant NameSand + NIBDollar NumberInformation: + BRS Application ii) Central Bank Digital Currency (e.g.Receiver’s John Doe NIB#12345 BRS Application) Direct payments to Custom Name (alias): CBOBBanking@sanddollar.bs

ii) Central Bank Digital Currency Sand Dollar Information: Securities will be awarded in accordance with the Central Bank’s priority-based auction Direct payments to Receiver’s Custom Name (alias): allocation method, with first priority given to individuals applying for $250,000 or less. All CBOBBanking@sanddollar.bs other applicants—individuals greater than $250,000 and institutions—will be classified as Allocation: Priority Securities will be awarded in accordance withastheneeded, Central depending Bank’s priority-based auction Level 2. Allotments may be prorated, on the total value of allocation method, with first priority given to individuals applying for $250,000 or less.

All subscriptions. other applicants—individuals greater than $250,000 and institutions—will be classified as Level 2. Allotments maythe be capacity prorated, to as grow needed, on the total value of Grow/Shrink: EachPriority security in this offering has or depending shrink based on total subscriptions subscriptions. received for each tenor. The entire offer also has the capacity to grow or shrink, commensurate with overall demand. The issuer maintains the right to cap the offer, at its sole Grow/Shrink:discretion.

Each security in this offering has the capacity to grow or shrink based on total subscriptions received for each tenor. The entire offer also has the capacity to grow or shrink, commensurate with overallwithin demand.

The issuer maintains the right tothe cap settlement the offer, at its sole efunds: All refunds will be disbursed three business days following date. discretion. ertificates: Successful applicants will receive an electronic copy of their allotments, via email, within three days following settlement.

Refunds: business All refunds will be disbursed within three business days following the settlement date.

llocation:

(The Central Bank discontinued the provision of physical bond certificates effective July 2020.)

Certificates: Successful applicants will receive anInvestors: electronic copy of their allotments, via email, within three New business days following settlement.

Broker dealers: New investors may participate through a BISX registered broker dealer, a list of which may (The Central Bank discontinued the provision of physical bond certificates effective July 2020.) be found at: https://bisxbahamas.com/broker-dealers/.

New Investors: Broker dealers: New investors may participate through a BISX registered broker dealer, a list of which may 10th February, 2022 be found at: https://bisxbahamas.com/broker-dealers/.

Market Notice

Discontinuation of Public Brokerage Services Historically, the Central Bank of The Bahamas (Central Bank), in its capacity as Registrar and Transfer Agent for Bahamas Registered Stock (BRS) and Treasury Bills (TB), facilitated primary and secondary market access to these securities to the general public. In an effort to better align its activities with international good practices, effective 1 January, 2023, the Central Bank will cease to offer such services to the general public. The scope of services offered to the general public will unwind throughout 2022, with the following key dates: 1. Effective 1st March, 2022: The Central Bank will cease to onboard new investors for Bahamas Government securities. This means that new entrants into the Bahamas Registered Stock or Treasury Bill market will be required to do so through a BISX-registered broker-dealer, a list of which can be found at: https://bisxbahamas.com/broker-dealers/.

2. 1st April, 2022 through 31st December, 2022: All existing Central Bank Bahamas Government security clients will be required to transfer administration of their portfolios to a BISX-registered brokerdealer. The Central Bank will contact existing clients directly to advance this initiative.

3. Effective 1st January, 2023: The Central Bank will cease to provide securities trading services on behalf of security holders, as these services will be available through BISX-registered broker-dealers with direct access to BISX and the Bahamas Government Securities Depository.

The Central Bank will engage with broker-dealers throughout the process to coordinate a smooth transition for investors.

2. Q: How does this policy change affect me as an investor?

A: Investors will benefit from a more transparent and mature financial market process. However, the impact on individual investors will depend on whether or not he or she intends to buy and sell (trade) securities on a recurring basis. If you have already purchased government securities and intend to hold those securities to maturity, generally this change may not affect you.

3. Q: I already own government securities purchased through the Central Bank and do not plan to sell them or purchase more. Do I need a broker?

A: No. You only need to engage a broker if you plan to sell all or part of your holdings, buy more securities, or make changes—such as your name, address, or bank account number—to your custody profile after 31st December, 2022. Otherwise, your holdings may remain in the Central Bank’s custody and you will continue to receive your interest and principal payments, as usual.

4. Q: I already own government securities purchased through the Central Bank and intend to purchase more over time. Do I need a broker?

A: Yes, beginning 1st January, 2023.

5. Q: Who are the broker-dealers?

A: A list of BISX-registered broker-dealers may be found at: https://bisxbahamas.com/brokerdealers/ 6. Q: Can I trade over BISX without a broker-dealer?

A: No. All trades over BISX must be executed by registered broker-dealers.

7. Q: Will I need to open a brokerage account with a broker-dealer?

A: This depends on the scope of services offered by your selected broker-dealer. We encourage investors to contact the registered broker-dealers to determine which services best suit their needs.

8. Q: If I transferred my holdings to a broker-dealer, will the investment details (Security ID, interest rates, maturity date, etc.) change?

A: You will not transfer securities to a broker-dealer. Under no scenario do broker-dealers hold securities. Government securities are custodied by the Central Bank in the Bahamas Government Securities Depository (BGSD), which it owns. Engaging a broker is needed only to buy and sell securities or to make changes to your customer profile in BGSD. 9. Q: Is there a form for investors to complete to transfer all holdings to the broker-dealer?

A: You will not transfer securities to a broker-dealer. However, if you need to change your “broker of record” from the Central Bank to one of the BISX-registered broker dealers, the selected broker will provide the relevant documents.

10. Q: Will I receive full face value for my holdings if I do not wish to change my broker of record and redeem my total position before 1st January, 2023?

A: Beginning 1st January, 2023, the only change to the redemption process relates to where an existing Central Bank customer goes to redeem his or her holdings. An existing Central Bank customer wishing to redeem securities before 1st January, 2023 may continue to approach the Central Bank. After that date, all customers must redeem securities through a BISX-registered broker-dealer. Securities are traded over the secondary market on a best price basis plus accrued interest.

11. Q: What will happen to my holdings if I do not change my broker of record by 31 st December, 2022?

A: Nothing. The securities will remain in the Central Bank’s custody in the BGSD. You will receive your interest and principal payments, as usual. However, if you ever need to redeem all or part of your holdings or make changes to your customer profile before maturity, you will be required to do so through a BISX-registered broker-dealer.

12. Q: Will interest and principal payments come directly from the Central Bank or indirectly through the broker-dealer if I engaged a broker?

A: It depends on the arrangement you make with the selected broker. If you open a brokerage account with the selected broker-dealer, interest and principal payments may be transferred to the broker-dealer, which will make those funds available to you, in accordance with the brokerage agreement. Alternatively, you may arrange with the broker-dealer to have interest and principal payments transferred directly to your bank account by the BGSD. 13. Q: Will interest and principal payments be impacted?

A: No. There will be no changes to the terms of the issued securities. Interest and principal payment frequency and amounts will remain unchanged.

14. Q: Should I be expected to pay fees on transactions such as subscriptions, redemptions, and transfers?

A: You should refer to the fee schedule of the selected broker-dealer.

15. Q: Will Central Bank remain the Registrar and Transfer Agent of Government issued securities?

A: Yes. Central Bank owns the Bahamas Government Securities Depository (BGSD), which is where all Government securities are recorded.

16. Q: Does the broker-dealer have a minimum investment amount?

A: The minimum investment amount to open a brokerage account with a broker-dealer may range from $0 to B$5,000. However, please refer to your selected broker-dealer for details.

17. Q: Can an investor have multiple broker-dealer relationships?

A: Yes. Investors may have more than one broker-dealer relationship.

18. Q: Can existing investors continue to purchase government-issued securities through the Central Bank?

A: Investors may continue to purchase government-issued securities through the Central Bank until 31st December, 2022. Following this date, he or she will be required to conduct such transactions through a BISX-registered broker-dealer.

19. Q: What is the difference between the Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX), the Bahamas Central Securities Depository (BCSD), and the Bahamas Government Securities Depository (BGSD)?

A: BISX is a domestic securities exchange where local public companies and governmentregistered securities are listed, and traded by registered broker-dealer members.

For assistance, please contact us at domesticdebt@centralbankbahamas.com Tel. (242) 302-2620 or (242) 357-4881 (WhatsApp)

BCSD is a private centralised security depository, registrar, and transfer agent for securities issued by organisations other than the Bahamas Government. It assists client companies by managing relationships with their investors.

To escalate customer service issues, please contact bankingmanager@centralbankbahamas.com or dg@centralbankbahamas.com.

BGSD is the centralised security depository, registrar, and transfer agent for Bahamas Government-issued securities only, and is wholly owned and operated by the Central Bank of The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

MAN ACCUSED OF DRIVE-BY SHOOTING

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A MAN was sent to prison Friday on several charges of attempted murder in connection with a drive-by shooting that was allegedly captured on video.

London Rahming appeared before Senior Magistrate Carolyn VogtEvans, charged with three counts each of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Police say Rahming tried to kill three men with a black handgun on March 14.

In a video that went viral recently, a man is seen driving up to a pink trimmed, white house.

He can be heard shouting before pointing a gun in the direction of the house and firing several shots.

The man then points the weapon at his own head and says he would kill himself, before referring to his dead brother.

During Friday’s arraignment, Rahming was not

required to enter a plea to the charges and bail was denied.

He was told that the matter will proceed by way of a voluntary bill of indictment.

However, before the accused was remanded to prison, his attorney, Bjorn Ferguson, asked the court to have his client evaluated at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC), noting he suffered from depression.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans said it was her understanding that SRC was not accepting any new patients but noted that she would inform the prison officials to have the accused evaluated at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The senior magistrate also made a note of Mr Ferguson’s claims of his client being denied legal counsel while in police custody.

“He’s been in custody since Monday,” the lawyer said.

Rahming will return to court on May 30. He also has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail.

TOURIST ‘DIDN’T KNOW’ DRUGGED GUMMIES ILLEGAL

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AN American tourist who was caught with marijuana laced gummies was granted a conditional discharge on Friday.

Kirk Cunningham, 48, of Florida, was arrested at Lynden Pindling International Airport on March 17 after police found 25 marijuana laced gummies in his luggage.

Cunningham pleaded guilty to the offence during his hearing before Magistrate Shaka Serville.

The father of three told the court he and his family were getting ready to return home after vacationing in the country when police escorted him off the plane in relation to the gummies.

Cunningham said the items in question were CBD (Cannabidiol) gummies that he sometimes used to help him sleep.

However, the Florida

resident said he didn’t know the gummies were illegal in The Bahamas.

“I would’ve never brought them if I knew they were illegal. I had them in my suitcase and didn’t think anything of it so it’s a really tough lesson learned to be honest,” he said.

After listening to his explanation, Magistrate Serville told the defendant it was unfortunate that he had found himself in such a situation.

He also warned him that in future, he must be sure to research the laws of whatever country he is visiting to discover what is legal or not.

Having taken into consideration the defendant’s early guilty plea, the magistrate granted him a conditional discharge.

Magistrate Serville also warned him that if he fails to be on good behaviour for a year while in Bahamian jurisdiction, he would be fined $500.

EIGHT HELD BY IMMIGRATION IN GB FOR OVERSTAYING

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

EIGHT visitors were taken into custody in Grand Bahama after allegedly overstaying their time in the country.

Seven Ecuadorians, including one child, and a Romanian, were discovered at a local resort in the east on Thursday evening.

Police said a search warrant was executed at 11pm by a team of law enforcement officers from

the Marine Section, the Southwestern Division and officers of the Immigration Department.

Several rooms at the resort were searched, which led to the discovery of one Romanian male, three Ecuadorian males, three Ecuadorian females and one Ecuadorian child.

“They were found to have occupied a number of rooms and had overstayed.

All were arrested and taken into Immigration custody,” police said.

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Monday, March 21, 2022, PAGE 13

A year in jail for theft worth $500

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A 47-YEAR-OLD man who stole over $500 worth of items from his employer was sentenced to one year behind bars on Friday.

Jamaine Saunders was taken to prison after he admitted to stealing his employer’s laptop and other personal belongings, valued at $549.37, on December 14, 2021.

When given the chance to speak, Saunders told Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans that he had a drug problem.

However, she sentenced him to one year at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services after the Crown prosecutor revealed that he had previous convictions of a similar nature.

In a separate matter, 24-year-old

Lakeira Smith also appeared in court.

Smith was charged with stealing and assault after she hit her former roommate, Alliah Demeritte, and snatched a necklace from her neck in a heated argument on March 12.

Police said Ms Demeritte reported that she was at a local restaurant when Smith attacked her.

Ms Demeritte told officers that while the two were fighting, Smith grabbed the necklace off her neck and refused to return it.

As a result, the accused was arrested and taken into police custody.

After owning up to the offences, Smith told the court she became angry with her ex-roommate after finding out she had lied to her about their rental fees.

“I found out that she had me paying the whole rent because we were supposed to be splitting the rent, but

she lied to me and told me the rent was $200 a week but… it was $120 a week,” Smith said.

The accused said she decided to relocate elsewhere as a result of the discovery, but said her ex-roommate did not want to hand over her belongings.

The 24-year-old said she later retrieved her clothes and other items after involving police, but noted that some items were missing.

The accused said that weeks later, she saw her former roommate out in public wearing some of her jewellery.

“She denied it, but I know my stuff… I got mad and that’s what led to me doing what I did,” she told the court.

Having listened to her explanation, Magistrate Vogt-Evans gave her a warning and subsequently discharged her.

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THE TRIBUNE

Royal tour to boost UK bonds LONDON Associated Press

PRINCE William and Kate are embarking on a tour to Central America and the Caribbean, even as some countries in the region mull cutting ties to the British monarchy.

The couple will visit Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas on the week-long journey that starts Saturday. The trip, taken at the behest of William’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, is intended to strengthen the UK’s ties with Commonwealth countries as the queen marks 70 years on the throne.

But the trip suffered a hitch before the couple set out, when a planned visit to a cacao farm in the Central American nation of Belize was scrapped because of local opposition.

According to local reports, a protest was staged on Friday opposing the royal visit to Akte ‘il Ha cacao farm in Indian Creek village in the foothills of the Maya Mountains.

Belize news outlet Channel 7 reported that there is a dispute between village residents and Flora and Fauna International, a conservation charity William supports as patron.

The royal couple’s Kensington Palace office said that “due to sensitive issues

involving the community in Indian Creek, the visit has been moved to a different location”. The government of Belize said “another venue has been selected to showcase Maya family entrepreneurship in the cacao industry”.

The couple, formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, also are due to visit Jamaica, where they are due to celebrate the legacy of Bob Marley and island’s rich musical and sporting heritage. They will end the trip in The Bahamas, where they’ll compete in a sailing regatta in honor of the queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

William, 39, is second in line to the throne after his father, Prince Charles.

Although the queen is highly regarded across the region, Britain is accused by many of — at best — a callous attitude towards its former colonies. That feeling has been heightened by the UK’s treatment of many Caribbean immigrants who came to Britain after World War II, helping to rebuild a war-shattered country.

In recent years, some people from the Caribbean who had lived legally in Britain for decades were denied housing, jobs or medical treatment, and in some cases deported, because they didn’t have paperwork to prove their

BRITAIN’s Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge attend the 1st Battalion Irish Guards’ St Patrick’s Day Parade at Mons Barracks, last Thursday in Aldershot, England, ahead of the couple’s tour of Central America and the Caribbean, including Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas.

Photo: Chris Jackson/Pool via AP status. The British government has apologised and agreed to pay compensation, but the scandal has caused deep anger, both in the UK and in the Caribbean.

The royal couple’s first overseas tour since the coronavirus pandemic began two years ago comes as some Caribbean nations consider removing the queen as head of state. Barbados cut ties

with the queen in November, transforming from a constitutional monarchy to a republic. Jamaica has also talked about becoming a republic but has made no moves.

Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, 95-year-old Elizabeth has stopped making international trips and has dramatically cut back on her public duties. She sometimes uses a walking stick,

was ordered by her doctors to rest after spending a night in hospital in October and recently recovered from a bout of COVID-19.

There are also questions over the future of the Commonwealth, an association of 54 nations, most of them former British colonies. A loose alliance of countries large and small — from vast India to tiny Tuvalu — held together by historic ties and

respect for the queen, the organisation has struggled to carve out a firm place on the world stage.

The survival of the Commonwealth owes much to the commitment of the queen, who has visited almost every member country, often multiple times.

Some question whether the organisation can continue once the queen is succeeded

by Prince Charles.

WAR OF ATTRITION IN UKRAINE AS BOMBINGS CONTINUE LVIV, Ukraine Associated Press

UKRAINIAN authorities said yesterday that Russia’s military bombed an art school sheltering about 400 people in Mariupol, and tearful evacuees from the devastated port city described how “battles took place over every street”, weeks into the siege.

The fall of Mariupol would allow Russian forces in southern and eastern Ukraine to link up. But Western military analysts say that even if the surrounded city is taken, the troops battling a block at a time for control there may be too depleted to help secure Russian breakthroughs on other fronts.

Three weeks into the invasion, Western governments and analysts see the conflict shifting to a war of attrition, with bogged down Russian forces launching long-range missiles at cities and military bases as Ukrainian forces carry out hit-and-run attacks and seek to sever their supply lines.

Ukrainians “have not greeted Russian soldiers with a bunch of flowers”, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told CNN, but with “weapons in their hand”.

Moscow cannot hope to

A DAMAGED apartment building hit by shelling in Kharkiv, Ukraine, yesterday.

Photo: Andrew Marienko/AP rule the country, he added, Mariupol and fighting has given Ukrainians’ enmity kept out humanitarian convoys. Communications are toward the Russian forces.

The strike on the art severed.

The strategic port on the school was the second time in less than a week Sea of Azov has been under that officials reported an bombardment for over attack on a public building three weeks and has seen where Mariupol residents some of the worst horrors had taken shelter. On of the war. City officials said Wednesday, a bomb hit a at least 2,300 people have theatre where more than died, with some buried in 1,000 people were believed mass graves.

Some who were able to be sheltering.

There was no immediate to flee Mariupol tearfully word on casualties in the hugged relatives as they school attack. Ukrainian arrived by train yesterday officials have not given an in Lviv, about 680 miles to update on the search of the the west.

“Battles took place over theatre since Friday, when they said at least 130 people every street. Every house had been rescued and became a target,” said another 1,300 were trapped Olga Nikitina, who was embraced by her brother as by rubble.

City officials and aid she got off the train. “Gungroups say food, water and fire blew out the windows. electricity have run low in The apartment was below

freezing.”

Maryna Galla narrowly escaped with her 13-yearold son. She said she huddled in the basement of a cultural centre along with about 250 people for three weeks without water, electricity or gas.

“We left (home) because shells hit the houses across the road. There was no roof. There were people injured,” Galla said, adding that her mother, father and grandparents stayed behind and “don’t even know that we have left”.

Unexpectedly strong Ukrainian resistance has dashed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hopes for a quick victory after he ordered the February 24 invasion of his neighbour.

In recent days, Russian forces have entered Mariupol, cutting it off from the sea and devastating a massive steel plant. But taking the city could prove costly.

“The block-by-block fighting in Mariupol itself is costing the Russian military time, initiative, and combat power,” the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War said in a briefing.

In a blunt assessment, the think tank concluded that Russia failed in its initial campaign to take the capital of Kyiv and other major cities quickly, and its stalled invasion is creating

conditions for a “very violent and bloody” stalemate.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said Ukrainian resistance means Putin’s “forces on the ground are essentially stalled”.

“It’s had the effect of him moving his forces into a woodchipper,” Austin told CBS yesterday.

In Ukraine’s major cities, hundreds of men, women and children have been killed in Russian bombardment. Millions have moved to underground shelters or fled the country.

In a video address to the Israeli parliament yesterday, Zelenskyy urged the lawmakers to take stronger action against Russia. accusing Putin of trying to carry out a “final solution” against Ukraine. The term was used by Nazi Germany for its genocide of some six million Jews during World War II. In the hard-hit northeastern city of Sumy, authorities evacuated 71 orphaned babies through a humanitarian corridor, regional Governor Dmytro Zhyvytskyy said yesterday.

He said the orphans, most of whom need constant medical attention, would be taken out of the country.

At least 20 babies carried by Ukrainian surrogate mothers are stuck in a makeshift bomb shelter in Kyiv, waiting for parents to

enter the war zone to pick them up. The infants — some only days old — are being cared for by nurses trapped in the shelter by constant shelling from Russian troops trying to encircle the city.

Russian shelling killed at least five civilians, including a nine-year-old boy, in the eastern city of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest.

The British Defence Ministry said Russia’s failure to gain control of Ukrainian airspace “has significantly blunted their operational progress”, forcing them to rely on weapons launched from Russia.

At least 40 Ukrainian troops were killed on Friday by a Russian missile strike on their barracks in the Black Sea port of Mykolaiv, Mayor Oleksandr Senkevich said in televised remarks. The missiles were fired from the neighbouring Kherson region, leaving little time to respond, he said.

Separately, the Russian Defence Ministry said a Kinzhal hypersonic missile hit a Ukrainian fuel depot in Kostiantynivka, a city near Mykolaiv. The Russian military said on Saturday that it used a Kinzhal for the first time in combat to destroy an ammunition depot in the Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine.

US ADMIRAL SAYS CHINA FULLY MILITARISED ISLES SOUTH CHINA SEA Associated Press

CHINA has fully militarised at least three of several islands it built in the disputed South China Sea, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment and fighter jets in an increasingly aggressive move that threatens all nations operating nearby, a top US military commander said yesterday.

US Indo-Pacific commander Admiral John C Aquilino said the hostile actions were in stark contrast to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s past assurances that Beijing would not transform the artificial islands in contested waters into military bases. The efforts were part of China’s flexing its military muscle, he said.

“I think over the past 20

years we’ve witnessed the largest military buildup since World War II by the PRC,” Aquilino told The Associated Press in an interview, using the initials of China’s formal name.

“They have advanced all their capabilities and that buildup of weaponisation is destabilising to the region.”

There were no immediate comments from Chinese officials. Beijing maintains its military profile is purely defensive, arranged to protect what it says are its sovereign rights. But after years of increased military spending, China now boasts the world’s second largest defence budget after the US and is rapidly modernising its force with weapons systems including the J-20 stealth fighter, hypersonic missiles and two aircraft carriers, with a third under construction.

Aquilino spoke with the

AP onboard a US Navy reconnaissance aircraft that flew near Chinese-held outposts in the South China Sea’s Spratly archipelago, one of the most hotly contested regions in the world.

During the patrol, the P-8A Poseidon plane was repeatedly warned by Chinese callers that it illegally entered what they said was China’s territory and ordered the plane to move away.

“China has sovereignty over the Spratly islands, as well as surrounding maritime areas. Stay away immediately to avoid misjudgment,” one of the stern radio messages said in a veiled threat.

But the US Navy plane dismissed the multiple warnings and pressed on defiantly with its reconnaissance in brief but tense moments witnessed by two AP journalists invited

onboard. “I am a sovereign immune United States naval aircraft conducting lawful military activities beyond the national airspace of any coastal state,” a US pilot radioed back to the Chinese.

“Exercising these rights is guaranteed by international law and I am operating with due regard to the rights and duties of all states,” he said.

Navy commanding officer Joel Martinez, who led the P-8A Poseidon’s crew, said there has been an incident when a Chinese jet flew close to a US aircraft in a dangerous maneuver in the disputed region. The US flight crew calmly reminded the Chinese to comply with aviation safety regulations, he said.

As the P-8A Poseidon flew as low as 15,000 feet near the Chinese-occupied reefs, some appeared to be like small cities on screen

monitors, with multi-storey buildings, warehouses, hangars, seaports, runways and white round structures Aquilino said were radars.

Near Fiery Cross, more than 40 unspecified vessels could be seen apparently anchored.

Aquilino said the construction of missile arsenals, aircraft hangars, radar systems and other military facilities on Mischief Reef, Subi Reef and Fiery Cross appeared to have been completed but it remains to be seen if China will pursue the construction of military infrastructure in other areas.

“The function of those islands is to expand the offensive capability of the PRC beyond their continental shores,” he said.

“They can fly fighters, bombers plus all those offensive capabilities of missile systems.”

He said any military and

civilian plane flying over the disputed waterway could easily get within range of the Chinese islands’ missile system.

“So that’s the threat that exists, that’s why it’s so concerning for the militarisation of these islands,” he said. “They threaten all nations who operate in the vicinity and all the international sea and airspace.”

China sought to shore up its vast territorial claims over virtually the entire South China Sea by building island bases on coral atolls nearly a decade ago.

The US responded by sending its warships through the region in what it calls freedom of operation missions. The United States has no claims itself but has deployed Navy ships and aircraft for decades to patrol and promote free navigation in international waterway and airspace.

SPORTS PAGE 15

MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2022

Miller-Uibo wins gold, Charlton earns silver

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

CHISHOLM AND FOX HOMER IN MLB SPRING TRAINING

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr and Lucius Fox both made an immediate impression early in Spring Training as Major League Baseball returned to play.

Chisholm homered in his Grapefruit League debut for the second consecutive season when his Miami Marlins defeated Fox and the Washington Nationals 8-3 Friday night at the Ball Park of Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Chisholm crushed a three-run homer to centrefield in the top of the fourth inning to score Bryan De La Cruz, Roman Quinn and give the Marlins a 7-0 lead.

Chisholm told MLB.com that he credited his grandmother Judy for being there for added motivation from the stands. “Last year, she was here for the first at-bat of Spring Training, and I

T

wo-time Olympic 400 metre gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo can now be called the World Indoor 400m champion.

Using her tall, lanky 6-foot, 1-inch frame to her advantage in lane six in the Stark Arena in Belgrade, Serbia, on Saturday at the 2022 World Indoor Championships, Miller-Uibo negotiated her way out front and stayed on top to stop the clock in 50.31 seconds, just 0.10 shy of the North American, Central American and Caribbean area record she set last year.

It was her first gold, but her second medal after she had to settle for the bronze in her debut at the 2014 championships at the Ergo Arena in Sopot, Poland.

Before the evening session was completed on day two of the three-day competition at the World Athletics’ first major championship for the year, 26-year-old Devynne Charlton added to the Bahamas’ fortunes with her first senior global medal with a silver in the women’s 60m hurdles as she matched her Bahamian national record of 7.81.

With the pair of medals, the Bahamas finished in a six-way tie in the standings with Brazil, Spain, France, Portugal and Ukraine.

Ethiopia topped the list with four gold in their total of nine medals.

Although the United States had a total of 19 medals, they came in second in the gold rush with three. Jamaica, with three total medals, only amassed one gold for 12th place.

The diminutive Charlton, in comparison to Miller-Uibo, was knocking on the door to her major breakthrough after she placed sixth in the final of the 100m hurdles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics last August, following her eighth place finish at the World Indoors in the 60m hurdles in 2018.

For Miller-Uibo, who held off the strong challenge from Netherlands’ Olympic 400m hurdles bronze medallist Femke Bol in one of the marquee

Keyshawn, Page 19

SILVER medallist Femke Bol, of the Netherlands, gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo, of The Bahamas, and bronze medallist Stephenie Ann McPherson, of Jamaica, from left, pose with their medals on the podium of the women’s 400 metres at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, on Saturday.

(AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

events of the championships, winning the gold this time around was a feather in her cap as she can now prepare for the only gold missing from her résumé at the World Outdoor Championships.

“To be able to finish victorious, I’m glad how it all turned out,” said MillerUibo, who made her World Athletics’ 2022 indoor debut.

“The goal was to get the break and control the race from there. It’s my first time out in the season.

Three rounds was tough.

The 400m is a brutal race.

I can feel it now.”

Bol, winner of the European indoor flat 400m a year ago, closed the gap and made it a battle to the line for the silver in 50.57, while Stephenie Ann McPherson claimed bronze in a Jamaican record of 50.79.

The 27-year-old MillerUibo had the third fastest

DEVYNNE Charlton competes in a women’s 60 metres hurdles heat at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, on Saturday.

(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

semi-final time of 51.38, while McPherson established the best time of 51.26 and Bol was next with 51.28 as the three competitors geared up for the much anticipated showdown in the final.

With indoors completed and another medal in her collection, Miller-Uibo will now focus her attention on the July World Outdoors in Eugene, Oregon, where she will pursue the 400m gold to add to her pair of silver in the 2015 and 2019 championships and her

repeat Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016 and Tokyo last year.

In less than two hours after Miller-Uibo’s triumphant success, Charlton earned her trip to the podium as well, producing the same time of 7.81, the fastest qualifier out of the semifinals to erase her previous national record of 7.89 that she posted in her World Indoor debut in Birmingham in 2018.

France’s 21-year-old Cyrena Samba-Mayela claimed the gold in a

SEE PAGE 16

ROMAD DEAN COMMITS TO FORDHAM

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

national record of 7.78.

American Gabrielle Cunningham, who got into the final as a non-automatic qualifier, picked up the bronze in 7.87.

In other results from Team Bahamas, Grand Bahamian Donald Thomas went into a straight final in the men’s high jump on the final day of competition yesterday.

The 37-year-old 2007 World Outdoor champion placed 11th out of a field of

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama — Romad Dean returned home to officially end his recruitment and announce his collegiate decision.

Dean will officially join the Fordham Rams (Bronx, New, York) of the Atlantic 10 Conference next fall to continue his athletic and academic career.

The 6’7” wing out of Crestwood Prep in Ontario, Canada, made the announcement last Friday at the place where his basketball career began - Tabernacle Baptist Academy.

Dean said he ultimately decided on Fordham and head coach Kyle Neptune because of the consistent interest shown and the relationships he forged with the staff.

“Coach [Kyle] Neptune coming from Villanova, a

SEE PAGE 21

SEE PAGE 17

One $hining Moment: March Madness descends on women’s Players can cash in NCAA Tournament on NCAA success

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer

By RALPH D RUSSO AP College Sports Writer BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — This March Madness, basketball players can monetise their shining moments.

The NCAA lifted its ban last summer on athletes earning money off their name, image and likeness. Since then, all kinds of business opportunities have sprung up from modest online endorsement deals to national sponsorship campaigns to booster-funded collectives that can pay athletes thousands of dollars.

The NCAA Tournament is a chance for new stars to emerge, such as New Mexico State’s Teddy Allen. Allen scored 37 points in an upset over UConn on Thursday, flexing, dancing and waving goodbye to the Huskies fans.

SEE PAGE 16

NEW Mexico State guard Teddy Allen reacts during the team’s college basketball game against Connecticut in the NCAA tournament on March 17 in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

MARCH Madness is finally part of the women’s NCAA Tournament vernacular and the first round has so far aptly fit that phrase.

Six double-digit seeds advanced to the round of 32 — just short of the record seven set in 1998. And that doesn’t include two near upsets by No. 14 seeds.

Belmont became the sixth double-digit seed to win when the No. 12 Bruins topped Oregon in double OT. It was the first game to go that long since 2013.

“There’s a lot of midmajor teams that are good enough to compete with the big guys. There are,”

Belmont coach Bart Brooks said. “And doing it on a neutral floor I think was a really big deal for us, that we weren’t — if we were in Oregon’s gym today, I’m not sure it would have turned out the way it did.

But being on a neutral floor, that’s a big deal.”

It’s the second consecutive year that Belmont has pulled off an upset in the opening round as a doubledigit seed.

South Carolina, Stanford and UConn also made history on the defensive end.

The Gamecocks shattered the previous marks for points allowed in a game and in a half in their rout of Howard. The Cardinal and the Huskies became the second and third teams to

not allow a point in a quarter in their easy victories.

Stanford added another piece of history: Fran Belibi’s dunk on the break. She became the third women’s basketball player to dunk in an NCAA Tournament game, joining Candace Parker and Brittney Griner.

Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles became the 18th player to have a tripledouble in a women’s NCAA Tournament game when she had 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in the Irish’s win over UMass.

There have been 37 tripledoubles this season — the second-most in Division I history. And earlier in the week, the women’s

SEE PAGE 17

PAGE 16, Monday, March 21, 2022

HURRICANES DOMINATE NO. 2 SEED AUBURN TO REACH SWEET 16

By PETE IACOBELLI AP Sports Writer GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Miami showed there’s still a place for oldschool basketball played by experienced players — and for the Hurricanes, that’s in the Sweet 16.

The 10th-seeded Hurricanes (25-10) used a second-half surge and neutralised No. 2 seeded Auburn’s Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler in a 79-61 victory for their first trip to a regional semifinal in six years.

Auburn leaned heavily on the 6-foot-10 Smith, the Southeastern Conference freshman of the year, and 7-1 Kessler, the nation’s blocked shots leader, on the way to an SEC title and what figured to be a deep run in the Midwest Region.

Instead, it was Miami’s smaller, older, savvier lineup that dominated.

“Being small,” Hurricanes coach Jim Larranaga said, “has its advantages.”

Especially when the group included sixth-year “super seniors” in Charlie Moore and Kameron McGusty, and fearless sophomore Isaiah Wong, who are all 6-5 or shorter.

Wong had a game-high 21 points, McGusty scored 20 and Moore had 15 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

“We just had a great night tonight,” said Sam Waardenburg, at 6-10, the tallest player in Miami’s regular rotation. “It’s what we can do every night.”

Miami advanced to the round of 16 for the fourth time overall and third time in Larranaga’s 10 seasons.

The Hurricanes will head to Chicago to take on No. 11 seed Iowa State in a matchup surely no one saw coming.

“This is a dream come true for every kid growing up, you watch these college games in March all day,” McGusty said.

“You just dream of making a run in the tournament and this is the start to our run.”

Auburn’s run ended in unbelievable fashion as its frontcourt of future NBA big men — both Smith and Kessler are projected firstrounders — were largely ineffective against Miami’s relentless pressure.

Smith struggled to make shots, finishing 3 of 16 for 10 points — and got dunked on by the 6-3 Wong two days after Smith’s onehanded jam in the opening round win over Jacksonville State was the talk of the tournament.

Kessler picked up two early fouls and spent much of the opening half on the bench.

He, too, couldn’t find his touch and missed all six of his attempts and tied his season low of two points after finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds and nine blocks against Jacksonville State.

“They just sent somebody anytime I tried to attack or make a move,” Smith said.

“They just kept bodies on me.”

THE TRIBUNE

Elisee and Albury end season in JUCO Final Four

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net A PAIR of former junior national team players saw the postseason runs for their respective programmes come to an end in the NJCAA Division I Tournament Final Four.

Elisee’s Triton College Trojans and Albury’s Chipola College were both eliminated in opposite sides of the bracket in Saturday’s national semifinals at the Hutchinson Sports Arena in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Triton, the no.11 seed, suffered a 68-64 loss to Northwest Florida State College. Elisee finished with eight points and six rebounds in 17 minutes off

CASH

FROM PAGE 15

By Friday night, there were T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts available for purchase online with a graphic of Allen, the words “BYE BYE” and the score and date of the Aggies’ first NCAA Tournament victory since 1993.

And by late Saturday night, Teddy Buckets and the Aggies were done, eliminated by Arkansas 53-48, with Allen held to 12 points. “Everyone understands how crucial it is to really capitalize on the moment in the moment.

As this is happening. As it’s the talk of the town. As it’s trending on Twitter. That’s the time to really make a strong post,” said Hunter Pomerantz, co-founder of The Players Trunk, an online merchandise store for college athletes to sell their gear and memorabilia.

DEANGELO Elisee

DEYTON Albury

the bench. They concluded the season 30-6.

Triton led for 32 minutes, including a 40-32 lead at the half and 62-55 advantage with 6:49 to go in in regulation. Northwest

Florida State would end the game on a 13-2 run to advance to the title game.

Elisee averaged 8.8 points and five points in four tournament games.

In 32 games with 18 starts,

Elisee, the 6’9” freshman forward averaged a team leading 3.3 blocks, 9.6 points, and 4.3 rebounds per game.

“I’m thankful for the players for trusting a firstyear head coach when they could have gone to a lot of other places,” Triton head coach John Clancy said.

“Without the hard work of the players and my assistant coaches, this journey does not happen, and what a heck of a ride it has been.

We know we have more work to do and we’ll reload and hopefully come back here next year with a different result.”

Albury and no.5 seeded Chipola suffered a 70-68 loss to the no.1 seed Salt Lake Community College Bruins. He finished with

eight points in 14 minutes off the bench.

Chipola finished just shy of a second consecutive appearance in the NJCAA Championship Game.

Following a bye in round one, they opened with an 85-62 win over Hutchinson Community College.

The SLCC Bruins led 36-33 lead at halftime over Chipola and led 62-54.

Chipola quickly responded with 1:02 left in the game and took a 68-66 lead.

The Bruins scored the last four points of the game to advance.

For the tournament, Albury averaged 6.3 points per game. In his first season with the programme, he averaged 4.4 points on 52 percent shooting from the field.

FRANCE WINS SIX NATIONS AND GRAND SLAM BY BEATING ENGLAND LUCIUS FOX, of the Washington Nationals baseball team.

JAZZ Chisholm of the Miami Marlins.

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

MLB

FROM PAGE 15 hit a homer,” Chisholm said.

“So I told her again, I said, ‘Listen, you and your two sisters better make it out for this first game so I can hit another homer. And for sure they came out [and] I hit another homer, and she was really excited.”

Fox hit the Nationals’ first home run of Spring Training with his solo shot in the ninth inning of Saturday’s 6-2 loss to the New York Mets at The Ballpark of Palm Beaches.

He followed with a game tying double in the eighth inning of yesterday’s 3-2 win over the Houston Astros.

Fox followed with a shot to centrefield to score Jackson Cluff and Andrew Young advanced to third.

Darren Baker followed with a sac fly to plate young for the go ahead score.

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Chavez Young also got the start in Grapefuit League play yesterday afternoon. He finished 1-3 in the Toronto’s 10-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Last year, Chisholm’s first full MLB season, he earned a postseason accolade as he was recognised as one of the top rookies in the sport. The 24-year-old infielder was named to MLB Pipeline’s AllRookie Second team.

Chisholm appeared in 124 games this season (91 at second base, 37 at shortstop) with 119 starts. He hit .248 with a .728 OPS, slugging .425 with 115 hits, 183 total bases, 70 runs scored, 20 doubles, four triples, 18 home runs, 53 RBI and a team leading 23 stolen bases. He finished just two home runs away from the vaunted milestone of 20 stolen bases and 20 home runs in his rookie season.

Fox is expected to contend for a Nationals middle infield position battles against Alcides Escobar,

Pomerantz, a former student-manager for the Syracuse basketball team, said The Players Trunk reaches out to athletes and offers them a contract to make a cut of the sales of the apparel. He declined to say what percentage goes to the players.

The shirts sell for $29.99 and the sweatshirts go for between $49.99 and $59.99. Pomerantz said the contract covers only sales of the gear and all they ask of the athletes is to promote the merchandise on their social media accounts.

Even before the tournament began, The Players Trunk started making money on March Madness. The company produced shirts and hoodies for Wisconsin guard Chucky Hepburn, whose bank shot in the final seconds against Purdue sealed the Big Ten regular-season title for the Badgers, and Chattanooga’s David

MARLINS second baseman Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm bunts during the team’s spring training baseball workout at Roger Dean Stadium on Thursday. (AP)

LUCIUS FOX, of the Washington Nationals baseball team.

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Luis García Carter Kieboom, and the recently signed Cesar Hernandez this spring.

Fox was claimed off waivers by the Nationals in December and joined the fifth franchise of his MLB career. He immediately became the No.25 ranked prospect in the Nationals’ farm system

according to MLB Pipeline and joins the team’s 40-man roster.

In 57 games with the Storm Chasers, Fox hit .245 with a .353 OBP, .729 OPS, 56 hits, five homeruns, 24 RBI, 44 runs scored, and 19 stolen bases.

Over the course of his minor league career, Fox has played 386 games at shortstop, 46 games at second base, nine games at third, and eight games at center field.

Last season, he rose as high as No.26 in the Kansas City Royals’ prospect pipeline and spent the bulk of his season at the AAA level with the Omaha Storm Chasers in the International League.

Young was named a Toronto Blue Jayz non-roster invitee to 2022 Spring Training for the second time.

Young spent his last minor league season with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in the AA Eastern League. Young appeared in 78 games with the Fisher Cats and hit .265 with 74 hits and 52 RBI. He also had an .758 OPS, slugged .409 with 20 stolen bases, 41 runs scored, 15 doubles, two triples, and seven home runs.

Jean-Baptiste, who sent the Mocs to the NCAA Tournament with a long buzzer-beater in the Southern Conference championship game. Selling merch is just the tip of the earning potential for March’s shooting stars.

Jim Cavale, CEO of INFLCR, a company that works with thousands of college teams and athletes on a range of NIL programs, said there is a potentially lucrative market for March Madness related NFTs and digital collectibles. But that takes planning and coordination and the current state of the NIL market is not set up to allow athletes to efficiently take advantage. The NCAA does not have uniformed, detailed rules governing NIL compensation. The association has instructed its member schools to follow state laws where applicable or to create their own rules in states without legislation. Many

athletes are not permitted to use their schools’ marks and logos in their NIL activities. In some cases, they can’t work on NIL deals while representing the school.

The Players Trunk gear with Allen’s image makes no reference to New Mexico State, but it does use the colors of the Aggies basketball uniforms.

Also, licensing agreements between the NCAA and media rights holders CBS Sports and Turner put restrictions on what athletes can use to create content.

Even if the content can clear legal hurdles, it takes quick work and insight to capitalize on newfound fame. “You still have to be knowledgeable enough and take enough initiative or have help in being knowledgeable and taking enough initiative to make the most of that new value,” Cavale said.

This first March Madness with NIL is likely to set a blueprint

PARIS (AP) — The French rugby renaissance has reached the next stage: Les Tricolores are the kings of Europe once again.

France won the Six Nations for the first time in 12 years after beating England 25-13 to complete the Grand Slam on Saturday.

And it was achieved in a febrile atmosphere at the Stade de France, the venue in northern Paris where the French will look to win sport’s ultimate prize next year: The Rugby World Cup. Fireworks and tickertape exploded as France captain Antoine Dupont — the world player of 2021 — lifted the Six Nations trophy in front of his celebrating teammates in the middle of the field.

Will it be the Webb Ellis Cup next?

“We are lucky to have a fantastic group of players,” France manager Raphael Ibanez said.

France scored three tries, none more important than the final one scored in the 61st minute by Dupont that pushed his team back into a 12-point lead after England reduced the gap to 18-13 following a fast start to the second half.

It eased the pressure on the French in the final quarter as they clinched their first piece of rugby silverware since the Six Nations in 2010 to the backdrop of the home fans singing “La Marseillaise.”

It was a sixth title of the Six Nations era (since 2000) for France, and a record-tying fourth Grand Slam in that period.

And it marked the next step in France’s evolution under coach Fabien Galthie.

He took over after the 2019 Rugby World Cup and led the team to secondplace finishes in the last two Six Nations. for schools and athletes to better position themselves for sudden stardom in years to come.

“This will be the last year that kids aren’t fully ready for it,” Blake Lawrence, the CEO of Opendorse, another company that works with schools and athletes to manage NIL activities.

Lawrence said the muddled nature of current NIL rules and regulations is holding back the market. He said a national brand wanted to do advertising around both the men’s and women’s tournaments using athletes whose teams advanced from the first round to the second round.

So a player such as Allen could have appeared in an ad on Saturday after his big game on Thursday. But there were questions about whether athletes would be permitted to engage in NIL activities while on road trips, representing their schools.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, March 21, 2022, PAGE 17

South Dakota women beat Ole Miss 75-61 for 1st NCAA victory

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net THE 2021-22 season came to a disappointing end for Yolett McPheeMcCuin and her Ole Miss Rebels women’s basketball programme in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

Ole Miss, the no.7 seed in the Wichita Region, suffered a 75-61 upset loss to the no.10 seed South Dakota Coyotes Friday afternoon at the Ferrell Center in Waco, Texas.

“Kudos to South Dakota. It was their time. They were clearly the more experienced team and looked like it,” McPhee-McCuin said. “I am extremely proud of our team. It gives me great joy this programme is headed in the right direction.”

The Coyotes went on to advance to the Sweet 16 with a 61-47 win over the no.2 seed Baylor Bears on their home court yesterday in Waco.

Ole Miss concluded the season 23-9, 10-8 in the SEC to earn an

at-large bid. It was their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 15 years.

McPhee-McCuin previously led the Jacksonville Dolphins programme to the Tournament in 2016.

She led the programme to its first ASUN Tournament title and NCAA Tournament berth.

McPhee-McCuin led Ole Miss to its first top 25 ranking since 2007. The season was highlighted by a 13-game win streak, the third longest win streak in programme history. It also included wins over three ranked opponents. In conference postseason play, Ole Miss earned its first SEC Tournament Semifinal game appearance in 29 years.

McPhee-McCuin joined the Rebels in 2018 with expectations to rebuild a programme that struggled in recent years and was in the cellar of the SEC. In her first year at the helm the team finished 9-22, 3-13 in conference play and the season concluded with a first round loss in the SEC Tournament. In year two, The

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer

MISSISSIPPI head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin gestures during the second half of a college basketball game against South Dakota in the first round of the NCAA tournament in Waco, Texas, on Friday, March 18.

(AP Photo/LM Otero) Rebels finished the season their first winning season résumé included three at 7-23 and suffered since 2016-17. After an wins against ranked teams another opening round loss 11-11 regular season, 4-10 and four Top-50 NET in the tournament. in the SEC, they advanced wins. They eventually fell Last year, the Rebels fin- to the first SEC Quar- to Rice in the WNIT title ished the season 15-12 for terfinal since 2004. Their game.

Romad Dean commits to Fordham FROM PAGE 15

big school and a winning programme, they are looking for me to help and build a programme like that at Fordham,” he said. “They showed a lot of interest, always coming to my games, being supportive and checking in.”

In his first season at the helm, Neptune led the Rams to a 16-16 record.

Dean credited his coaches at every level for playing various roles in his development, both at Tabernacle and Crestwood.

“When people turned their back God always showed me love and it will always be my character that defines me and I’m so grateful for all God has done for me,” he said.

“I want to thank Tabernacle and all the staff for helping me get here today.

I also have to thank Crestwood for allowing me to learn and helping me to become a better person and for the support of all teachers that helped me to become better in the classroom.

“I have to thank coach Ro [Russell]. He saw the potential in me and a bright future. A lot of early mornings and late nights helped me build the foundation I have today.

Coach [Kevin] Clarke was always instrumental to my development as an athlete. He was always hard on me for making simple mistakes, but he played a big role in getting me where I’m at today, going on trips with me to make sure I was good and made the right decision.”

Dean’s extended family was also on hand but he also highlighted his parents who joined him on stage to make his decision.

“I thank my dad for always being there for me, for always investing time in me, for making the effort in making sure that

TRIPLE JUMPER ROJAS BREAKS HER OWN WORLD RECORD BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Triple jumper Yulimar Rojas broke her own women’s world record with a leap of 15.74 metres yesterday at the indoor world championships.

With the final jump of the competition in Belgrade, the Venezuelan went seven centimetres beyond the mark she set in winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics last August.

SOUTH DAKOTA WOMEN SHOCK BAYLOR 61-47 AT NO. 2 SEED’S HOME WACO, Texas (AP) — Chloe Lamb, Hannah Sjerven and Liv Korngable are super-seniors at South Dakota who came back together hoping for a special season. They have something really sweet — and are still playing, even as a No. 10 seed in the women’s NCAA Tournament.

Sjerven scored 16 points and Chloe Lamb added 15 as the Summit League champion Coyotes beat Baylor 61-47 on the No. 2 seed’s home court yesterday. They are going to the Sweet 16 for the first time.

“It’s a joy, it was a great experience to play in this environment, Yes, it’s settling that there’s only 16 teams left playing in the tournament, so it’s very cool,” said Korngable, who added 11 points and five assists.

“Well, it’s so special to have the young ladies that we do, and for them to come back, I think, certainly speaks volumes of what they wanted to accomplished,” coach Dawn Plitzuweit said.

“And they obviously knew they needed all three of them together.”

South Dakota scored the game’s first 11 points and led throughout to become the second No. 10 seed to beat a No. 2 seed yesterday, after Creighton had won 64-62 at Iowa. The eighth double-digit seeds winning on the opening weekend of the women’s tournament this year matched a record.

Queen Egbo had 13 points while two-time AP All-America forward NaLyssa Smith matched her season low with 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting for the Bears (28-7).

VIRGINIA WINS NCAA WOMEN’S SWIMMING AND DIVING TITLE ROMAD Dean returned home to officially end his recruitment and announce his collegiate decision. Dean will officially join the Fordham Rams (Bronx, New, York) of the Atlantic 10 Conference next fall to continue his athletic and academic career. The 6’7” wing out of Crestwood Prep in Ontario, Canada, made the announcement last Friday at the place where his basketball career began - Tabernacle Baptist Academy.

I become successful in life, and for giving me knowledge that would help with my career,” he said.

“I would like to thank my mom and I will always be grateful for everything she does for me.

She goes out of her way every time to make sure that I get every thing that I need. She has always put me first and I know she always will.”

Dean reflected on his basketball journey which included being a student in the crowd when Franco Miller Jr made his collegiate decision at the Tabernacle campus in 2018.

“It is really a dream come true, at that moment I didn’t know if I would be here. I remember looking at Franco making his decision and I didn’t think

it was possible for me,” Dean said.

“At that time I didn’t think I was a great basketball player, I was still developing, but everyone was pushing me and pushing because I think they saw the potential I had and I’m glad I was able to reach thay.

“Even to this day I still question myself, ‘Am I ready for DI?’ That’s why every day I go to the gym and I work out I have to make sure that I go 110 percent.”

Dean’s résumé includes a series of accolades, both during his tenure with Crestwood at the national team level.

The Lions recently finished as a semi finalist in the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association. Dean was

NCAA

holding leads in the fourth quarter before falling short.

Not all was crazy in the opening rounds. The No. 1 and 2 seeds all cruised to easy victories, winning by an average of nearly 38 points a game.

Here are a few other highlights from the round of 64: HOLD THAT TIGER! The 11th-seeded Princeton Tigers won their second NCAA tourney game by taking down sixth-seeded Kentucky.

The Tigers have won 18 consecutive games and will try and advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time when they face Indiana tonight.

FROM PAGE 15 basketball tournament had its first-ever First Four; the men’s field expanded to 68 teams in 2011. It was a long time coming, according to Florida State coach Sue Semrau, whose team lost to Missouri State in the new round.

“It’s been way too long that this hasn’t been part of the women’s tournament,” Semrau said. “It’s a learning process, but it was so vital.”

Two 14 seeds, Jackson State and UT Arlington, vied to pull off the first wins ever in the women’s tournament for that seed,

named an OSBA Third Team-All Star after averaging 20 points and 18 rebounds per game.

Some of his top games for the year included 24 points and 13 rebounds in an 84-73 loss to United Scholastic Academy in the OSBA Semifinals, 28 points in a 97-89 win over Vanguard North Prep, 38 points in an 83-78 win over New Horizon Academy and 31 points in an early season 98-97 loss to United Scholastic.

As a junior, Dean helped lead the Lions to win the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations Boys Basketball AAA Gold medal.

He averaged 14.1 points, 13.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He led the team in both rebounds and blocks.

Princeton was undefeated in 2015 heading into the NCAAs before beating Wisconsin-Green Bay in its NCAA opener, but fell to host Maryland in the second round. The Ivy League has one other victory in NCAA play — when Harvard pulled off the only win for a No. 16 seed by topping Stanford in 1998.

AID FOR UKRAINE Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer announced she’d donate $10 for every 3-pointer made in the tournament to Ukrainian aid efforts, and some of her coaching friends in both the men’s and women’s fields agreed to jump in as well, including Bruce

He was also nominated for Canada’s premier prep basketball showcase as one of 198 players named to the BioSteel All Canadian Games - 2020 Boys Nominees List.

Dean has been a member of both senior and junior national teams.

At the senior level he was a member of the team that finished the FIBA World Cup 2023 Americas Pre-Qualifiers for Group A with an undefeated 3-0 record in El Salvador.

As a junior, he scored the go-ahead field goal to lift Team Bahamas to a bronze medal at the 2019 FIBA U17 Centrobasket Championships.

For the tournament, Dean averaged a doubledouble with 14.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.

Pearl and Dawn Staley.

Staley hoped that coaches could use their platform to also raise money with each tournament rebound to help homelessness in places like Columbia, South Carolina, or Staley’s hometown of Philadelphia.

A CONFERENCE SUPREME It’s been a great start to the tournament for the Big 12, which went 6-0. Baylor, Texas, Kansas, Kansas State and Iowa State were all victorious. Oklahoma capped off the first round with the final win for the conference. Coupled with the Big 12 men’s teams in the NCAA Tournament, the league went 12-0 in the first round.

ATLANTA (AP) — Virginia’s Kate Douglass set another American record Saturday night at the NCAA women’s swimming and diving championships and the Cavaliers won their second consecutive national title at the McAuley Aquatic Center.

Virginia, which broke five American records and won 11 of 18 events at the fourday championships, finished with 551.5 points. Texas was second with 406 and Stanford third at 399.5.

Douglass, who won the 50-yard freestyle Thursday and 100 butterfly Friday, finished the 200 breaststroke in 2 minutes 2.19 seconds — her third American record in three events at the championships.

Alex Walsh, who won the 200 individual medley Thursday, took home titles in the 400 individual medley in a pool-record 3:57.2 and the 200 butterfly in a Virginia-record 1:50.79.

Virginia set the American record in the final event of the championships, winning the 400 relay in 3:06.91.

Freshman Gretchen Walsh won the 100 freestyle in 46.05, a Virginia programme record.

Wisconsin freshman Paige McKenna pulled away over the middle 500 yards to win the 1650 freestyle by more than 5 seconds over fellow freshman Erica Sullivan of Texas, who Thursday placed third in the 500 freestyle.

Stanford Freshman Regan Smith, a two-time world champion (200-metre backstroke and 400-metre medley relay in 2019) who won three medals (two silver, one bronze) at the Tokyo Olympics, won the 200 yard backstroke in pool-record time of 1:47.76 — just six-tenths of a second off her own American record.

Taylor Ruck of Stanford won the 200 freestyle in 1:41.12.

PAGE 18, Monday, March 21, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Short-handed Suns rally, top Kings in OT to improve to 58-14 SACRAMENTO, Calif.

(AP) — Landry Shamet made a 3-pointer with 31 seconds left in overtime moments after missing an open look beyond the arc and the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns beat the Sacramento Kings 127-124 yesterday.

Damian Jones gave the Kings a 121-120 lead with a putback dunk not long after the Suns star Devin Booker fouled out.

Shamet’s 25-foot try missed, but Phoenix grabbed the rebound. Following a timeout, Shamet hit his fifth 3-pointer of the game to put the Suns ahead by two.

After Mikal Bridges — who had 27 points for short-handed Phoenix — made the second of two free throws, Jones made one from the stripe, but missed the second. Aaron Holiday grabbed the rebound and Torrey Craig dunked.

Shamet finished with 21 points. Centre Deandre Ayton had 12 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Backup centre JaVale McGee had 14

points before fouling out in overtime.

SPURS 110, WARRIORS 108 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Keldon Johnson scored off a rebound of a missed free throw with three-tenths of a second left to give the San Antonio Spurs a 110-108 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.

Jakob Poeltl made the first of two free throws to it at 108 with 2.4 seconds left. He missed the second off the back iron, but Johnson grabbed the rebound and converted the winner.

Klay Thompson missed a 3-pointer from the right corner as time expired.

GRIZZLIES 122, ROCKETS 98 HOUSTON (AP) — Desmond Bane had 24 points and the Memphis Grizzlies overcame the absence of star Ja Morant with balanced scoring in a victory over NBA-worst Houston.

Bane was one of six Memphis players to score at least 13 points on a day Morant sat out with a sore knee. Dillon Brooks added 20 points, and De’Anthony

Melton had 16 points and seven rebounds.

RAPTORS 93, 76ERS 88 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Pascal Siakam had 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Precious Achiuwa scored 21 points to lead Toronto past Philadelphia for its sixth straight road victory, Chris Boucher added 12 points and 14 rebounds for the Raptor. Joel Embiid had 21 points and 13 rebounds for Philadelphia.

He shot only 6 of 20 overall from the floor and missed all three 3-pointers.

JAZZ 108, KNICKS 93 NEW YORK (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 36 points and Utah beat New York, Jordan Clarkson came off the bench to score 18 of his 23 points in the first half for the Jazz, who opened a six-game road trip with the first of two games in two nights in New York. Rudy Gobert and Royce O’Neale each had 14 points.

CELTICS 124, NUGGETS 104 DENVER (AP) — Jaylen Brown and Jayson

Tatum each scored 30 points and Boston beat Denver, The Celtics shot 57.3% from the floor and finished 19 of 40 from 3-point range. They also hit all 11 of their free throws.

Nikola Jokic had 23 points for Denver, but missed 14 shots in the first half and finished 8 of 23 from the floor.

PELICANS 117, HAWKS 112 ATLANTA (AP) — Jonas Valanciunas had 26 points and 12 rebounds, CJ McCollum added 25 points and New Orleans beat Atlanta.

The Pelicans moved into ninth place in the Western Conference. They have won their last two and three of four and were without leading scorer Brandon Ingram and fourth-leading scorer Devonte’ Graham.

PACERS 129, TRAIL BLAZERS 98 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Oshae Brissett scored 24 points, Justin Anderson had 18 and Indiana cruised past Portland.

Brissett was 8 of 10 from the field and made six free throws without a miss. He

DUPLANTIS EXTENDS OWN POLE VAULT WORLD RECORD IN BELGRADE SUNS centre Deandre Ayton (22) shoots over Bulls centre Tristan Thompson during the second half on Friday, March 18 in Phoenix. Phoenix won 129-102.

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) also led Indiana with nine rebounds.Josh Hart had 26 points for Portland on 11-of-13 shooting. The Trail Blazers have lost four in a row and 10 of 11.

MAGIC 90, THUNDER 85 ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Wendell Carter Jr. scored 10 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter and Orlando handed Oklahoma City its ninth straight loss.

Carter also had 16 rebounds to help the Magic end a three-game losing streak.

Darius Bazley led Oklahoma City with 18 points.

The Thunder shot 32.6%.

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Olympic champion Mondo Duplantis again broke his own pole vault world record, clearing 6.20 metres (20 feet, 4 inches) at the world indoor championships yesterday.

The 22-year-old Swede had promised “something higher” at the event and set the new mark at his third and final attempt.

He had already secured his first world title at 6.05 (19-10 1/4).

Duplantis cleared 6.19 (20-3 3/4) on March 7 at the Belgrade Indoor Meeting at the same Stark Arena, extending his record from 6.18 (20-3 1/4) that was set in February 2020 in Glasgow.

Also, triple jumper Yulimar Rojas broke her own women’s world record with a mark of 15.74 (51-7 3/4).

Nadal’s 20-match win streak ends in loss to Fritz

By BETH HARRIS AP Sports Writer INDIAN WELLS, Calif.

(AP) — American Taylor Fritz upset Rafael Nadel 6-3, 7-6 (5) yesterday to win the BNP Paribas Open and snap the 21-time major champion’s 20-match winning streak this year.

“It’s an honour to even be on the same court as this guy,” Fritz told the crowd.

“I grew up watching this guy win everything.”

Nadal fought off a match point on his serve with a forehand winner to tie the second set 5-all. He had two break points on Fritz’s serve in the next game, but the American held for a 6-5 lead. Nadal held to force the tiebreaker.

Nadal sent two straight forehands well wide to set up Fritz’s second match point. Another Nadal error sent the 24-year-old American to the biggest victory of his career not far from where he grew up near San Diego. Fritz’s parents, Guy Fritz and Kathy May, are former tour players.

“Winning this tournament is just one of those crazy childhood dreams that you don’t think is ever going to happen,” he said.

Fritz dropped his racket and collapsed on his back.

He got up smiling with a look of disbelief on his face. He became the first American man to win

Indian Wells since Andre Agassi in 2001. Fritz earned $1.2 million.

Nadal’s 20-0 start to the year included the Australian Open, his 21st major championship that broke a tie with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

The Spaniard needed three sets to get by Nick Kyrgios in the quarterfinals and 18-year-old countryman Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals. During his win Saturday, Nadal needed treatment for pain in his left chest.

Nadal took two medical timeouts during the final.

The first one came after he lost the first set. He went inside with a trainer after tapping his upper left chest, the same area that bothered him during Saturday’s semifinals. He got treatment on court after falling behind 5-4 in the second set.

“I tried my best during the last two weeks,” Nadal told the crowd. “Today was not possible. I had a good fight to the end.”

Fritz had his own health issue. He tweaked his ankle late in his semifinal win over No. 7 seed Andrey Rublev. He cut short a practice session early yesterday and blue medical tape could be seen above his high sock.

But it didn’t seem to affect him. Fritz raced to a 5-1 lead in the first set,

TAYLOR Fritz holds up his trophy after defeating Rafael Nadal, of Spain, during the men’s singles finals at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Indian Wells, Calif. Fritz won 6-3, 7-6. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) breaking Nadal twice.

Nadal got a break back in closing to 5-3, but his backhand error gave Fritz another break and the set.

Iga Swiatek defeated Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-1 in an error-filled final to win the women’s title.

Swiatek will rise from fourth to a career-best No. 2 in the world in today’s WTA Tour rankings, trailing top-ranked Ash Barty, who skipped Indian Wells.

“Right now, it’s too surreal to describe it,

honestly,” Swiatek said.

“But for sure I want to go higher because I feel like getting the No. 1 is closer and closer.”

Sakkari will move from sixth to No. 3, the rising Greek star’s highest ranking yet.

She equals countryman Stefanos Tsitsipas, who reached No. 3 in the ATP Tour rankings.

“I’m very proud that myself and Stefanos have actually grown tennis in Greece,” Sakkari said.

“Having two players in that ranking position is something huge for us.”

Swiatek lost each of the first three times she played Sakkari, all last year. Last month, the 20-year-old Polish player beat Sakkari in the semifinals at Doha and went on to win the title.

“Especially winning after playing so well in Doha is giving me a lot of confidence and kind of belief that I can do it because I wouldn’t think of myself as someone who’s ready to play two tournaments in a row and win it,” Swiatek said.

Swiatek has five career titles, including the 2020 French Open. She’s 5-0 in her last five finals, losing only a combined 16 games.

Her new ranking equals the highest ever by a Polish player, matching Agnieszka Radwanska.

Gusty winds affected serves and shots by both players, who had seven double faults each. There were seven service breaks in the first set alone, with Swiatek holding twice.

Sakkari held once to tie the set, 4-all.

“I kind of had to win ugly because I felt like sometimes the ball is not going the direction I want,” Swiatek said. “It was pretty hard to play with precision.”

Swiatek held to go up 5-4. Sakkari led 40-30 on her serve, but a double fault gave Swiatek her third break point, and she cashed in on Sakkari’s netted backhand to take the set.

“She was actually hitting very deep and close to the lines. With the wind, it was tough for me,” Sakkari said. “But I was not moving the way I wanted. I was not playing the way I was playing the last few days. I don’t think she played lights-out tennis. She played very solid. She did what she had to do to beat me.”

Swiatek broke twice in the second set for a 5-1 lead. She served out the match, winning on a forehand in the corner of the baseline. Swiatek earned $1.2 million and improved her record to a WTA Tourleading 20-3 this year, including 11 matches in a row.

Man City, Palace into FA Cup semis, Leicester wins in EPL

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer MANCHESTER City reached the FA Cup semifinals for the fourth straight season thanks to a flurry of second-half goals in a 4-1 win over Southampton yesterday.

Crystal Palace was also a big winner in the quarterfinals, easing past Everton 4-0 to join a lineup for the last four that already contained Chelsea.

Either second-tier Nottingham Forest or Liverpool will complete the teams in the semifinals.

They meet at Forest’s City Ground later yesterday, with the winner facing City.

Chelsea will take on Palace in the second semifinal.

It was shaping up to be another frustrating match for City against Southampton, which has drawn twice

with Pep Guardiola’s team in the Premier League this season.

However, a 62nd-minute penalty converted by Kevin De Bruyne regained the lead for City and goals by substitutes Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez in the space of four minutes from the 75th added gloss to the scoreline at St Mary’s Stadium.

City defender Aymeric Laporte’s own-goal had canceled out Raheem Sterling’s opener in the first half. City has lost in the semifinals in the past two seasons, to Arsenal then Chelsea.

Chelsea beat Middlesbrough 2-0 on Saturday to advance and Palace will also be at Wembley Stadium for the semis after giving Frank Lampard’s Everton a reality check.

Marc Guehi, JeanPhilippe Mateta, Wilfried

EVERTON’S ANTHONY GORDON, right, is tackled by Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi during their English FA Cup quarter final soccer match at Selhurst Park, London, yesterday.

(John Walton/PA via AP) Zaha and Will Hughes scored the goals at Selhurst Park for Palace, which last appeared in the semifinals in 2016 A 1-0 win over Newcastle on Thursday boosted Everton’s chances of avoiding relegation from the

Premier League but after a high-intensity start against Palace, Lampard’s team was blown away.

For Guehi, the centre back who headed in the opening goal, it was a perfect way to celebrate getting a first call-up to

England’s squad this week ahead of friendly matches against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast.

Palace manager Patrick Vieira has won the FA Cup on five occasions as a player — four times with Arsenal and once with Man City.

PREMIER LEAGUE Timothy Castagne made his return after three months out injured and scored for Leicester in its 2-1 win over Brentford in the Premier League.

It was a stunner, too, with the Belgium full back curling a shot into the top corner from outside the area in the 20th minute.

James Maddison followed suit by whipping a free kick into the top corner in the 33rd.

Yoane Wissa pulled a goal back in the 85th but Leicester held on to climb into 10th place.

IGA SWIATEK, of Poland, returns a shot to Maria Sakkari, of Greece, during the women’s singles finals at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament yesterday. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

SWIATEK DEFEATS SAKKARI TO WIN INDIAN WELLS, NO. 2 RANKING

By BETH HARRIS AP Sports Writer INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Iga Swiatek defeated Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-1 yesterday in an errorfilled final to win the BNP Paribas Open.

Swiatek will rise from fourth to a career-best No. 2 in the world in today’s WTA Tour rankings, trailing top-ranked Ash Barty, who skipped Indian Wells.

Sakkari will move from sixth to No. 3, the rising Greek star’s highest ranking yet.

Swiatek lost each of the first three times she played Sakkari, all last year. Last month, the 20-year-old Polish player beat Sakkari in the semifinals at Doha and went on to win the title.

Now, Swiatek has five career titles, including the 2020 French Open. Her new ranking equals the highest ever by a Polish player, matching Agnieszka Radwanska, who also reached No. 2.

Gusty winds affected serves and shots by both players, who had seven double faults each. There were seven service breaks in the first set alone, with Swiatek holding twice.

Sakkari held once to tie the set, 4-all.

Swiatek won the next game to go up 5-4. Sakkari led 40-30 on her serve, but a double fault gave Swiatek her third break point, and she cashed in on Sakkari’s netted backhand to take the set.

Swiatek broke twice in the second set for a 5-1 lead.

She served out the match, winning on a forehand in the corner of the baseline.

Swiatek earned $1.2 million and improved her record to a WTA Tour-leading 20-3 this year, including 11 matches in a row.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, March 21, 2022, PAGE 19

BAHAMAS ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

SACERS celebrate during the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track and Field Championships.

Keyshawn breaks national record in senior boys’ javelin

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net KEYSHAWN Strachan wanted to go out in style as he competed in his final Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track and Field Championships.

He did so by carrying the banner for the St John’s College Giants with a Bahamas national record breaking performance in the senior boys’ javelin.

Strachan, also establishing himself as the number one ranked thrower in his age group, was joined by St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine’s DiorRae Scott with the only other record-breaking performance in the two-day meet being held without some of the top schools participating.

Notably absent was the Queen’s College Comets, whom many felt would have provided the stiffest challenge to St Augustine’s College. With all of the schools not competing in the meet, there wasn’t an overall winner.

With a massive heave of 257-feet, 11-inches or 78.63 metres on his first attempt in the under-20 boys javelin, Strachan shattered his own national record of 236-7 (72.13m) that he established in San Jose, Costa Rica last year and the BAISS meet record of 210-7 (64.20m) that was set by Denzel Pratt in 2014.

“I was pretty pleased with the performance. My coach (Corrington Maycock of the Blue Chips Athletics) and I were expecting it,” said Strachan, who scratched his fourth and final throw after skipping the second and third attempts.

The 6-foot, 5-inch 18-year-old Strachan didn’t have any serious push as his nearest rival was Roberto Lamour of the Nassau Christian Academy Crusaders with 146-0 (44.52m).

But Strachan said as a graduating 12th grader, he just wanted to make St John’s proud again before he heads off to Auburn University in August. “I had to give it my all to put on a show for the crowd,” Strachan said. “I wanted to leave some memories out there. I saved the best for my last meet.”

Strachan’s performance has propelled him from number three to the top ranked spot in the world in the under-20 boys’ division.

It would have also surpassed the CARIFTA record, but Strachan said he will wait until he goes to Kingston, Jamaica, over the Easter holiday weekend to officially achieve that feat.

Scott, in posting a winning toss of 38.19m in the under-15 girls discus to erase the previous mark of 116-7 (35.54m) that was set

by Taylor Walters in 2015, beat out Strachan’s younger sister and her SAC teammate Kamera Strachan, who was second with 115-9

ST John’s Antoine Andrews nips SAC’s Shimar Bain in the under-20 boys 100m.

Photos: Fabian Whymns (35.28m). Both competitors have already qualified for CARIFTA. “I felt really good. I felt I could have thrown better, but knowing that I broke the record, it’s a good feeling,” said Scott, a 14-year-old ninth grader.

“I came in with the goal of throwing 40m. I didn’t throw it, but I wasn’t worrying about the competition.”

Scott also threw 70-9 (21.56m) to win the discus over Strachan 68-8 (20.94m).

Although he was short of the CARIFTA automatic standard of 49.05, St Anne’s Blue Waves’ Philip Gray ran 49.69 to win the under-17 boys 400 metres to dip under the B standard of 50.03. If by the end of the final trials no athlete attains the automatic time, Gray would be considered for selection to the team for that event.

Andrew Brown of SAC trailed Gray for second place in 50.72 with Berkley Mullings of St Anne’s third in 50.90. Gray also won the 200m in 22.57 with SAC got second and third from Tamani Skinner (22.65) and Andrew Brown (22.76).

SAC’s Amari Pratt, who took the under-20 girls 200m on Thursday, came back for the sprint double on Friday in the 200m in 25.38 with teammate Nya Wright second in 25.50.

SAC’s Olympic selectee Lacarthea Cooper didn’t participate because of an injury she sustained last week at the Road Runners Time Trials.

SAC came 1-2 in the 800m as well Ezthia Maycock (2:29.69) taking the title over an injured Breyanna (2:47.76) and the 400m hurdles with Reshae Dean (1:06.78) and Shanai Smith (1:07.85) as the only two competitors entered.

The Big Red Machine also got a double dose of victory from Sabriya Farquharson, who came back after taking the under-20 girls long jump on Thursday to snatch the triple jump with her leap of 36-7 1/2 (11.16m) over teammate Apryl Adderley 33-11 1/2 (10.35m).

SAC also got a 1-2 sweep of the under-20 boys 200m with Shimar Bain crossing the finish line first in 21.69, followed by Joshua Miller

SAC’s junior boy Eagan Neely in the 400 metres. in 22.79. Temple Christian Academy’s Sean Marshall was third in 22.94.

Bain also triumphed in the 400m hurdles in 55.25, well ahead of teammate Leonardo Johnson in 1:04.68 and St John’s Andre Campbell in 1:08.15, while St John’s Kenzie Knowles took the 800m in 2:06.16 over Nassau Christian Academy’s Kamran Rolle (2:15.17) and SAC’s tennis player Dentry Mortimer (2:!6.95).

And as the curtain came down on the meet, Bain ran an excellent anchor leg to lead the Big Red Machine’s team of Clinton Laguerre, Johnathan Fowler and Brandon Ingraham to victory in the under-20 boys 4 x 400m relay in 3”20.81 over St John’s quartet of Kenzie Knowles, Paulindo Boyer, Ian Dawkins and Caleb Major, who had to settle for second in 3:22.00.

SAC also dominated in most of the younger age groups with Jayla Smith

winning the under-13 girls 200m in 28.62 and Breyteisha Kemp adding to her win in the 400m with another in the 800m in 2:32.83.

Terrin Beckles, the winner of the under-13 boys 100m, added the 200m title for SAC in 26.10, but it was St John’s Anthony Saunders taking the 800m in 2:36.25 after he trailed his teammate Aiden Musgrove in the 400m.

SAC got a 1-2 punch from Khylee Wallace (26.61) and Darvinique Dean (26.77) in the under-15 girls 200m, but Charles W Saunders Cougars’ Yulianis posted a sweep of the middle distance events adding the 800m title in 2:30.03 to her collection of the 1,500m as well.

And in the under-15 boys division, Eagan Neely came back a day after winning the 400m to take the 200m in 24.15 over Temple Christian’s Abraham Forbes (26.44).

SAC’s Dior-Rae Scott in the junior girls’ javelin.

Quincy Rolle picked up another win for SAC in the 800m in 2:24.89 over his teammate Justiz Butler (2:28.53).

SAC’s head coach Jason Edwards said the Big Red Machine, with about 100 athletes participating, was just simply rolling along.

“It didn’t make a difference, but having that head-to-head competition, it would have made it a little more exciting,” said Edwards about the absence of some of the schools, including the Comets. “We had a great meet and the kids performed exceptionally well. The talent pool is very deep.”

As for the meet itself, Edwards said they’re just appreciative of the fact that they got to compete in their first BAISS meet since 2020.

He noted that it was good to see the athletes and the student population having a great time again.

Following the final CARIFTA trials over the weekend of April 1-2, Edwards said the Big Red Machine will head off to Philadelphia to compete in the Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Fields from April 28-30.

Without Queen’s College, SAC’s biggest challenge came from St John’s.

Head coach Rochelle Henfield said after the twoyear hiatus, they needed the meet to get their feet wet.

“This meet gave our students the opportunity to showcase their talents on the track as well as the field,” she said.

“It also gave us as coaches the opportunity to

see what our students have to offer.”

With their smallest ever team assembled with just 52 athletes, she said the Giants made their presence felt in just about every division.

Henfield mentioned under-13 competitors Aiden Musgrove in the 200 and 400m, Anthony Saunders in the 400 and 800m, J’Mari Moss in the 100 and 200m and Caitlyn Smith in the 100 and 200m - some of the athletes they will be looking forward to in the future to carry the load for the Giants.

Others of note came in the under-15 division with Khyro McPhee in the 100m, Isaiah Knowles in the 200m and Makhri Williams in the 100 and 200m as well as their under-17 division with Kenndi Knowles in the 400m, Payton Knowles in the 200m, Ta’Mia Taylor in the 400m and both Ishmael Knowles and Maxwell McNeil.

But if there was any grouping of athletes that Henfield was extremely proud of, it was the under20s, who wanted to go out with a bang in what was the final year of competition for the majority of them.

The list included Shernique Sears in the 100 and 200m, Antoine Andrews in the 100m, Caleb Major in the 400m, Ian Dawkins and Paulindo Boyer in the 1,500m, Earle Johnson in the 100 and 200m and Kaealen Knowles in the 1,500 and 5.000m.

Henfield, however, said they were extremely pleased with the record breaking performance turned in by Keyshawn Strachan in the javelin, which now puts him as the number one ranked thrower in his age group division in the world.

“We the Giants are truly proud of him and the entire track team for an awesome performance these past two days. I am thankful for their dedication and hard work,” she said. “My coaching team did an amazing job in preparing the team and we look forward to next year.”

Henfield said the Giants can also boast of having three athletes who have already attained the CARIFTA standard in Strachan, Antonie Andrews and Ishmael Rolle.

PAGE 20, Monday, March 21, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

MINISTER COMMENDS ATHLETES

Knights and Raptors polish off trophies

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net BACK after a two-year hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, the CR Walker Knights and the CH Reeves Raptors picked up where they left off winning their divisional titles at the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association’s InterSchool Track and Field Championships.

For the first time, the GSSSA combined the junior and senior high divisions into a one-day meet on Saturday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium with the Knights shining with 604 points overall and the Raptors finished with 483.

The meet was officially opened by Minister of Education Glenys HannaMartin. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg was in attendance to also support the GSSSA in the return of the championships.

In the senior division, CR Walker emerged on top for the seventh year, followed by the CV Bethel Stingrays with 473, RM Bailey Pacers with 345, CC Sweeting Cobras with 230.50, Doris Johnson Marlins with 226, Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves with 203.50 and Government High Magicmen rounded out field with 180.

“We had a short time, but we put in a lot of work with a lot of late evenings,” said CR Walker’s head coach Tia Rolle. “We knew that we had a strong under20 division, but because we didn’t have everybody in school, we didn’t know what we had in the under17 division.

“We didn’t have our house sports where we select our team from, so I believe we had some diamonds in the rough who didn’t participate. And we didn’t compete in all of the events and we still came out on top.”

Rolle said they are hoping that the government

allows schools to remain open and come September, they can develop the core group of athletes they have now and prepare the new ones coming in.

In the junior boys’ division, the HO Nash Lions came in second place behind CH Reeves with 350.50, the AF Adderley Fighting Tigers with 288.50, DW Davis Royals with 204, SC McPherson Sharks with 140 and the TA Thompson Scorpions completed the field with 52.

“I’m happy with our team performance,” said Varel Davis, who assisted head coach Rashad McKenzie. “We’ve been trying to get this meet in since February, so we had some time to work with our athletes. It showed that when it comes down to the championships, the kids come out and perform.

Every relay, they performed excellently.

“We encourage our students at CH Reeves and make them believe that they can do it. The parents buy into what we are doing and they come out and support their children. So with our coaching staff, we make it happen.”

The high point winners from the various age groups are as follows: Under-13 girls - Gabrielle Swan of AF Adderley with 24 points; under-13 boys – Lavario Ferguson of CH Reeves with 30; under15 girls – Keely Deveaux of CH Reeves with 24; under-15 boys – George Nottage of CH Reeves with 30; under-17 girls – Marquell Newbold of CV Bethel with 28; under-17 boys – Zidane Bruce of CR Walker with 26; under20 girls – Vanessa Sawyer of CR Walker with 28 and under-20 boys – Elijah Roker of Anatol Rodgers and Nathan Duncan and Lavardo Deveaux, both of CV Bethel with 20 points apiece.

Deveaux, a 16-yearold 12th grader, captured both the 110m hurdlers in 15.44 over his teammate Jon-Mark Smikle, who did

17.21 and he doubled up in the 400m hurdles in 56.58 ahead of Doris Johnson’s Peter Tulisnord in 57.53.

“I enjoyed the 400m hurdles because it’s all about keeping your rhythm. In the race, I was able to keep my rhythm and it paid off for me,” said Deveaux, who is hoping to qualify once again for CARIFTA Games. “I haven’t qualified yet, but I hope to do so at the trials.”

Also carting a double dose of victory in the hurdles for senior girls was CR Walker’s Kaiya Cambridge.

She won the 100m hurdles in 15.83 over Dporis Johnson’s Nabria Hamilton, who did 20.74 and she finished the 400m hurdles in 1:08.93, well ahead of CV Bethel’s Vineva Paul, who did 1:14.92.

“In the 100m hurdles, I could have ran better, but with the head wind, I tried my best and I got the win,” said Cambridge, a 16-yearold 12th grader. “In the 400m hurdles, it wasn’t what I expected. The head wind coming home was very challenging, but I came through with my second gold.

“I felt great. I came out here on fresh legs because I wanted to give CR Walker a chance to win the title again. It feels good to do it again. This is my last year, so I really wanted to go out with a bang. I was pleased with my performances.”

CR Walker’s Carlos Brown, one of the top sprinters in high school, emerged as the winner of the under-20 boys’ 200m in 22.17 over RM Bailey’s Samalie Farrington, who got second in 22.36. Farrington also won the 100m in 11.38 with Doris Johnson’s Terrance Deveaux second in 11.42.

“The performance was good. I just wanted to come out here and support my school,” said the 15-year-old Brown, who is in the 11th grade. “We’ve been off for a very long time, so it’s good that the meet is back.”

CH Reeves Raptors victorious junior boys’ relay team.

CV Bethel’s Nathan Duncan produced a sweep of the under-20 boys’ distance races, taking the 1,500m in 4:32.08 and the 5,000m in 18:03.57. Doris Johnson’s Quinton Ellis was the 800m winner in 2:02.72.

RM Bailey’s Melvinique Gibson came through with the under-20 girls’ sprint double, taking the 100m in 12.69 and the 200m in 25.97. CR Walker’s Aisha Lightbourne won the 400m in 1:00.77, RM Bailey’s Alandina Simeon won the 800m in 4:46.96 and CV Bethel’s Debroncya Archer claimed the 1,500m in 7:09.23.

CV Bethel’s Garvin McKenzie swept the under17 boys sprints with 12.02 in the 100m and the 200m in 24.14. Thanson Orvil of CR Walker won the 400m in 54.89 and Louvens Thompson of Doris Johnson took the 800m in 2:14.29.

CH Reeves’ George Nottage was a triple winner in the under-15 boys 100m in 12.19, 200m in 24.96 and 400m in 54.60. CH Reeves’ Stanley Pratt took the 800m in 2:26.94 and Andrew Rolle of CH Reeves won the 1,500m in 5:33.86.

In the under-17 girls division, Tania Clarke of CR Walker took the 100m in 13.78, Marquell Newbold of CV Bethel took the 200m in 26.74, Shaniya Smith of CR Walker won the 400m in 1:01.90, Akaree Robert of CR Walker took the 800m in 2:40.38 and Ashley Sawyer of Government High won the 1,500m in 6:23.70.

Sarha Wright of HO Nash doubled up in the under-15 girls 100m in 13.08 and the 200m in 26.66. Jayde Knowles of SC McPherson took the 400m in 1:02.81, Gabrielle

Seymour of Anatol Rodgers, took the 800m in 2:57.46 and Diana Dalge of DW Davis won the 1,500m in 8:01.03.

The girls under-13 division saw Lameka Culmer of SC McPherson win the 100m in 13.90, CH Reeves’ Rahiyah Smith of CH Reeves take the 200m in 31.10, Calia Newton of SC McPherson win the 400m in 1:11.57 and Sasha Newbold of HO Nash captured the 800m in 3:18.65.

Lavario Ferguson, an 11-year-old seventh grader, had a stellar performance for CH Reeves, winning three individual events. He clocked 13.17 in the 100m, 27.48 in the 200m and 1:07.86 in the 400m as he was virtually unbeatable.

“It was good,” said Ferguson about his performance. “I really enjoyed competing in the mixed relay. It was a lot of fun.”

While there were doubts whether or not the meet would come off, Varel Davis, the GSSSA president, thanked the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Sports for enabling them to allow the athletes to showcase their skills.

“It was only one day, so I’m happy and appreciative for all who made it possible for us to have it,” Davis said. “I know the kids wanted something to do and we had the athletes, the teachers and the parents out. They all couldn’t wait to come out to put this on.”

Davis said it’s their hope that the GSSSA can end the year by staging their volleyball competition as well as baseball for boys and softball for girls before they start to concentrate on the new school year in September when everything hopefully will be back to normal.

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg congratulated Team Bahamas on their performances at the World Athletics’ 2022 World Indoor Championships.

In a press release, Bowleg said the great athletes who continue to represent our country proved once again why The Bahamas is the best little country in the world. “The five-member team representing The Bahamas placed sixth out of 29 countries, on the medal chart, with one gold and a silver,” he said. “New national and personal best records were also set at the World Athletic Indoor Championship, held in Belgrade, Serbia.”

Bowleg hailed the gold medal performance by Shaunae Miller-Uibo in the women’s 400 metres as pure brilliance. “In true brilliance, Shaunae MillerUibo, a class act, ran off with the indoor title in the women’s 400 metres,” he said. “The two time Olympic champion, Miller-Uibo’s time, 50.31 seconds, is also a season’s best, and her first gold medal at the senior level, for the indoors. She won her bronze medal in 2014, at the Sopot Championships.”

Also running in the women’s 400m was Megan Moss, who clocked 54.03 seconds.

Bowleg, however, said Devynne Charlton’s silver medal should not go unnoticed. “Setting a new national record in the women’s 60m hurdles was Devynne Charlton,” Bowleg said. “The Olympian ran her way onto the medal podium with a 7.81 clocking.”

As for sprinter Anthonique Strachan, Bowleg said her performance should also be commended. “Advancing to the semifinals and running a personal best time, in the women’s 60m was Anthonique Strachan,” he said. “She placed fourth in her heat in 7.17 seconds.”

And he also commended high jumper Donald Thomas, who bowed out of the competition at 2.20m.

“Congratulations to all the athletes for a stellar job,” he said. “I wish you all continued success throughout the season. Go Team Bahamas.”

England edge New Zealand to stay alive at Women’s World Cup AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — With its last pair at the crease and with steady rain falling over Eden Park, defending champion England held its nerve to beat New Zealand by one wicket yesterday in a match between teams down to their last chance at the Women’s Cricket World Cup. England came into the match with only one win from four matches in the eight-team round-robin; New Zealand had two wins from five matches. Neither could afford another loss in a virtual knock-out match between teams desperate to reach the semifinals.

From the start there was drama. New Zealand managed only 203 after being sent in on a premium batting wicket. Australia had

scored 280-4 to beat India’s 277-7 on the same pitch a day earlier.

And England seemed heading for a comfortable win with vice-captain Nat Sciver 61 not out and leading its carefully measured run chase. Showers scudded across through most of the second half of England’s innings and it was most in command if the match was halted and result was decided under the Duckworth-Lewis system.

Sciver was out when England was 187-6 in the 44th over, seemingly cruising to victory with only 17 runs needed and four wickets in hand. But England’s run chase almost came unstuck in the dramatic final overs.

The rain gave new life to the pitch, the ball began to skid and batting became

more precarious. England lost Sophie Ecclestone with 12 runs needed, Kate Cross with 10 runs required and Katherine Brunt in a desperate run out eight runs from victory.

That brought Anya Shrubsole to the wicket to join Charlie Dean who had been a hero when England bowled.

New Zealand had lost its captain Sophie Devine

to an injury while batting and its leading bowler Lea Tahuhu to injury while bowling, leaving it effectively two bowlers short.

Brooke Halliday, who hadn’t bowled previously at the World Cup, bowled the last two balls of Tahuhu’s fifth over when she was forced from the field with a hamstring injury.

She then claimed a vital wicket for New Zealand when she dismissed wicketkeeper Amy Jones with the first ball of her next over.

Halliday came under more pressure than she could have anticipated when stand-in captain Amy Satterthwaite was forced to call on her to bowl the 48th over.

Shrubstole struck her first ball through cover for four and took a single

from the next ball to clinch England’s win with 16 balls remaining. Sciver, in the pavilion, joined a joyous celebration as England kept its title hopes alive with two matches remaining.

New Zealand, with only one match to go, has no chance of reaching the semifinals in only its second home World Cup. “I didn’t realise how much it was raining until I got off the pitch,” Sciver said. “The rain changed the pitch a little bit and added a bit of pace in it. It really changed the match on us.”

England had been in a strong position when Sciver and captain Heather Knight put on 45 for the third wicket to leave England 98-3. “It’s about partnerships, it’s about one of us seeing it through and taking

us home. Unfortunately neither of us did that and left it up to the cool as ice Annie Shrubsole.”

Frankie Mackay played a vital role for New Zealand through the middle of the innings, taking 4-34 including the wickets of Knight and Dunkley. She removed Sophie Ecclestone and Kate Cross also as England’s run chase began to unravel near the end.

New Zealand had to face another narrow loss after a series of matches which ended in the last few overs.

“I’m so incredibly proud of the girls to take it where they did,” Devine said. “We knew that we were probably 40 or 50 runs short on that wicket. “To take it where we did...I’m just so proud. We’re gutted but that’s cricket.”

SOUTH AFRICA LEVELS SERIES WITH 7-WICKET WIN OVER BANGLADESH JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa hit back with a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh yesterday to level the one-day series 1-1 and take it to a decisive final game.

South Africa controlled the second ODI from the moment it had Bangladesh 34-5 in the 13th over and although the tourists recovered well to post 194-9, the Proteas got home with ease.

South Africa reached 195-3 in the 38th over with half-centuries from the returning Quinton de Kock

(62 off 41 balls) and Kyle Verreynne (58 not out off 77).

The victory eased the pressure on the home team after Bangladesh clinched a surprise win in the first game, its first victory over South Africa in an ODI in South Africa.

South Africa’s batters confirmed a victory that was set up by the bowlers at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took 5-39, including three of those five early

wickets to leave Bangladesh in a deep hole.

Afif Hossain’s fighting 72 under extreme pressure lifted Bangladesh to a reasonable score. He hit nine fours and defied the South African attack, and was part of half-century partnerships with Mahmudullah (25) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (38).

South Africa’s early progress was interrupted when it lost bowler Wayne Parnell to a leg injury in just his third over, forcing captain Temba Bavuma to fill in as an extra bowler.

But de Kock put South Africa on course for the win with a rapid half-century in the chase after returning to the lineup having missed the opening game with illness.

The left-hander launched nine fours and two sixes and South Africa didn’t lose that early momentum.

Verreynne saw it home after an 82-run stand with Bavuma, who made 37.

The series decider is back at Centurion, where Bangladesh won the first game, on Wednesday.

THE TRIBUNE

Monday, March 21, 2022, PAGE 21

WORLDS FROM PAGE 15

12 competitors with a leap of (2.20m).

Anthonique Strachan, in her World Indoors debut, reached the semi-final of the women’s 60m where she placed fourth in her heat in a personal best of 7.17 for 13th overall.

Strachan, 28, advanced out of the preliminaries with the 14th best time of 7.22 for third in her heat.

Collegian Megan Moss, making her initial appearance on the global stage in an individual event, was 26th overall in the preliminaries of the women’s 400m in 54.03.

The 19-year-old University of Kentucky sophomore was fifth in her heat.

In those preliminary rounds, Miller-Uibo chalked up the second fastest time of 51.78 to trail Bol’s leading time of 51.48.

In the semi-finals, MillerUibo had the third fastest of 51.38, while McPherson established the best time of 51.26 and Bol was next with 51.28 as the three competitors geared up for the much anticipated showdown in the final.

Myers, Wilson and Culmer victorious in Coral Gables, Florida At the Hurricanes Invitational at the Cobb Stadium, Tamara Myers soared to victory in the women’s triple jump with her leap of 45-feet, 1-inch (13.74m) on her second attempt.

She fouled the first, third, fourth and sixth.

Her only other legal jump was 43-8 1/2 (13.32m) on her fifth attempt.

Jamal Wilson, one of two Bahamians entered in the men’s high jump, took the title with his leap of 7-1 3/4 (2.18m), while Ryan Ingraham was third with 6-6 3/4 (2.00m) as they both made their season debut.

And Kaiwan Culmer also picked up a victory in the men’s triple jump with a leap of 53-11 3/4 (16.44m).

Also, Andre Colebrook came in sixth overall in the men’s 400m in 48.71 for fourth in his heat.

Keanu Pennerman came in ninth overall in the men’s 100m in 10.72 after placing sixth in his heat.

SILVER medallist Devynne Charlton, of The Bahamas, gold medallist Cyrena Samba-Mayela, of France, and bronze medallist Gabriele Cunningham, of the United States, pose on the podium of the women’s 60 metres hurdles at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, yesterday.

CYRENA SAMBA-MAYELA, of France, centre, wins the women’s 60 metres hurdles final ahead of silver medallist Devynne Charlton, of the Bahamas, right, at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, on Saturday.

(AP Photos/Petr David Josek)

SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo competes in a women’s 400 metres semifinal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, on Friday, March 18.

(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

SHAUNAE MILLER-UIBO, of The Bahamas, crosses the finish line to win the women’s 400 metres.

(AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)