03252022 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

P R I MEMi n i s t e r P h i l i p “ B r a v e ”D a v i sg r e e t s P r i n c eWi l l i a ma n d K a t e , t h eD u k ea n d D u c h e s so f C a mb r i d g e , a t t h eO f f i c eo f t h eP r i me Mi n i s t e r y e s t e r d a y .

P h o t o : E r i cR o s e / B I S

PAGE 2, Friday, March 25, 2022

THE DUKE of Cambridge, Prince William, during the inspection of the Guard yesterday.

THE TRIBUNE

Photo: Letisha Henderson/BIS

Red carpet but green goals from page one

observing that The Bahamas is really punching above its weight in respect to leading the voice on climate change and the existential threat that it has, not just to a small island developing state like ours, but the whole world,” Prime Minister Davis said in an interview released by his office after the courtesy call.

“He was also very impressed with the Coral Vita programme of restoring coral and he offered to lend whatever assistance he can in our efforts to restore our coral reefs because again that is a significant

asset for carbon sink.

“He also congratulated us in being in the forefront in many aspects of initiatives relating to climate change and he highlighted the fact that the Coral Vita programme in Grand Bahama had won the Earthshot award. That was significant because participants from all over the world would have submitted their thesis and other research material and for us to win was a very significant achievement for the country.”

As it relates to the need for climate change funding, Mr Davis said the issue was also discussed with Prince William.

He said he hopes the Duke will help spread the

message in that regard, noting that a large part of the country’s debt is due to the effects of climate change.

“Recalling that the COP26 was held in Glasgow and he was there and we met briefly there and his father and I met and we had several conversations about climate change and how small island developing states like ourselves can access funding to assist in our mitigation and adaptation,” the prime minister added.

“I think it is really timely that he is here to carry back the message that I gave him in respect to our challenges in accessing climate funding for our adaptation and

PRINCE WILLIAM, the Duke of Cambridge, sharing a smile with Governor General Sir Cornelius A Smith yesterday as Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge looks on.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

THE DUKE and Duchess of Cambridge during their visit to the Office of the Prime Minister where they met Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and his wife, Ann Marie.

Photo: Eric Rose/BIS

PRINCE WILLIAM, the Duke of Cambridge, shaking hands with Governor General Sir Cornelius A Smith yesterday.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 25, 2022, PAGE 3

THE DUKE of Cambridge, Prince William, chatting to members of the reception committee after his arrival in The Bahamas yesterday. mitigation against the rise in sea levels and the devastating hurricanes that we are bound to continue to have.

“And what is interesting about that as well in discussing that aspect, I did point out to him that most of (our) debt and we are heavily indebted, and l dare say that that 50 percent of our debt is directly related to the consequences of climate change with hurricanes and the disruption in our economy when we do have hurricanes and we have property damage over the last five or six years in the billions — four or five billion dollars so we can see the challenges that we have and I think he took that on

and was very interested in how whatever influence he could have to bring there on the world, particularly the countries that are the culprits in emissions to come to the table to lend assistance.”

This is the first time the Royal couple is visiting The Bahamas.

Their trip will be marked by a number of festivities, which includes a visit to the Garden of Remembrance where frontline healthcare workers will be recognised.

A “Taste of The Bahamas” cultural event is also expected to be held today in Parliament Square, with special performances of the RBPF Band and a selection of Junkanoo groups.

Photo: Letisha Henderson/BIS

Tomorrow, Prince William and Kate are scheduled to travel to Abaco and Grand Bahama before their departure.

Prime Minister Davis said the Royal Highnesses are very much looking forward to the stay here in The Bahamas.

Similar comments were also articulated by his wife, Ann Marie Davis who was present during yesterday’s courtesy call.

“They’re looking forward to swimming and they’re looking forward to diving and the princess, she was just awesome,” Mrs Davis said.

• For more photographs, see page eight.

KATE, Duchess of Cambridge, shakes hands with Ann Marie Davis as their husbands, Prince William and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, look on.

Photo: Eric Rose/BIS

PRINCE William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are introduced to the reception committee by Governor General Sir Cornelius A Smith. Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

ROYAL ‘SLAP IN THE FACE’ TO RASTAFARIANS

from page one

“Well, it’s the same thing with them coming here.

They know what was done to our ancestors and I call them ones rent-a-rastas that allowed them to play our ceremonial drums.

That was a complete slap in the face by them sell out Rastaman them that allowed that.

“The Royal family they gat all kinds of artifacts and gems stolen from us during the slave trade. They have them held up in museums and such. What artifacts and jewels did the black people steal?”

While in Jamaica, Prince William and Kate were met with demands that the Crown pay reparations for Britain’s role in the slave trade.

According to USA Today, Prince William expressed “profound sorrow” for slavery during

the visit, although he stopped short of offering the apology demanded by protesters who are also seeking reparations.

Prince William made the comments during a dinner in Kingston.

He echoed the words of his father, the Prince of Wales, who described the slave trade as an “appalling atrocity” during a visit to Barbados last year, when that Caribbean nation severed its ties to the British Crown and became a republic.

“I want to express my profound sorrow,” Prince William said earlier this week. “Slavery was abhorrent, and it should never have happened.”

In response, Priest McKinney said: “That’s even worse. No apology?

This is why we are fighting for the rights of all black people because the oppression continues. It’s not just the oppressions of

the Rastaman them, it’s the oppression of all, for you and everyone.

“The highest title they give us is sir and ma’am.

That’s because no one is higher than them. That’s why we greet you and say empress. This is why we are fighting for all.”

Regarding the Royals’ visit to The Bahamas, the Bahamas National Reparations Committee issued a statement earlier this week questioning why this country was left “holding the bag” for much of the costs of the trip.

“There is no doubt that the Organising Committee (has) done a stellar job in accommodating the British Royal family, and by many standards this trip to accommodate the Royal family will be seen as a resounding success. However, once William and Kate have passed over the newly paved roads, driven by the freshly painted

walls, and waved to the schoolchildren who have been pulled out of their classes to stand and watch them go by, what will the Bahamian people be left with?

“We, the members of the Bahamas National Reparations Committee (BNRC), recognise that the people of The Bahamas have been left holding the bag for much of the cost of this extravagant trip. Why are we footing the bill for the benefit of a regime whose rise to ‘greatness’ was fueled by the extinction, enslavement, colonisation, and degradation of the people of this land? Why are we being made to pay again?

“This visit commemorates 70 years since Queen Elizabeth’s ascension to the throne of imperialism - more years than The Bahamas has been a sovereign nation.

The BNRC asserts that

we as Bahamians must have a clear understanding of what this trip truly means.

“We are not beholden to the British monarchy in any way and we do not owe them a debt of gratitude for anything - not for our

culture, religion, or system of governance. Instead, the monarchy has looted and pillaged our land and our people for centuries, leaving us struggling with under-development, left to pick up the pieces,” the committee said.

PAGE 4, Friday, March 25, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

FNM chair questions government spending

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands said the government’s spending on roads and a stadium speaks volumes of its priorities for Bahamians.

“Government makes decisions about their priorities and their priorities for spending determines the character of that government,” he said in Grand Bahama yesterday.

“I think it speaks volumes as we are in the process of preparing for a Royal visit,” he said. “We form a part of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, but as we spend thousands, if not tens of thousands on roads, I am reminded of the utterance of the PLP when it was in opposition.”

Dr Sands was responding to a question posed by reporters of how spending on renovating the hospitals has been discontinued by the government, which has decided to spend money on a stadium in New Providence.

“If you have a finite amount of money, then how you spend that money is reflective of your priorities and character,” he said.

“And so, if you choose not to assist certain persons and you spend your money elsewhere, then it speaks for itself.”

Additionally, Dr Sands also questioned the big promises being made by the new Davis administration.

“It is very interesting to look at the utterances of this administration. On one hand they talk about financial challenges that exist.

On the other hand, these magnificent promises are being made that I wonder how we are going to be able to finance and afford them, and whether or not planning on walking away from commitments already made.”

The Minnis government had planned to invest $100m in upgrades to Princess Margaret and Rand Memorial Hospitals. The $100m included $70m for PMH and $19m for the Rand, which included new modern multi-story towers to house the most cuttingedge equipment, provide additional bed space and enhance day-to-day operations.

The Davis administration has put the brakes on those plans citing concerns over the contract signed.

Prime Minister Philip Davis said his government plans to build a new hospital for Grand Bahama.

Said Dr Sands: “One thing I can say is the Public Hospital Authority at this point and the public health system finds itself in a very challenging place on the basis of incomplete

financing. And, to now go ahead and over-expose the health system, even further, is quite a gamble.”

When asked about the discontinuation of unemployment assistance from the National Insurance Board that was started during the pandemic and food vouchers to struggling straw vendors on Grand Bahama, Dr Sands said again it all goes back to the PLP’s priorities.

“Government spending is an issue of priority, a government will spend money if it determines that money is best spent in that particular area. Let’s say imagine what $2.5m could do for straw vendors, what it could do for school uniforms, to help buy food, to restore hospital equipment that is broken, and cars for police, and I could go on and on. How you spend that money is reflective of your character,” Dr Sands said.

In January, Works and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears said more than $31m will be needed to complete the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. Last week, he said the government has approved funding for construction works to resume at the site.

Mr Sears told parliamentarians he was recently informed that some $5m was transferred to the project’s contractor.

FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

GRAND BAHAMA ‘A SPECIAL PLACE’ FOR THE FNM

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Chairman Dr Duane Sands says that Grand Bahama is hallowed ground for the official opposition and remains a special place for the party.

“Grand Bahama to the FNM is a special place, and it is very difficult to separate the significance of Grand Bahama and the history of opposition politics,” he said yesterday at

the party’s headquarters in West Atlantic Drive.

He said that under the new leadership of Michael Pintard and Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright, efforts are underway to move the organisation forward and to regain the government in 2026.

“The leadership has evolved and has changed, and we now have a new leader in Michael Pintard and a new deputy leader in Shanendon Cartwright, and I am privileged to be the chairman,” Dr Sands said.

“And we thought it… absolutely necessary tonight to come to Grand Bahama as a team to meet with the leadership of the five constituencies in Grand Bahama to discuss the current standing of the FNM and the vision of this organisation moving forward.

“Grand Bahama has been and remains FNM country, and we are going to identify the approach we will take as we head to regain the government in 2026.”

He stated that there

is a level of excitement as FNMs meet with Mr Pintard.

“It is a wonderful homecoming for the leader, and I am happy to be a part of that process tonight. We are on hallowed political ground when it comes to the FNM,” he said.

The FNM chairman stated that the constituency associations play a pivotal role for the party.

“The five constituencies in Grand Bahama… are very well established and active and play an

integral role not just in the mechanism of the organisation, but they are also tied into the activity in the community.”

Dr Sands said the party is committed to regaining the trust of Grand Bahama again. The FNM, which had five seats going into the last election, held onto three – Central Grand Bahama, Marco City, and East Grand Bahama.

As national chairman, Dr Sands said he has made a commitment to come to the island twice monthly.

“I also made a commitment on campaigning to become chairman to meet with executives of Grand Bahama FNM associations monthly. And so, I am making good on that promise starting tonight.”

Dr Sands said the loss of two seats by the FNM was the result of the pain and economic challenges Grand Bahamians were experiencing after Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely affected the economy of Grand Bahama.

US DROPS COVID RISK LEVEL FOR BAHAMAS from page one

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Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said compliance is key to attaining this type of success.

“We all hold the key to our success,” he said in a statement.

“Free testing is available for anyone who wishes to know their COVID19 status. And getting vaccinated remains the scientifically-proven best way of protecting ourselves and our loved ones.”

The announcement by the CDC came by an advisement from CARPHA, the Caribbean Public Health Agency yesterday, the ministry said.

A formal announcement of the de-escalation in travel risk to The Bahamas will be posted on the CDC’s Website and Social Media sites on Monday, the ministry added.

This comes as local COVID-19 cases remain low.

On March 23, the Ministry of Health recorded just four new cases, bringing the nation’s toll to 33,242.

However, one more COVID death was also reported: a 73-year-old Grand Bahama woman who died on March 7.

Six people are in hospital with the disease.

Last week, Dr Nikkiah Forbes, director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme at the Ministry of Health, said while The Bahamas has successfully flattened the curve on the most recent COVID wave, people should still wear their masks.

“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”.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 25, 2022, PAGE 5

Gibson $2.5m settlement ‘shows need for commission’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE Organisation for Responsible Governance has said former Cabinet Minister Shane Gibson’s $2.5m settlement with the government over his malicious prosecution lawsuit underscores the need for the establishment of an Integrity Commission.

Matt Aubry, ORG’s executive director, told The Tribune yesterday that such a commission would be able to objectively look at claims of corruption, vet them and dismiss them if they have no merit.

He said if a need to prosecute is found by an Integrity Commission, it can be done in an “above board way” without appearing to be politically motivated.

He spoke to this newspaper the day after it was confirmed that Mr Gibson reached a $2.5m settlement with the government after making claims of malicious prosecution and false imprisonment following his acquittal in a bribery trial in 2019.

After his acquittal, the former Cabinet minister’s lawyers argued his case was tainted with “wickedness” and “injustice” from the start. They pointed to the Minnis administration’s 2017 campaign promise to jail corrupt government officials and to the actions of a senior police investigator who met key witnesses to align their stories.

Mr Aubry was asked to respond to some who believe the size of the settlement creates bad optics for the Davis administration. Mr Gibson is a former Progressive Liberal Party Cabinet minister.

Mr Aubry said in cases where public officials face allegations of misconduct an independent body should be set up to investigate, which could help restore public trust, so that cases do not appear to be politically motivated.

“The other opportunity that we think has real benefit to consider is the Integrity Commission as was outlined in the last legislative session where you have an independent body that can vet these things (allegations of corruption) as they come forward and view them and determine and make all the necessary determinations in an apolitical space.

“Not to say that this may not happen politically or apolitically, it’s hard to tell, the optics presented though as if it’s a political back and forth and fundamentally we need to restore the public’s trust that there is a process in place where if claims are brought forward they are going to be looked at objectively, vetted extensively, and if found to have no merit they are dismissed and publicly determined to have been done so and if there is a need to prosecute done so again in a very above board way,” Mr Aubry said.

Speaking generally, Mr Aubry said The Bahamas must consider other types of legislation and models that can be put in place to address corruption.

“It’s been talked about by the attorney general and the minister of state for economic affairs that there is consideration for expansion or amendments of the Public Disclosures Act and I think there is opportunity in

FORMER MP Shane Gibson pictured at court in 2019. there to strengthen it, but I think, however, the amendment goes or traditional legislation is to be looked at having a comprehensive commission that independently that looks at these issues and also identifies other areas where potentially conflict of interest or issues of corruption could be present and starts to push forward.

I think it can help us in many instances.

“I think it will validate some of the things and investments that

have been made to minimise the incidents of corruption but also will identify proactively any other areas where there could be trouble that needs to be looked at, advanced and mitigated before it becomes something that leads to this kind of an outcome, which doesn’t present well for anybody and is clearly a big cost to the public funds,” Mr Aubry said.

It took jurors less than two hours to acquit Mr Gibson of 13 bribery charges. He was accused

TEACHERS FEAR FOR SAFETY, SAYS UNION PRESIDENT

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net AFTER the stabbing of a male student at AF Adderley Junior High this week, teachers at the school are concerned about their safety, according to Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson.

In a voice note released yesterday, Mrs Wilson said the union is saddened by the stabbing of “yet again another young male student”. The school was dismissed early yesterday.

Mrs Wilson said teachers were “sitting in” yesterday and plan to highlight their concerns in writing to education officials.

However, she said she is pleased that National Security Minister Wayne Munroe wants to put police back in schools.

“I really want to say to parents I urge you to take quality time with your children,” Mrs Wilson said.

“Know their whereabouts, know their friends, give them guidance. We are losing too many of our youths to violence and crime.”

She said this is not the first incident at AF Adderley since face-to-face classes resumed.

“So the teachers of AF Adderley Junior High School, they are very concerned about their safety. So today they are sitting in and they will prepare a document for the administration and for the Ministry of Education where they will highlight the concerns and they will also give recommendations on the way forward for safety on the school’s campus,” she said.

“I wish the young student a speedy recovery and we definitely need to have rehabilitation and counselling for the alleged perpetrators.”

On Wednesday, Mr Munroe acknowledged the

stabbing and said it may be gang-related.

He said he is prepared to station police officers within schools to strengthen safety.

In a separate voice note, Mrs Wilson supported the position.

“I am pleased that the national security minister has committed to utilise police officers in schools,” she said. “This will provide for another layer of protection for students and teachers to make sure that they are safe on our school campuses.

“For years, the Bahamas Union of Teachers have advocated for the return of police on school campuses.

Let me be clear though, the police will not take the place of the principal or the teachers or the disciplinarians in the schools but the police will work closely with administration and the teachers and the guidance counsellors to ensure safety on our campuses.

“The intelligence, in my view, that police will gather not only from within the school campus but also in the community could prove very beneficial in the prevention of crimes and violence on school campuses or even in the proximity of schools. Previously there was a school policing policy. There was a school policing manual.

There was a school policing committee.

“I’ve already reached out to Minister Wayne Munroe, permanent secretary of education and the commissioner of police. I await the comprehensive plan so that

we can ensure that everything is being done to keep not only the schools in New Providence but throughout The Bahamas safe,” she said.

The Tribune visited the school yesterday, however a reason was not given for the early dismissal.

The Tribune asked parents how they would feel about police returning to schools.

One parent welcomed the idea of police on campus.

The father has a daughter in the seventh grade who he said seemed okay, but she does not feel safe.

“I believe we should do more to protect the school because kids coming here, they’re finding ways to bring their weapons in,” he said. “You know they get their bags searched.

Sometimes, children may throw their weapons over by the fence and what not.

So I feel like they should do more.”

Parent Desmond Bowleg noticed a change at the school when he dropped off his son.

“When I dropped him here this morning we had to go through all of this body check, which I don’t have no problem with it, but it seems like you are sending your child into a prison.

“They usually do the routine COVID checks with you know sanitising hand, making sure you have on your mask. They would’ve checked the bags, but I saw them use a scanner like you know when you going into a prison or some places like high risk,” he said.

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BAHAMAS Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson.

of soliciting and accepting more than $200,000 in bribes from Jonathan Ash for expediting payments the contractor was owed for work done after Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

The Prevention of Bribery Act states that when a person is acquitted after trial in the Supreme Court for an offence under Part II, “the court may award costs to that person, such costs to be taxed and paid out of the consolidated fund”.

PAGE 6, Friday, March 25, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

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Workers in demand as furlough scheme ends WHILE all eyes are on the Royal visit that began yesterday, there is one story that should not be drowned out in the fanfare.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, one of the immediate problems as global travel shut down and the stream of visitors became first a trickle then shut off entirely was what to do about all the workers at hotels and tourist locations.

The furlough scheme that was brought in bought time by ensuring that, in these extraordinary circumstances, employers did not have to pay severance to workers at the end of 90 days from the point at which staff were suspended.

It made no sense obviously to keep empty hotels fully staffed with money draining away and the prospect of that forcing the permanent closure of locations. We wanted to ensure that when the restrictions lifted, there would be jobs to go back to.

And so came the furlough scheme. It did its job – and it came to an end last month.

What is most welcome of all is that the furlough scheme’s expiration did not lead to a spree of sackings. With companies back in business, the remaining staff on furlough seem to have been largely welcomed back on board.

More than that, companies are eager to find more workers, according to the director of Labour, Robert Farquharson.

He pointed to Nassau Cruise Port needing 250 construction workers, and a major hotel asking his department for resumes of Bahamians available to fill 40 posts there.

In the pages of The Tribune, we have seen for ourselves a number of

companies advertising for members of staff.

It is one more in a series of encouraging signs – yesterday we saluted another in Atlantis giving staff a pay rise, and news that vessel occupancy at the cruise port hit a post-pandemic record last Friday of 91 percent capacity.

The people who benefit from this most of all, of course, are the workers themselves. It has been a long, hard journey for many, but being back at work and having enough money for food on the table rather than depending on emergency distribution schemes. We cannot find words enough to say what that will mean to people.

As ever, it is not over – the news that around one in seven people are still unemployed means that the push to rebuild the economy and give everyone opportunities must still go on. But each of these pieces of economic news show the clouds are lifting, slowly but surely.

A salute In today’s Tribune, columnist Diane Phillips salutes one of our own – Brent Stubbs, whose reports on the world of Sports have graced The Tribune for decades.

Every word of praise is well-earned, and we are lucky to have him. We heartily encourage readers to read the whole column. Notably, he has also been on his own journey in recent years, and in May he will be named a reverend at his church in Fox Hill.

That won’t stop him writing, however!

And we’re very glad of that.

Western Air A-Team shines bright EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WOULD be very pleased if you would grant me but a little space to express myself in your prestigious and highly regarded column.

Distinguished, poised, polished and very capable indeed are all worthwhile and suitable adjectives I would gladly use to describe the young women working at Western Air’s front counter at The Lynden Pindling International Airport.

I have had the privilege of doing business with the above mentioned individuals for the better part of the last two years now, and their smarts, penchant for hard work, attentiveness to detail and an unwavering dedication to meet the needs of their clients is admirable to say the very least.

I would even venture to say that because of this

apparent “frontline excellence” there remains little wonder why Western Air has become so great a force and so dominant an airline. An airline that is now taking its rightful place at the table, and is also taking a lion’s share of the market by storm. We Bahamians can be a rowdy people, but we all know good service when we see it.

Let me hasten here to thank and also to heap lavish and deserving praise on Mr. Ricardo Wilson for his “people skills” and also for his brilliance at the helm. And it would be remiss of me to not make mention of the Human Resource department for “striking gold” when putting together so wonderful a grouping. I will say to Mr Wilson and also to the creative leadership team that surrounds him that -- it is my hope you will all surround “the tree of opportunity” put your

hands on its trunk, bow yourselves and shake hard with all of your might until something gives, or until “a big, sweet and juicy fruit” falls out from the branches that will not only bring a smile, but will also make the young women’s day!

Mr Wilson, please convey my thanks and also my gratitude to these fine young women for a job well done! Here is a list of distinguished names that I have been able to compile over the last few years: Shaunice Woodside, Glydis Russell, Joshnell Lightbourne, Olivia Pratt, Valorie Moss, Richie Armbrister and (stewardess) Anastasia Miller. Not only do I see these women as outstanding Bahamians, but I also see them as such “fine feathers in your huge hat!”

DON MOBLEY Nassau, March 24, 2022.

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Ukraine war and Putin EDITOR, The Tribune.

WE ARE very lucky to live in a democracy, in a democracy we are allowed to write and say what we like. As an example we can write a letter to our newspapers (and importantly get them published) critical of the government.

We have the right of freedom of speech. In the USA a very large democracy widely differing opinions are voiced freely within the media. You have opinions from the extreme right with outright racist/antiSemitic points of view. You also have opinions from the extreme left advocating communism as a form of government. These are not mainstream opinions and have small followings, but importantly they are allowed to voice their opinions regardless of how unsavory they are.

There is a long rambling letter in today‘s Tribune basically stating that the democratic west has got it all wrong in regards to the war in Ukraine. The letter states Russia and Putin have got it right. There was also reference to China as a moral compass agreeing with Russia.

Well, where does one start?

There are no opposition

LETTERS

letters@tribunemedia.net parties in Russia and China. Freedom of speech and democracy do not exist. If you were to stand up on the local street corner denouncing President Putin in Russia or President Xi in China you would be quickly removed not to be seen or heard of again. When you live in a democracy we take our freedoms for granted, but just think in Russian and China these freedoms do not exist.

Putin is an absolute leader and has been in power for over 20 years and will, barring unforeseen circumstances, stay in power until his death. Putin longs for Russia to be a major superpower again as in the glory days when he was an officer in the USSR’s secret and vicious secret service, the KGB. Putin himself is rumoured to be one of the richest men on the planet who has a host of oligarchs who launder his vast wealth most of which comes from Russia’s rich energy resources. These oligarchs have billions of dollars of the Russian citizens’ money stashed away

throughout the western world. Today‘s Tribune highlights $2.92 billion of Russian money here in the Bahamas and we are a small cog in the financial world.

Will Putin be satisfied with conquering Ukraine?

He is 69 and showing clears signs of paranoia and possibly slipping into insanity.

He has access to 4500 nuclear weapons.

If Putin carries on west into say Poland or any other NATO protected country then World War is a strong possibility all because of one man’s mental instability.

They called WW1 the war to end all wars. Sorry, not true a full scale nuclear world war will kill billions and every life left on the planet will change forever.

The letter attempting to defend Putin is not mainstream it’s from the fringes, it’s an extremist opinion.

How can you defend the indefensible?

Einstein famously said “I don’t know what WW3 will be fought with, but WW4 will be fought with sticks and stones.”

Putin is a danger to all citizens of the World.

THE REALIST Nassau, March 21, 2022.

The monarchy EDITOR, The Tribune.

GREAT Britain has historically had a foolproof method of dealing with corruption: it just legalised it.

A scheme of granting titles and vast landholdings to violent chieftains who helped suppress the peasantry and extend the writ of a foreign king has now developed into an honour system so prestigious that people all over the world fawn over it. That’s what I call good PR. Is it time for a hereditary monarchy based on

the notion of superiority by birth to be abandoned in a country with (dubious) pretences of world leadership in democracy and the ‘rule of law’? Probably.

But the institution so mesmerises some outsiders that it is widely held to be a major driver of tourism in the UK. And when did such considerations ever merit getting in the way of good profits?

At the end of the day, it is neither my business nor interest how the UK constitutionally orders itself.

As for The Bahamas, the

most compelling reason I can think of for not wasting the energy required to dump the monarchy is that there are too many real and tangibly harmful remnants of our inequitable past (like our regressive tax system, policing that emphasises population control over public safety and the unfinished business of universal health care) to be distracted fixing an ultimately empty and symbolic one.

ANDREW ALLEN Nassau, March 24, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

CROOKED ISLAND MAN DENIES ASSAULTING POLICE OFFICERS

By PAVEL BAILEY

A MAN from Crooked Island was arraigned yesterday on five separate charges, including two counts of assaulting police officers and causing harm to another man.

Simon Brice, 40, of Moss Town, Crooked Island, stood before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney on charges of causing harm, disorderly behaviour, obscene language and two counts of assaulting a police officer.

Brice is accused of intentionally causing harm to Kirkwood McKinney on March 18 at the Midway Bar and Restaurant in Cabbage Hill.

The accused was also charged for behaving in a disorderly manner at the Moss Town Administrator’s Office on December 13, 2021 around 1pm where he allegedly used obscene language to the annoyance of Constable Wright.

Brice is also accused of assaulting Police Constables

Butterfield and Rolle on December 11, 2021 at the Midway Bar while they were executing their duties at the establishment.

In court, Brice pleaded not guilty to all charges against him, except the causing of harm offence.

In relation to the causing harm charge Brice admitted to Magistrate McKinney that he did in fact slap the complainant in that matter.

He further explained that he only slapped Mr McKinney after he saw him harass a young man at the bar. He also said that even though this slap caused the complainant to fall resulting in injuries to his right hand and left hand as well as an abrasion to Mr McKinney’s nose, he had no real intention of harming him. Brice also said that Mr McKinney was tipsy at the time and that he is his friend.

This story contradicts the complainant’s recounting of the incident as his official report on the matter stated that Brice had attacked him with a bottle at the bar.

The magistrate told Brice that regardless of whether it was his intention or not to hurt the complainant with his blow, he is still responsible for the injuries Mr McKinney sustained as a result of these actions causing him to injure himself in the fall.

The magistrate ordered Brice to compensate Mr McKinney $500 for his injuries and placed the accused on 18 months probation. If he fails to do so or violates his probation, he risks spending six months in prison. Magistrate McKinney further informed the accused that he had until May 25 to compensate the complainant.

While prosecutor Inspector Timothy Bain raised the issue of Brice getting bail pointing out that he may commit further offences during that time, the magistrate granted the accused bail at $1,000 with one surety.

As for Brice’s other charges, his trial was adjourned to September 30.

MAN GUIILTY OF POSSESSION OF FAKE DRIVING LICENCE

By PAVEL BAILEY

A MAN was placed on two years’ probation yesterday after being arrested for possessing a fake driver’s licence.

Takiyah Armbrister, 21, appeared before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney on charges of possession of a forged document and uttering a forged document.

On March 22, Armbrister while driving a Honda Accord was caught speeding on University Drive near the University of the Bahamas by Police Sergeant Nesbitt. After Sgt Nesbitt noticed that Armbrister was not wearing a seatbelt he stopped the 21-year-old and asked him to present his licence.

Upon receiving the ID, the officer immediately became suspicious of the card and arrested Armbrister for having a fake ID. A further investigation would confirm the driver’s licence (#408907884) was in fact

falsified.

In court, Armbrister pleaded guilty to both counts against him. He had no prior charges.

Armbrister’s attorney, Ryszard Humes, then explained to the court that his client admitted to the offence and told officers that an unknown man had given Armbrister the fake driver’s licence.

The lawyer said that while Armbrister could not give the location of this unknown man, he was truly remorseful for his actions. Armbrister said that it was a poor decision he will not make again.

As Armbrister is gainfully employed and a college applicant at Synergy college for graphic design, his attorney asked Magistrate McKinney for leniency.

In addition to asking that the court take into account his client’s early plea, Mr Humes also asked that the court not give Armbrister a criminal record as it would

hamper his chances of finding a future career.

Taking this into consideration, the magistrate placed the accused on probation. If he violates the terms of his probation, he would have to pay a $1,500 fine or face three months in custody.

Friday, March 25, 2022, PAGE 7

Father fined after police find drugs stash

By PAVEL BAILEY A FATHER was fined yesterday for drug possession after police found the contraband in his home.

David Gardner, 41, of Rupert Dean Lane, appeared before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney on charges of possession of drugs and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

On March 22, after police conducted a search of the residence in the presence of the accused, they uncovered a pink container that held suspected drugs in them. These drugs were later positively identified as 1.5 oz of Indian hemp and two grams of cocaine.

In court, Gardner pleaded guilty to both charges against him. The mother of his children, Normaneka Sands, 27, who was at the home when police found the drugs, was also arraigned with him on the same charges. She pleaded not guilty.

Gardner admitted to the court that while the drugs were his, they were only for his personal use and that Sands had nothing to do with them. He further explained that while Sands is the mother of his newly born twins they have not slept together in the same room in the apartment since the birth of their children and that the drugs were found in his room.

Gardner also asked that the court take into consideration his early plea of guilty so as not to waste the court’s time as he appealed for mercy and said that he had managed to stay out of jail since 2011.

He also told the magistrate he had no intention of joining the violent “drug war” in his area which Gardner stated was responsible for three shootings there in the past two days.

While Magistrate McKinney initially did not believe that Gardner had no intention of selling the drugs, after the accused explained that he had no interest in putting his family at risk from losing their breadwinner, the magistrate reduced the charges against him to simple possession.

The magistrate then sentenced Gardner to a fine of $500 or four months in prison for the Indian hemp possession and another fine of $200 or two months in custody for the cocaine.

He also placed him on 18 months’ probation. If Gardner faces any further charges during that time he will have to spend three months in custody.

Magistrate McKinney granted a discharge to Sands on her charges.

Another man also faced separate drug charges before Magistrate McKinney.

Travon Rolle, 25,

appeared in court for charges of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

On March 23, Rolle was arrested after police found one ounce of Indian hemp on his person.

This came after officers on mobile patrol stopped Rolle for speeding in a Honda Accord and their subsequent search of him and his vehicle for dangerous drugs and firearms uncovered the marijuana in 13 foil wrappings.

In court, Rolle pleaded guilty to the charge against him.

He admitted to the court that the drugs were for his personal use. He then explained that he used them to cope with the stresses of being the sole working member of his household, as well as the death of his brother and his grandmother’s recent stroke.

When the magistrate asked if smoking dope helped him make more money Rolle told him no, leading to Magistrate McKinney suggesting that the accused stop smoking.

While Rolle had an earlier drug conviction in 2020 for which he was fined $500, the magistrate still chose to reduce his charges to simple possession.

Magistrate McKinney then ordered Rolle to pay a fine of $700 or face three months in prison.

PAGE 8, Friday, March 25, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

THE CELEBRITY ARTIST, Jamaal Rolle, with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and the portrait he created of Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and, below, presenting the portrait.

THE DUKE and Duchess of Cambridge with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Ann Marie Davis.

Photo: Eric Rose/BIS

EIGHT-YEAR-OLD ANIAH MOSS, a grade-two student of Xavier’s Lower School, smiles after having presented a bouquet to the Duchess of Cambridge. Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

PRINCE William chatting to Governor General Sir Cornelius A Smith after arriving in The Bahamas yesterday.

PRIMARY TEACHING JOB OPPORTUNITY Are you a professional, creative, and dynamic elementary teacher?

Are you well-presented, well-spoken and have a positive attitude?

Do you have experience teaching virtually?

Are you looking for a new position in a small, independent, friendly and supportive school?

We are seeking a hard-working, energetic, and creative second-grade teacher to cover a maternity placement for our third term. (April 19thJune 17th).

Bachelor’s degree is essential.

Google Classroom experience preferred.

CPR & First Aid Certification is also preferred.

Please send your resume along with 2 references and a short description of why you think you would be an asset to our school to timetoteach242@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 25, 2022, PAGE 9

BRENT STUBBS: TO THE QUIET GOES THE GLORY, EVEN IF IT TAKES A LITTLE LONGER

By Diane Phillips

BRENT STUBBS, who has been reporting on sports for The Tribune for 40 years.

WE are so busy looking for the greatest of all time, we even created an acronym for it. GOAT gave us an excuse to focus on the best of the best - the Simone Biles, Serena Williams, Tom Bradys, LeBron James and Michael Jordans of the world.

We became preoccupied, almost obsessed, with the simple solution of whose life to celebrate when we needed a little relief during a pandemic followed by a war.

But being razor-focused on the best of the best had a downside. It made it too easy to overlook the contribution of others.

In sports writing, there will only ever be one GOAT, the swash-buckling, fast-typing, storyteller Ernest Hemingway who could chug a rum and tell a tale like no one before or after even if the sport of bull-fighting turned your stomach and you wished the big fish he was fighting would get away.

Hemingway may have been a guest in this country for a short while. He may have left a mark, but so has another Bahamian, a quiet man who deserves a different kind of respect and thanks.

His name is Brent Stubbs.

For the last 40 years, he has brought us a front row seat through the written word to the glory of victory and the agony of defeat of every major sporting event and every player in The Bahamas. There is not an athlete he does not know, a sport he does not understand, a trip he was not willing to take to cover an event that sports fans in The Bahamas wanted firsthand knowledge of.

Stubbs does not play favourites. Whether he is covering a Saturday swim meet or a bitter dispute among associations and federations, he tells it as he sees it through the eyes of someone who has seen about everything there is to see in the world of sports in The Bahamas and wherever Bahamian athletes travel. Humility has kept him honest. No meet, game, regatta or play-off is too minor for his attention.

He covers everything from equestrian events to track and field, from sailing to baseball, from the athletes who show promise to the Bahamians who deliver that promise on the world stage.

“Brent Stubbs is a quiet, hardworking gentleman who has spent his life with The Tribune and in doing so has seen almost the whole world through the lens of his international sports reporting,” says Eileen Carron, the paper’s longest serving publisher, a keen observer and a worldclass writer herself. “He deserves our praise. After four decades, he works as hard on a story now as he did as a junior reporter.

Every event is new. He covers it with respect and writes with history that no one can match.”

Stubbs is so much a part of the sports reporting world that the Bahamas’

most decorated athlete Pauline Davis singled him out during the recent signing ceremony for her new book, Running Sideways.

When a speaker at the packed event in Goodman’s Bay intended to make reference to Brent’s contribution and accidentally called him Brent Symonette, the voices of more than 150 dignitaries, friends, family and admirers rose in thunderous protest to correct him in no uncertain terms, shouting instantly Brent Stubbs. An embarrassed speaker soon recovered but the crowd had set him straight. This was Pauline’s night and the only Brent that mattered to her had nothing to do with politics and everything to do with good sports coverage. It might have been the loudest chorus of his name this quiet writer has ever heard.

“He knew me better than anyone except my coaches and family,” explains five-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist Pauline Davis. “We go way back to when we were kids.

We trained together in the Bain Town Flyers and we were both coached by Neville Wisdom. Later, when Brent was a writer, if he was at a meet, I felt better. I just felt somehow even though he was reporting on everything, like he had my back.”

Ironically, Stubbs did not start out to be a journalist of any kind. He was a track and field star at St Augustine’s College when in his senior year, he suffered shin splits. The injury was so severe that despite rehab, he could not return to track.

No longer able to run, he started writing about sports for the school paper. After graduation, he was working for Mr Photo when a former teacher walked in, told him there was a job opening at The Tribune and urged him to apply.

Brent got the job and has spent 40 of his 56 years at this paper’s sports desk.

Stubbs has been honoured by the SAC with the Alumni Achievement Award in Sports Journalism. In May, he will be named a reverend in his church, Macedonia Baptist on Bernard Road in Fox Hill. The church, just like Brent, is not pretentious. It just goes about its duties helping the community thanks to members like the sportswriter who has donated hundreds of hours of volunteer work to it.

A husband, father of four, pioneer and soon to be a reverend who is so humble that he promised even after nearly half a century of performance, he would not allow his new responsibility with the church to interfere with his duties as a writer. “I appreciate all you and this company do for me,” he said in an e-mail to someone from The Tribune he invited to the ceremony.

Brent, you almost had it right. The wording should go like this: Brent, we in The Bahamas appreciate all you do for us, for the world of sports and for those who make winning their dream.

THE ROYAL REGATTA – ARE YOU CONVINCED NOW SAILING SHOULD BE THE NATIONAL SPORT?

ROYALS William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are on the island of New Providence today, March 25. That’s hardly news. You knew something was happening when they closed the government’s tar plant to the public for two weeks to ensure there would be enough tar to pave all the roads the royal convoy would travel during their one-day visit to the capital before going to Abaco and Grand Bahama.

What’s especially noteworthy is what they chose to do in the nation’s capital. They chose to sail, to participate in a regatta on Montagu Bay to be exact. Weather permitting, they will face off against each other, Kate on one native sloop, William, a likely future king, on another. They did not choose the official national sport, cricket. They chose sailing.

How much more will it take to convince the powers that be that

sailing should be the national sport?

From the pre-history of The Bahamas to this very day, sailing has been part of what and who we are. The water is our highway and our way of life. It is our breathing space and our sports arena. It gives us life and feeds our soul and when the majestic native sloops with ivory canvas-like sails being hoisted on masts twice the height of their hulls defy the odds and the voices on the boats shout starboard for their rights even if they are on port, every element of Bahamian culture explodes with excitement.

The human strength to pull anchor and cross the start line cleanly without fouling or going too early, the strength and teamwork to hoist the oversized sail, the quickness to tack and scramble out on the pry board with competition beating down on you and the next mark within sight in a race being fought with more grit

and determination than mechanical advantage, what more could you ask in a sport born of the sea and of the man - and womanpower to take part in it?

From dozens of inner-city children who participate in the Opti class to world-class sailors like Gavin McKinney, Craig Symonette and Mark Holowesko who do The Bahamas proud in a one-design class, to young Olympian sailors like Paul de Souza to the hundreds who participate in native sloop regattas, sailing is a sport for everyman and everywoman. It does not discriminate based on age, colour, education or political affiliation. It just is.

It is time to get real. The ship of cricket as the official national sport of The Bahamas has sailed.

At the risk of repeating myself, how much more will it take to convince the powers that be that sailing should be the national sport?

PAGE 10, Friday, March 25, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

A MAN holds his head as he stands in his apartment in a multi-storey house destroyed in a Russian attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, yesterday.

Photo: Efrem Lukatsky/AP

Ukraine: Moscow taking citizens forcibly to Russia KYIV, Ukraine Associated Press UKRAINE accused Moscow yesterday of forcibly taking hundreds of thousands of civilians from shattered Ukrainian cities to Russia, where some may be used as “hostages” to pressure Kyiv to give up.

Lyudmyla Denisova, Ukraine’s ombudsperson, said 402,000 people, including 84,000 children, have been taken against their will.

The Kremlin gave nearly identical numbers for those who have been relocated, but said they wanted to go to Russia. Ukraine’s rebelcontrolled eastern regions are predominantly Russianspeaking, and many people there have supported close ties to Moscow.

A month into the invasion, meanwhile, the two sides traded heavy blows in what has become a devastating war of attrition.

Ukraine’s navy said it sank a large Russian landing ship near the port city of Berdyansk that had been used to

bring in armored vehicles.

Russia claimed to have taken the eastern town of Izyum after fierce fighting.

At an emergency NATO summit in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pleaded with the Western allies via video for planes, tanks, rockets, air defense systems and other weapons, saying his country is “defending our common values”.

US President Joe Biden, in Europe for the summit and other high-level meetings, gave assurances more aid is on its way, though it appeared unlikely the West would give Zelenskyy everything he wanted, for fear of triggering a much wider war.

Around the capital, Kyiv, and other areas, Ukrainian defenders have fought Moscow’s ground troops to a near-stalemate, raising fears that a frustrated Russian President Vladimir Putin will resort to chemical, biological or nuclear weapons.

In other developments Thursday: • Ukraine and Russia

exchanged a total of 50 military and civilian prisoners, the largest swap reported yet, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said.

• The pro-Moscow leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, warned that Poland’s proposal to deploy a Western peacekeeping force in Ukraine “will mean World War III.” • In Chernihiv, where an airstrike this week destroyed a crucial bridge, a city official, Olexander Lomako, said a “humanitarian catastrophe” is unfolding as Russian forces target food storage places.

He said about 130,000 people are left in the besieged city, about half its prewar population.

• Russia said it will offer safe passage starting Friday to 67 ships from 15 foreign countries that are stranded in Ukrainian ports because of the danger of shelling and mines.

Kyiv and Moscow gave conflicting accounts, meanwhile, about the people

being relocated to Russia and whether they were going willingly — as Russia claimed — or were being coerced or lied to.

Russian Col Gen. Mikhail Mizintsev said the roughly 400,000 people evacuated to Russia since the start of the military action were from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine, where pro-Moscow separatists have been fighting for control for nearly eight years.

Russian authorities said they are providing accommodations and dispensing payments to the evacuees.

But Donetsk Region Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko said that “people are being forcibly moved into the territory of the aggressor state.” Denisova said those removed by Russian troops included a 92-year-old woman in Mariupol who was forced to go to Taganrog in southern Russia.

Ukrainian officials said that the Russians are taking people’s passports and moving them to “filtration camps” in Ukraine’s separatist-controlled east

before sending them to various distant, economically depressed areas in Russia.

Among those taken, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry charged, were 6,000 residents of Mariupol, the devastated port city in the country’s east. Moscow’s troops are confiscating identity documents from an additional 15,000 people in a section of Mariupol under Russian control.

Some could be sent as far as the Pacific island of Sakhalin, Ukrainian intelligence said, and are being offered jobs on condition they don’t leave for two years. The ministry said the Russians intend to “use them as hostages and put more political pressure on Ukraine”.

Kyrylenko said that Mariupol’s residents have been long deprived of information and that the Russians feed them false claims about Ukraine’s defeats to persuade them to move to Russia.

“Russian lies may influence those who have been under the siege,” he said.

As for the naval attack

in Berdyansk, Ukraine claimed two more ships were damaged and a 3,000ton fuel tank was destroyed when the Orsk was sunk, causing a fire that spread to ammunition supplies.

Sending a signal that Western sanctions have not brought it to its knees, Russia reopened its stock market but allowed only limited trading to prevent mass sell-offs. Foreigners were barred from selling, and traders were prohibited from short selling, or betting prices would fall.

Millions of people in Ukraine have made their way out of the country, some pushed to the limit after trying to stay and cope.

At the central station in the western city of Lviv, a teenage girl stood in the doorway of a waiting train, a white pet rabbit shivering in her arms. She was on her way to join her mother and then go on to Poland or Germany. She had been traveling alone, leaving other family members behind in Dnipro.

REPUBLICAN LEADER TO VOTE NO TO FIRST BLACK WOMAN ON SUPREME COURT WASHINGTON Associated Press

GIRLS walk upstairs as they enter a school before class in Kabul, Afghanistan on September 12, 2021.

Photo: Felipe Dana/AP

TALIBAN RENEGES ON GIRLS’ EDUCATION PLEDGE KABUL, Afghanistan Associated Press

A NEWS presenter on Afghanistan’s TOLO TV wept as he read the announcement. Images of girls crying after being turned back from school flooded social media. Aid groups and many others remained baffled.

The Taliban have so far refused to explain their sudden decision to renege on the pledge to allow girls to go to school beyond sixth grade.

Schools were supposed to reopen to older girls on Wednesday, the start of the new school year.

The ban caught even the Taliban-appointed Education Ministry unprepared. In many places across Afghanistan, some girls in higher grades returned to schools, only to be told to go home.

The move may have been designed to appease the Taliban’s hard-line base but

it came at the expense of further alienating the international community. The world has been reluctant to officially recognise Afghanistan’s new rulers, concerned the Taliban would impose similar harsh measures and restrictions — particularly limiting women’s rights — as when they previously ruled the country in the late 1990s.

The United Nations children’s agency told The Associated Press on yesterday they were blindsided by the announcement.

“I think that yesterday was a very confusing day for all of us,” said Jeannette Vogelaar, UNICEF’s chief of education in Afghanistan.

“We were blindsided,” said Sam Mort, UNICEF’s communications chief in Afghanistan. “All the messages, all the actions that had been taking place led us to believe that schools were opening, and as we understand it, that’s what our

counterparts in the Ministry of Education believed as well.”

Ahead of the planned reopening, in remote and deeply conservative villages — where women teachers may not have been available to educate girls — arrangements were made for older male teachers, who were considered acceptable, to step in and teach all-girls classes beyond sixth grade.

Coincidentally or not, the Taliban leadership was summoned on Wednesday to southern Kandahar province amid rumors of a Cabinet shuffle, which was later denied. Still, reports have persisted of declining health of the elderly, Taliban-appointed Prime Minister Hasan Akhund, a hard-liner.

It’s unclear whether a tussle among the Taliban on how to rule the country could have contributed to Wednesday’s ban but Torek Farhadi, an analyst who has advised past Afghan governments, called it a misfire.

SENATE Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced yesterday that he will vote against confirming Ketanji Brown Jackson, saying he “cannot and will not” support the groundbreaking nominee for a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court.

While McConnell’s opposition was not unexpected and Jackson’s confirmation is still on track, his declaration coming only hours after the Senate Judiciary Committee wrapped up four days of hearings probably will lead many fellow Republicans to follow suit.

Democrats can confirm Jackson, the first Black woman nominated for the nation’s highest court, without any GOP support in the 50-50 Senate, where Vice President Kamala Harris can cast the tiebreaking vote.

McConnell slammed the liberal groups that have supported Jackson, and he criticised her for refusing to take a position on the size of the nine-member court, even though that decision is ultimately up to Congress.

Some advocacy have pushed for enlarging the

court after three of President Donald Trump’s nominees cemented a conservative majority.

“Judge Jackson was the court packers’ pick and she testified like it,” McConnell said in a floor speech.

Over two days of committee questioning this week, Republicans interrogated Jackson about her record as a federal judge, including her sentencing of criminal defendants, as she seeks to become the first Black woman on the nation’s highest court.

Legal experts praised Jackson in the final day of hearings Thursday, with a top lawyers’ group saying its review found she has a “sterling” reputation, “exceptional” competence and is well qualified to sit on the Supreme Court.

“Outstanding, excellent, superior, superb,” testified Ann Claire Williams, chair of the American Bar Association committee that makes recommendations on federal judges.

Williams said the group spoke to more than 250 judges and lawyers about Jackson. “The question we kept asking ourselves: How does one human being do so much so extraordinary well?”

SPORTS PAGE 11

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

NBA, Page 13

Top high school golfers clash in chase for titles

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

M

inister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin is thrilled that high school sports is back and one of those is the Bahamas Golf Federation’s second annual National High School Golf Championships.

Hanna-Martin was on hand to view the final segment of the preliminaries yesterday at the BGF’s Nine Hole Golf Club and Driving Range at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The tournament will wrap up today when the top players in both the private and public schools will clash for the individual and team titles.

“This is a beautiful site because this tournament is tapping into the incredible talent that our young people have,” said HannaMartin, who was joined

by Minister of State Zane Lightbourne as well as Mark Lawrie, who is representing the R&A. “In many instances, it is redirecting our young people and putting them

MCPHEEMCCUIN SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON OLE MISS REBELS

were very pleased with the turnout for the past four days and even though it has been very cool, the breeze was a bit of a challenge for them. “But we train our kids to become international ambassadors for us so they have to get used

AFTER much speculation on social media following their exit from the NCAA Tournament, Yolett McPhee-McCuin reassured the Ole Miss fanbase of her commitment to the programme and her intention to return.

Despite a report from Mike Robinson of The Ball Out on Wednesday that McPhee-McCuin was in line to be the next head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, the fourth year Ole Miss head coach delivered a statement to the contrary last night.

“I truly believe in what we’ve built here at Ole Miss. Keith [Ole Miss Athletic Director - Keith Carter] and Jen [Ole Miss Associate Athletics Director - Jen Saxon] are committed to our programme. Our visions are aligned and to me that’s important,” she said.

“If you look at my track record we have been able to show consistent success

SEE PAGE 14

SEE PAGE 12

MINISTER of State for Education Zane Lightbourne and BGF’s Junior Golf Director Gina Rolle-Gonzalez, are joined by some of the top high school golf players at the BGF’s Golf Club and Driving Range at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff on a positive course. Programmes such as this are what is needed in this country because this is opening the door for the incredible wealth of talents that young Bahamian athletes have. So this is just beautiful.”

With so many social ills occuring in the

country right now, HannaMartin said the tournament is a breath of fresh air, especially coming out of the strict restrictions that was placed on the country in the wake of COVID-19.

“It feels like we’re coming back alive again.

A part of us was shut down and now as we open

it up, the vitality and liveliness is being restored,” she noted. “These types of programmes are very important. So this is great.

We just hope another variant doesn’t come our way.

We’re not into that.”

Gina Gonzales-Rolle, the chairman of the BGF’s Junior Division, said they

Ayton on career high: ‘We’re very poised as a team’

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net A SMILING Deandre Ayton clutched the game ball during his post game press conference to commemorate a personal career milestone but also added that team success remains the ultimate goal.

Ayton scored a careerhigh 35 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in Wednesday night’s 125-116 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Matched up against Karl Anthony-Towns, Ayton limited the three-time AllStar to 15 points and 11 rebounds.

“I’m not playing against that team, I’m playing thinking about the playoffs, getting myself ready for the playoffs. Working on what action to take when teams get off to a good start on us, focusing and narrowing

down because we’ve been here a thousand times.

That’s what teams have to understand, maybe you’ve never had your arena this loud but we show it again and again, we’re very poised as a team.”

In a contentious matchup between two teams destined for the playoffs, the game featured eight technical fouls and two flagrant fouls between the teams.

“We love it, because it’s really getting us prepared,” Ayton said. “Not having our floor general out there you know has given us different looks and building confidence in other players like Sham [Landry Shamet] and Holiday [Aaron Holiday] giving us plays off the bench to help us win. Guys are ready to play no matter who’s on the floor.”

Ayton’s previous career high was 33 points scored against Denver Nuggets in 2018. He credited head coach Monty Williams and

PHOENIX Suns centre Deandre Ayton warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday in Minneapolis.

(AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King) the entire staff for the sup- on the offensive end, I’m confidence in me, so do all port and encouragement to just trying to be that threat the other guys on the team remain aggressive. and do things I’m capable and the coaches, so when “Since day one he’s been of doing,” Williams said. they really give me the on my tail to be aggressive “He’s seen it in me, he has green light to dominate like

that - it’s really every night they give me the green light, I just have to be ready and be consistent with it.”

Ayton shot 14-24 from the field on Saturday night.

“I’m happy for him but I’m also pleased as to how he did it,” head coach Monty Williams said of Ayton.

“It wasn’t a throw me the ball and let me go get mine.

He did it within the scheme of what we do.”

Due in large part to the play of Ayton and the emergence of Devin Booker as a legitimate MVP candidate, the Suns have gone 11-4 since an injury to 12 time All-Star point guard Chris Paul.

The Suns are now 59-14 on the season, the no.1 overall seed in the Western Conference by nine games, with nine games remaining.

Phoenix needs one win — or a Memphis loss — to wrap up home-court advantage for the entire playoffs.

NYC lifts vaccine rule Lathaniel Bastian that blocked athletes enters transfer portal after standout season from home games

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

By MICHELLE L PRICE Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — New York City’s mayor exempted athletes and performers — including Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving — from the city’s vaccine mandate yesterday, while keeping the rule in place for private and public workers who risk losing their jobs for refusing to get inoculated.

Several public employees unions whose members were fired for refusing the shots blasted Mayor Eric Adams for apparently lifting the rule only for wealthy and famous athletes.

Adams dismissed the criticism, saying exemptions for athletes and performers were important to the city’s economic recovery. The exemption is effective immediately.

SEE PAGE 13

NETS guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives against Magic guard R.J. Hampton on March 15.

(AP Photo/Phelan M Ebenhack)

FOLLOWING a standout season with the Angelo State Rams, Lathaniel Bastian has entered the transfer portal.

In his lone season with the Rams in NCAA Division II, Bastian was a Long Star Conference Honorable Mention selection.

He led the Rams in rebounding and blocked shots, averaging 7.8 boards and 1.4 blocks per game.

He has pulled down 219 rebounds, 90 on the offensive glass.

He averaged 11.3 points per game on 61 percent shooting from the field.

LATHANIEL Bastian Bastian recorded nine double doubles on the year.

He scored a season high 23 points against Western New Mexico on February 3 - his best shooting night at 8-12 from the field.

His other season highs included 16 rebounds against West Texas A&M

on March 3, four blocks against Northwest Nazarene on November 19, and four steals against Fort Lewis on November 14.

Bastian spent the previous two seasons with the Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals at the JuCo level.

As a sophomore with the Cardinals he averaged 5.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He also finished with 19 blocks, 11 steals and 14 assists on 53 percent shooting from the field.

The 6’7” 240-pound forward played locally with the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins programme at the high-school level before continuing collegiately in the United States.

PAGE 12, Friday, March 25, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

March Madness: Big brands and a big underdog in East

By EDDIE PELLS AP National Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) — These teams need no introduction.

Built by coaching icons John Wooden and Dean Smith, UCLA and North Carolina are as much a part of college basketball as the hardwood itself. Combined, the programmes have been to 39 Final Fours and won 17 national titles.

These teams need plenty of introduction.

Saint Peter’s, a tiny commuter college in the shadow of the Big Apple, and Purdue, a perennial sleeping giant in the Big Ten, are also on March Madness runs that few outside their own zip codes imagined when the brackets came out.

Today, fourth-seeded UCLA plays eighth-seeded North Carolina and No. 3 Purdue meets Saint Peter’s, which is trying to become the first 15 seed to advance to a regional final. One of these teams will emerge from the East for a trip to New Orleans and the Final Four.

“Everybody on our team has a chip on our shoulder,” said Peacocks guard Doug Edert, whose wispy mustache now has a Twitter account. “We’re always trying to prove ourselves as a programme, as a basketball team.”

But Saint Peter’s will hardly be alone in that respect over the next three days in Philly.

The fact that none of these teams — not the bluebloods, not Purdue and certainly not the Peacocks — came into this

UCLA’s Tyger Campbell practices for the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament yesterday.

(AP Photos/Matt Rourke) tournament as a trendy But very little has gone to pick provides yet another script this season in Chapel example of why, exactly, Hill. After a rough start, the the NCAA Tournament is Tar Heels (26-9) find themthe most-compelling event selves two wins away from on the American sports the program’s record 21st calendar.

Final Four.

For all its history and “I don’t think we really pedigree, North Carolina go into any game thinking was a team on the bubble any team we’re playing is through most of 2022. better than us,” said UNC Back-to-back blowout big man Armando Bacot. losses to Miami and Wake UCLA (27-7) is shootForest in January set the ing for its 20th Final Four stage, and first-year coach (officially, 19th, since the Hubert Davis’ team only NCAA vacated the 1980 truly felt secure about its appearance). Most of those tournament hopes after came during the Wooden a surprising runaway win dynasty of the 1960s and at Duke in coach Mike ‘70s when the Bruins won Krzyzewski’s final home the first 10 of their 11 titles. game.

The last Final Four trip That win blew a huge came last season. UCLA hole in one of the season’s was an 11th seed and took most enduring story lines — undefeated Gonzaga to the Coach K’s retirement party. buzzer and beyond.

PURDUE’s Jaden Ivey dribbles during practice for the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament yesterday in Philadelphia.

It took a bank shot from just inside half court with no time left in overtime to knock out the Bruins.

Most of that team is back, but UCLA has spent a lot of this season dealing with injuries and playing in the shadow of Arizona, the Pac-12 champions who are top seeded in the South and account for two of UCLA’s seven losses.

Now, comes a matchup with North Carolina — the 14th overall meeting between two of the country’s most storied programmes.

North Carolina is 1-1 against the Bruins in the tournament. The loss came in a Smith vs. Wooden coaching showdown in the 1968 title game. “I know

all about the Carolina way.

I have great reverence for their programme and the history of their programme,” Bruins coach Mick Cronin said. “But every time I turn left on Sunset (Boulevard), I pinch myself. A guy like me, you’re coaching at UCLA, then you’re coaching in a game like this, it’s cool.”

Both by seeding and by the odds, Purdue is the region’s favourite to make it to New Orleans. The Boilermakers (29-7) are, in some ways, a throwback to the way things used to be.

Behind the size of 6-foot10 Trevion Williams (11.9 points, seven rebounds a game) and 7-4 Zach Edey (14 and 8), they play inside out. A lot of the outside

action goes to Jaden Ivey (17 and 4). Two of the team’s four double-digit scorers are seniors. None are freshmen.

It is Purdue — not Michigan, Michigan State or Indiana — that has won more Big Ten regularseason titles than anyone (24). But the Boilermakers haven’t been to the Final Four since 1980 — when Joe Barry Carroll played in the middle and coach Gene Keady was still at Western Kentucky.

Matt Painter took over when Keady retired in 2005. This is his sixth trip to the Sweet 16. “He is 100% bought into the idea that if we do things a certain way, then we’re going to be a team that is very hard to deal with,” Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski said.

While Purdue has long envisioned a path here, Saint Peter’s (21-11) has been on a different road.

On February 12, the Peacocks were 12-11 and going nowhere in a conference that, essentially, had one headliner: Iona coach Rick Pitino. But Iona lost in the opening round of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament.

Meanwhile, Saint Peter’s, coached by former Seton Hall guard Shaheen Holloway, has reeled off nine straight wins.

“What we’re doing right now is going to go down in history,” said Daryl Banks III, the leading scorer in a rotation that goes 10-deep.

“But like we’ve said earlier, we’re not done yet. Once it happened, the next day we’re moving past it.”

OHIO STATE LOOKS TO SNAP LONG ELITE 8 DROUGHT AGAINST TEXAS

By TIM BOOTH AP Sports Writer SPOKANE, Wash.

(AP) — Rikki Harris didn’t seem interested in a brief history lesson on how long it’s been since Ohio State reached the Elite Eight in the women’s NCAA Tournament.

“I’m pretty sure we didn’t know that,” Harris quickly said of the nearly 30-year drought, drawing chuckles. “We just want to win and play. At this point we’re coming in as the underdogs in most of our games right now. Just playing hard and playing together, no chip on our shoulders.”

The sixth-seeded Buckeyes have a chance to end their 29-year drought tonight against No. 2 seed Texas in the Spokane Region semifinals.

The other game in the bracket features defending national champ No. 1 seed Stanford facing No. 4 seed Maryland.

It’s the first meeting between the powerhouse programmes in the NCAAs since the Cardinal beat the Terrapins in the 2008 regional final in the same building.

If Ohio State (25-6) makes it to Sunday, it would be the Buckeyes’ second straight upset, following their win over No. 3 seed LSU on Monday in Baton Rouge.

The last time Ohio State advanced past the round of 16 was 1993, reaching the national championship game before falling to Sheryl Swoopes and Texas Tech. Since then, they’ve made the Sweet 16 five times and fallen short of advancing every time, including a loss to Tennessee as a No. 2 seed in 2016.

“It would obviously be a huge milestone,” Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff said. “We have a very passionate fan base who takes a lot of pride in our programme. For them, I think it would be a huge deal. Certainly then for our players, what we’re

REBELS

FROM PAGE 11

over a period of time. The Sip is the move I’d like to continue to stabilise our programme! So renew your season tickets, sit tight and let my staff and I continue to work.”

The 2021-22 season came to a disappointing end for Ole Miss 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.

“Just how I said ‘It’s NCAA Tournament or bust,’ I can boldly

MARYLAND players react after guard Taisiya Kozlova scored a basket against Florida Gulf Coast during the second half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday in College Park, Md. Maryland won 89-65.

(AP Photo/Julio Cortez) trying to accomplish, who we’re have, they just play so experi- 41 points and starting a run that trying to be as a programme. enced,” Harmon said. “You kind has seen Stanford reach the That would be an obvious next of pick up from that. It’s been so Final Four eight times in the past step for us.” exciting.”

14 years.

Texas (28-6) arrives in the HELLO AGAIN “It was a phenomenal game. regional semis riding a 13-game Since the 2008 regional final Maryland and (coach) Brenda win streak; it hasn’t lost since a in Spokane, Maryland (23-8) (Frese) do just a great job,” three-game streak in early Feb- and Stanford (30-3) have played Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer ruary. The Longhorns hold the only once. That was earlier this said. “They have an outstanding second-longest active win streak season in the Bahamas, where team. They did then and they do of any remaining team in the Stanford picked up an 86-67 win now. It was a big, big win for our NCAA — behind only Stan- over the then-No. 2 Terrapins, programme.” ford’s 22 straight. who had just seven healthy playComing to Spokane is not all The Longhorns reached the ers due to illness and injury. bad memories for the Terrapins.

Elite Eight last year before fallThe 2008 meeting was a semi- The last time Maryland reached ing to South Carolina. This nal game for the Cardinal, who the Final Four in 2015, it came group is younger, led by fresh- won 98-87 to end an 11-year through the Spokane Regional. man guard Rori Harmon. drought between Final Four “To beat Tennessee, their sto“Having the team that you appearances. Candice Wiggins ried history and programme to have and the coach that you was the star that night, scoring go to the Final Four was also an

say that we’ll be back,” McPheeMcCuin said following the loss.

“For us to be here right now, it gives me great joy and also gives me assurance to know that the programme is headed in the right direction. I’m not going to let that get lost in the fact that we didn’t win a game today. We’ll be back and we’ll continue to grow.”

Ole Miss concluded the season 23-9 - 10-8 in the SEC - to earn an at-large bid and the no.7 seed in the Witchita Region. It was their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 15 years.

“As CEOs getting into this portal, you have to be careful and

we’re going to be careful on who we bring in,” McPhee-McCuin said. “We can’t bring in a bunch of one-years. We have to have a healthy mix. So that’s what we’re going to be looking to do, just have a healthy balance and mix of players that can help us do this so we don’t have to tear up the sheet and start all over again every year.”

McPhee-McCuin previously led the Jacksonville Dolphins programme to the NCAA Tournament in 2016. She led the programme to its first ASUN Tournament title and NCAA Tournament berth.

Following her tenure in Jacksonville, she 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 Rebels finished the season at 7-23 and suffered another opening round loss in the tournament. In year three, the Rebels finished the season 15-12, for their first winning season since 2016-17. After an 11-11 regular season, 4-10 in

incredible memory that that I’ll never forget,” Frese said.

GIVE THEM MOORE Texas has received an unexpected boost from freshman Aaliyah Moore, first during the Big 12 Tournament and now the first two games of the NCAAs. Moore had a game-high 21 points in the second-round victory over Utah, her third straight scoring in double figures. Moore made 9 of 10 shots in just 21 minutes off the bench.

She began the season in the starting lineup, but an ankle injury knocked her out for nearly two months. Moore struggled when she returned, scoring in double figures only once until popping for 12 points in the Big 12 title game win over Baylor.

She had 18 in the NCAA opener against Fairfield, followed by the big game against Utah.

“I think with (Aaliyah), you see now in these last few games a really confident kid, a kid that’s happy, that’s excited about getting back to her old self,” Texas coach Vic Schaefer said. “I think she’s really brought a lot to our team.”

UKRAINE FUNDS ON THE RISE VanDerveer’s pledge to donate $10 for every 3-pointer made in the women’s NCAA Tournament toward humanitarian efforts in Ukraine has become a regular topic at every tourney venue on both the men’s and women’s side.

VanDerveer said she’s received great response, commenting that even her dentist has agreed to chip in. WNBA star Brenna Stewart announced on social media on Wednesday she would be matching up to $20,000.

“I put it out there as a challenge. I’m really trying to focus on our team and coaching, but I’m getting help from other people to give it traction and just say as a basketball community, can we do something,” VanDerveer said.

the SEC, they advanced to the first SEC Quarterfinal since 2004.

Their résumé included three wins against ranked teams and four Top-50 NET wins. They eventually fell to Rice in the WNIT title game.

In 2021-22, McPhee-McCuin led Ole Miss 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.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 25, 2022, PAGE 13

Paul returns, Suns top Nuggets to wrap up NBA’s top seed DENVER (AP) — Chris Paul returned from a broken right wrist to help the Phoenix Suns wrap up the top seed in the NBA playoffs with a 140-130 victory over the Denver Nuggets last night.

Devin Booker led Phoenix with a season-high 49 points and Paul had 17 points — 15 of them after halftime — and 13 assists in the Suns’ seventh straight victory.

The Suns, who won 11 of the 15 games while their 12-time All-Star point guard was out, lead the NBA with a 60-14 record and are trying to make the NBA Finals for a second straight season after losing to Milwaukee last year.

Nikola Jokic led Denver with 28 points. The Nuggets shot 59.3% from the floor, but Phoenix was even hotter, hitting at a 60.5% clip.

Mikal Bridges added 22 points for the Suns on 8-of-9 shooting, Bridges and Deandre Ayton have played well in Paul’s absence and Ayton had a career-high 35 points Wednesday night in a comeback victory at Minnesota. He had 16 against denver.

Paul returned roughly five weeks after breaking his right thumb in a game against Houston on February 16, just before

the All-Star break. With a nine-game lead over second-place Memphis with eight games left for both teams, the Suns wrapped up the best record in the NBA and home-court throughout the playoffs.

GRIZZLIES 133, PACERS 103 MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Desmond Bane scored 30 points, hitting 12 of 15 shots, and Memphis beat Indiana to clinch a playoff spot.

Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 20 points, going 7 of 13 from the field, and the Grizzlies shot 54%.

De’Anthony Melton added 19 points, and John Konchar matched his career high with 18. Bane was 5 of 7 from outside the arc as Memphis made a seasonhigh 21 3-pointers.

Before the game, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins announced that leading scorer Ja Morant would miss the next two weeks with right knee soreness.

Lance Stephenson led Indiana with 25 points.

BUCKS 114, WIZARDS 102 MILWAUKEE (AP) — Jrue Holiday had 24 points and 10 assists to help shorthanded Milwaukee beat Washington.

Grayson Allen added 21 points and the Bucks never trailed despite playing

VACCINE FROM PAGE 11

One of the first beneficiaries will be Irving, a vaccine holdout who was allowed to rejoin the Nets in January but only when they played out of town games.

The Nets need him as they push for a playoff spot with nine games left in their regular season.

Adams’ predecessor, Mayor Bill de Blasio, made vaccination mandatory as a workplace safety rule last year before he left office but created a loophole exempting players and performers who aren’t based in New York City.

Adams said he felt that was unfair.

“Players attract people to the stadium,” Adams remarked as he announced the change during a news conference at Citi Field, where the Mets play. Accompanying him were Mets President Sandy Alderson and Yankees

GRIZZLIES ROUT PACERS WITHOUT MORANT TO CLINCH PLAYOFF SPOT

MEMPHIS Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) jumps to shoot against the Indiana Pacers in the second half of an NBA basketball game last night.

(AP Photo/Brandon Dill) without either of their two All-Stars: Khris Middleton

president Randy Levine, both of whom praised the decision.

“By putting our home teams on (an) equal playing field, we increase their chances of winning and that has a real impact on our city,” he said.

Public employees unions weren’t buying that.

“There can’t be one system for the elite and another for the essential workers of our city,” said Harry Nespoli, chair of the Municipal Labour Committee, an umbrella group of unions that together represent about 350,000 city workers.

The city’s largest police union echoed that argument, saying its officers “don’t deserve to be treated like second-class citizens.”

“If the mandate isn’t necessary for famous people, then it’s not necessary for the cops who are protecting our city in the middle of a crime crisis,” said union president Pat Lynch.

and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The city last month fired more than 1,400 workers who failed to comply with the vaccine mandate.

Adams said yesterday that he had no plans at this time to rehire those workers.

“This exemption sends the wrong message that higherpaid workers and celebrities are being valued as more important than our devoted civil servants, which I reject,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who is not related to the mayor.

Jay Varma, a health adviser to de Blasio, said in a tweet that the former mayor’s mandate had legal standing because it applied to everyone. “#VaccinesWork … unless you’re rich and powerful, in which case, #LobbyingWorks,” Varma said. He added: “The #KyrieCarveOut opens City up to entire scheme being voided by courts as “‘arbitrary and capricious.’”

Adams said he would not have made the change if city attorneys

Middleton missed a second straight game with

had advised him it wouldn’t stand up to a legal challenge.

The NBA and the players union issued a joint statement praising Adams’ decision.

“We applaud the mayor for listening to the concerns of our New York teams, players, fans and communities and for levelling the playing field for home teams and their opponents,” the statement said.

Concerns had been raised that De Blasio’s vaccination rule would also impact Major League Baseball.

Alderson and Levine have declined to specify how many of their players were unvaccinated.

Alderson said yesterday that it was “a minority” and Levine said “very few.”

Yankees star Aaron Judge refused to directly answer a question about his vaccine status earlier this month.

This led to speculation that another New York team would be

a sore left wrist. Antetokounmpo was out for the second time in three games with a sore right knee.

Ish Smith scored 17 points for Washington.

PELICANS 126, BULLS 109 NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Devonte’ Graham hit five 3-pointers on his way to a season-high 30 points, CJ McCollum scored 25 points and New Orleans beat Chicago.

Jonas Valanciunas added 16 points and 19 rebounds for the Pelicans. They won for the fourth time in six games as they try to solidify their hold on a Western Conference play-in spot.

Zach LaVine scored 39 points for Chicago, which played without leading scorer DeMar DeRozan (left groin) and lost for the fifth time in six games.

RAPTORS 118, CAVALIERS 104 TORONTO (AP) — Pascal Siakam matched his season high with 35 points, Chris Boucher added 17 and Toronto beat Cleveland to tighten the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Siakam was 6 for 7 from 3-point range to help Toronto snap a three-game home losing streak and tie Cleveland for the sixth-best record with nine games left.

Lauri Markkanen led Cleveland with 20 points.

hobbled by a player’s refusal to get inoculated.

When asked Wednesday about reports that the vaccine mandate for athletes was about to be lifted, Judge said he was “happy Kyrie can play some home games.”

The Yankees open their season at home against the Boston Red Sox on April 7.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen gave $1.5 million to a political action committee supporting Adams during his 2021 campaign. Adams is a Mets fan.

Adams has been rolling back other coronavirus restrictions, including on Tuesday when he said masks could become optional for children under 5 starting April 4.

Mask mandates for older children have already been removed, as have rules requiring people to show proof of vaccination to dine in a restaurant, work out at a gym, attend a show, or go to an indoor sporting event.

Another day, another win for Naomi Osaka at Miami Open

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Two days, two wins and making it look easy.

Naomi Osaka sure seems like herself again.

The former world No. 1 is through to the third round at the Miami Open, easily handling 13th-seeded Angelique Kerber of Germany 6-2, 6-3 yesterday.

It was every bit as onesided as the score made it seem, with Osaka winning 89 percent of first-serve points and 61 of the 100 points played in the match overall.

“It means a lot to me,” said Osaka, unseeded in Miami after falling to No. 77 in the world because she’s missed considerable time to focus on her mental health in recent years.

“She’s the first high-seeded player I’ve beaten this year.”

And when it comes to high-ranked opponents, the drought was even longer.

Kerber is ranked 15th in the world; the last time Osaka defeated a top-15 ranked player was when she topped then-No. 10 Serena Williams in the 2021 Australian Open semifinals.

Osaka went on to win that tournament and hasn’t been to a final since, but her win over Kerber — who had been 4-1 against Osaka entering yesterday — certainly made her look the part of a Miami contender.

“I went into the match just really wanting to play my game,” said Osaka, who has yet to drop a set in her two matches in Miami; she beat Astra Sharma 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday. “I still have the memories of all the matches she’s beaten me before. So yeah, I just wanted to play as well as I could. It worked out.”

Kerber’s loss was part of a tough day for seeded

players on the women’s side.

No. 6 Karolina Pliskova, No. 11 Emma Raducanu, No. 15 Elina Svitolina, No. 18 Leylah Fernandez, No. 19 Tamara Zidansek, No. 25 Daria Kasatkina, No. 31 Alize Cornet and No. 32 Sara Sorribes Tormo were all defeated yesterday.

Pliskova — in just her second match after missing about four months with a broken arm — lost 6-3, 6-3 to qualifier Anna Kalinskaya.

Olympic doubles gold medallist Katarina Siniakova of the Czech Republic needed just under three hours to beat Raducanu, the reigning US Open champion, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5.

Siniakova was nearly reduced to tears while getting worked on during a medical time-out in the first set because of an upperbody injury.

“I think I just felt better as the match was going on,”

Siniakova said. “I was fighting in the beginning.”

Svitolina, who had a number of fans wearing pro-Ukraine shirts watching her match in tribute to her homeland, lost to Britain’s Heather Watson 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4).

“I really feel for Elina,” Watson said. “I can see she’s not her normal self. ...

She must just have so much on her mind. I think it’s amazing that she’s out here still competing.”

Fernandez — a US Open finalist last year — lost to Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic 6-4, 7-6 (3).

Muchova, who hasn’t played since the U.S. Open nearly seven months ago because of an abdominal injury, will face Osaka for a spot in the round of 16.

“For me, it was a win to play and compete again,” Muchova said.

Vera Zvonareva topped Zidansek, 6-3, 6-2. Cornet lost to Alison Riske of the

NAOMI Osaka plays a ball in her second round women’s match against Angelique Kerber of Germany at the Miami Open tennis tournament yesterday.

(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) U.S. 6-2, 6-2. Kasatkina fell against No. 1 seed Daniil to Aliaksandra Sasnovich Medvedev. of Belarus 7-6 (5), 6-4, and Murray won the event in Sorribes Tormo was ousted 2009 and 2013 when it was

by Kaia Kanepi of Estonia held at its former Key Bis3-6, 7-5, 6-0. cayne home.

No. 9 seed Danielle ColSebastian Korda of the lins of the U.S. escaped the US, who made the quarupset bug, holding off Anna terfinals at Miami last year, Bondar of Hungary 6-3, 3-6, rolled past Alejandro Davi6-4. No. 8 seed Ons Jabeur dovich Fokina of Spain 6-1, was another winner, get- 6-1 in a first-round match. ting past Poland’s Magda He got off the court in just Linette 7-6 (1), 6-2, and No. over an hour on a summer22 Belinda Bencic eased by like day in South Florida.

Maria Kostyuk 6-3, 6-1.

“I’m a Florida boy,” Among the men’s win- Korda said. “I love the ners was two-time Miami humidity. Heat and humidOpen winner Andy Murray, ity, those are my two a 7-6 (4), 6-1) winner over favorite things. I just play Federico Delbonis to earn some really good tennis in a second-round matchup them.”

Abaco BD Global Tennis Tournament ‘was a great success’ THE 2022 BD Global Tennis Classic was a great success.

Organised and hosted by the Abaco Tennis Association (ATA) the event featured junior and adult matches.

President of ATA Cameel Mcdonald, along with the members, were pleased to host the second annual BD Classic.

The winners are as follows: Singles: 12U Boys Winner Xander Major 12U Boys Runner-Up DaShan Gardiner 12U Girls Winner Kiona Orlando 12U Girls Runner-Up Makayla McDonald

17U Boys Winner Jaden Alcime 17U Boys Runner-Up Lataj Orlando Doubles Event Mixed Doubles Winners: Macquel McDonald and Cameel McDonald Runner- Ups- Randy Davis and Lorna Rolle

Men Doubles Winners- Vernon Russell and Tito Russell Runner-Ups - Clanardo “CJ” Davis and Abishai Adderley In attendance were BLTA President Perry Newton and BLTA Treasurer Timothy Dames.

They both participated in the tournament, showing their

support for Abaco Tennis and ATA. President of ATA Cameel McDonald and the ATA members extended a special thanks to REV and The Bahamas Red Cross for their support of the event.

The 2nd BD Global Tennis Classic is a wrap. See you all next year.

PAGE 14, Friday, March 25, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

BFA YOUTH CUP SOCCER FINALS SET FOR NOON SATURDAY THE Bahamas Football Association continues its strategic return to competitive soccer with the hosting of the Youth Cup SoccerTournament.

This year’s tournament features teams in the under 15 and under 13 divisions for boys and girls in a modified format.

Last Friday evening’s games saw excited parents and players descend on the Roscow AL Davies soccer facility for soccer under the lights and the teams did not disappoint.

The last competitive matches played locally was held March 15, 2020, when COVID-19 arrived on our

SOCCER enthusiasts take part in the Bahamas Football Association’s Youth Cup Soccer Tournament. shores. Since then, the association and its members have been working hard at staying safe and following

the government’s COVID19 protocols.

Clubs and officials are excited to return to play

and are adhering to the regulations outlined in the tournament rules and regulations.

Photos: Carl Lynch The tournament is following the government-mandated protocols where players can be fully

vaccinated or show proof of a valid negative antigen test. Additionally, the event is a masked one where participants have to wear their mask if they are not actively involved in play on the pitch.

Social distancing and sanitising protocols will be enforced.

Parents expressed their enjoyment to finally be able to get out and watch their children play and pledged to continue to support the Bahamas Football Association and its programmes.

Matches continue this upcoming weekend with the finals set for noon on Saturday.

MINISTER of State for Education Zane Lightbourne is flanked by players and executives of the BGF’s National High School Golf Championships. Among those present were BGF’s Jr Golf Director Gina Gonzalez-Rolle’ Evon Wsdom of the Ministry of Education; Mark Lawrie of R&A and Georgette Rolle-Harris, the tournament director.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

GOLF

FROM PAGE 11 to playing in all types of weather, so they have to get used to it because there will be days when they will have to play in bad weather,” she stated.

Despite the conditions yesterday, Oliver White of Windsor School at Albany managed to shoot the lowest score of the day with a 28 to lead the junior boys’ division, which competed from 125 yards on each hole. The senior players competed from an average of 150 yards on each hole.

Tournament director Georgette Rolle-Harris, a director in the BGF, said compared to the initial year, this second time around has seen a vast improvement from the players.

“Once we got past the first day, everything else went very smoothly,” Rolle-Harris said.

“The calibre of play has improved and that was heartwarming to see the growth of the skill level of the players.

“In the first year, we saw a lot of maximum scores and the scoring marshalls had to be more proactive in pushing the group to keep up their play. This year was a total

improvement. Everyone was just better.”

With a number of new students, who would have only been involved in the past for about two weeks, Rolle-Harris said there were a lot of impressive performances from them, which shows that the level of the instructors has also risen.

“I hope that we can keep all of these golfers playing the game of golf so that in a year’s time, we will be able to see a lot more scores in the 40s and 30s and even the high 20s,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to the finals on Friday (today). Eva Horton had a clean sweep in the primary public schools division and in the private high schools division, Windsor Academy won three titles. So I think it will be a very good competition. The players are all looking forward to it as we see where the game of golf can go.”

• Here are the results from yesterday’s competition: Junior Boys Team - 1st Place –Windsor School at Albany 92 (+11); 2nd Place - Queen’s College 106 (+25); 3rd Place - Lyford Cay International School 129 (+48). Individual

- 1st Place – Oliver White, Windsor School at Albany, 28 (+1); 2nd Place - Aidan Gorospe, Windsor School at Albany, 31 (+4); T3 Camdyn Forbes, Windsor School at Albany, 33 (+6); T3 - Luke Grimes, Queen’s College, 33 (+6).

Junior Girls Team - 1st Place – Windsor School at Albany, 135 (+54); 2nd Place – Queen’s College, 147(+66); 3rd Place – Lyford Cay International School, 173 (+92).

Individual - 1st Place – Lilly Bisterzo, Windsor School at Old Fort, 36 (+9); 2nd Place – Chemari Pratt, Queen’s College, 40 (+13); 3rd Place – Cianna Mcwilliam, Queen’s College, 47 (+20).

Senior Boys Team - 1st Place –Windsor School at Albany 100 (+19); 2nd Place - Queen’s College 114 (+33); 3rd Place - Lyford Cay International School 117 (+36).

Individual - 1st Place – Alex Dupuch, Windsor School at Albany, 31 (+4); 2nd Place - Jaden Ward, Windsor School at Albany, 32 (+5); 3rd Place - Jackson Auld MacTaggart, Lyford Cay International School, 33 (+6).

Senior Girls Team - Queen’s College - Individual - 1st Place – Tyesha Tynes,

St. John’s College, 37, (+10); 2nd Place - Miljojka Gojkovic, Teleos Christian School, 42 (+15); 3rd Place – Mia Underwood, Queen’s College, 45 (+18).

Overall National School Golf Championships will be held today.

• Here are the team matchups: Lower Primary Girls advancing to the Championships Team 1 - Windsor School at Old Fort- Team Score of 150 - Zara Greaves, Taylor Davis, Esther Boesel, Adrielle Goncalves.

Team 2 - Eva Hilton Primary School - Team Score of 204 Jamiah Miller, Diana Pierre, Kazmyn Rolle .

Team 3 - Home School - Team Score of 183 - Zion Poitier, Zeden Poitier, Zaire Poitier.

Individuals - Safari Hanna, The Meridian School - 47; Payton McKenzie, Xavier’s Lower Primary School - 53; Sarah Scheidecker, Nassau Christian Academy - 58; Regan Moxey, Summit Academy - 63; Lenita Vickerie, Gavin Tynes Primary 64; Janae Phillips, Gavin Tynes Primary- 68.

Lower Pirmary Boys advancing to the Championships Team 1 - Lyford Cay International School - Team Score of

124 - Luis Ortiz Von Bismarck; Aden Jones; Andre De La Torre; Philippe Ciampini.

Team 2 - Windsor School at Old Fort - Team Score of 130 Maximilien Demole; Hawthorne Wood; Thomas West; Jack Fox; Adam Turnquest.

Team 3 - Eva Hilton Primary School - Team Score of 152 Antonio Hernandez; Fritzner Sylvester; Zhvargo McKenzie.

Team 4 - Claridge Primary School - Samuel Joseph; Nazario Major; Javardo Ingraham Individuals - Luca Greaves, Windsor School at Old Fort - 50; Olover Van Olsean, St. Andrews International School - 52; Stubbs, Sandilands Primary School - 52; Reef Harvey, Home School - 54.

Upper Primary Girls advancing to the Championships Team 1 - Eva Hilton Primary School Team Score of 152 - Aiyanna Hernandez; Rihanna Hanna; Caitlin McWilliam; Janai Miller; Brenae Knowles.

Team 2 - Claridge Primary School - Team Score of 180 - Anissa Robinson; Samara Gustave.

A day of big comebacks and early elimination at Match Play

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The format is fickle enough even before that notorious Texas wind arrived. Kevin Kisner, Mackenzie Hughes and even Sergio Garcia showed how quickly fortunes can change yesterday in the Dell Technologies Match Play.

Kisner added to his record of most matches won since the move to Austin Country Club in 2016 when he poured in three birdies over the last four holes and rallied from 2 down on the back nine to beat Luke List on the final hole.

“Yesterday was a lot more fun on the head,” Kisner said of his 4-and-3 win in the opening session. “But today, I love that grind. I love being in that moment. I love having the ball in my hand trying to grind it out, and I feel like I have an advantage when it’s going that way.”

Hughes was in a similar predicament against Max Homa, until he won four straight holes along the back — twice helped by Homa mistakes — and held on for a 2-up win to keep

his hopes alive of advancing to the weekend.

“There are gusts that blow 25 and then it could lay down and blow 10.

But if you’re over the ball thinking it’s going to be 10 and then it’s 25, it creates indecision,” Hughes said.

“I kind of got in my head earlier in that back nine a lot of pars and the occasional birdie were going to be good enough.”

They were among five players who trailed by at least 2 holes on the back nine and rallied to win, joining Lucas Herbert over Xander Schauffele, Takumi Kanaya over Tony Finau and Min Woo Lee over Thomas Pieters. Bubba Watson was 1 down with two holes to play when he made a 35-foot birdie on the par-3 17th and won the 18th with a par to beat Webb Simpson.

Not to be overlooked were Garcia and Kevin Na. Garcia, the Spaniard who now resides in Austin, was 3 down against British Open champion Collin Morikawa with five holes left. He won the next three holes with birdies and matched pars with Morikawa to earn a halve.

“I you would offer me a tie on the 14th tee I would have definitely taken it and walk — run — to the clubhouse,” Garcia said.

It was all part of a dynamic afternoon in round-robin play, with 15 of the 32 matches going the distance.

That included Lee Westwood, the 48-year-old from England, losing a 2-hole lead to Bryson DeChambeau and clawing back with a 7-iron to 8 feet for eagle on the par-5 16th to square he match, halving the 17th with birdies and winning the 18th when DeChambeau sent a wedge over the green and made bogey to lose the match.

Next up for Westwood is 49-year-old Richard Bland of England, whom he has known for 30 years dating to their time on the junior circuit in blighty. Both have a chance to win the group, while DeChambeau has been eliminated from advancing.

Westwood is the only player in the 64-man field who played in the first edition of this World Golf Championship in 1999 when it was at La Costa.

Such experience has only

taught him to lower whatever expectations he has in his game.

“There’s lots of strange things happen this week, and I think that’s what makes it fun,” he said.

Westwood reached the semifinals in 2012 in Arizona. Since the format moved from knockout to 16 four-man groups of roundrobin play, he has never advanced to the weekend.

With one more day remaining, clarity was provided to 19 players, and it wasn’t good news. They already have been mathematically eliminated from winning the group and reaching the knockout stage.

DeChambeau, who was playing for the first time since February 3 in Saudi Arabia because of injuries to his left hand and hip, was wild off the tee and it cost him. Also eliminated was Patrick Cantlay, the No. 4 player in the world.

He halved his first match against Keith Mitchell, and then was steamrolled yesterday by Seamus Power of Ireland, who beat him in 14 holes.

Patrick Reed battled back to halve his match

JUSTIN Thomas waves after putting on the sixth green in the second round of the Dell Technologies Match Play Championship golf tournament yesterday.

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) against Sebastian Munoz, but it was all for naught.

Reed also was eliminated.

Paul Casey wound up playing two holes Wednesday and no more. He had back spasms on the opening day and conceded his match to Corey Conners.

He tried to warm up for yesterday’s match and it wasn’t getting any better, so he forfeited to Alex Noren.

Casey withdrew from the tournament, which was just as well. He would have faced Louis Oosthuizen, already with two losses and

eliminated. Neither will play, and Oothuizen will get his first win of the week.

Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka were among 12 players yet to lose a match, which means next to nothing. None is assured of advancing. All have to treat today as it’s starting over.

The group includes Tyrrell Hatton, who might have been speaking for the entire field when he said, “It’s definitely more stressful for me.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 25, 2022, PAGE 15

FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE TO OPEN 13TH SEASON THIS SUNDAY TABERNACLE Baptist Academy principal Ashell Bain receives the Falcons team trophy from GBSSAA vice president Desmond Hall.

Falcons get victory in Jr Boys Tip Off Basketball Classic THE Tabernacle Baptist Falcons clinched the Obie/ Wilchombe/Derick Nesbitt Junior Boys Tip Off Basketball Classic title at the Jack Hayward Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

The Falcons, coached

by Quincy Gray, emerged with a 41-21 rout over the Jack Hayward Wildcats as Noah Bain scored 12 points, Joshua Williams had eight and Aden Miller added five.

In a losing effort, Desmond Hall came up with

a game high 18 points and Thamad Parker chipped in with the remaining three.

Tabernacle Baptist Academy also carted off the individual awards as Joshua Williams was named the most valuable player, Dwight Jones was the defensive player and Quincy Gray was selected as the coach of the tournament.

Named to the All-Tournament team were VJ Parker, Joshua Williams,

Aden Miller, Noah Bain, Dwight Jones, Desmond Hall and Elijah Roker.

The tournament comes on the heels of the senior boys’ version of the Obie/ Wilchombe/Derick Nesbitt Tip Off Basketball Classic that concluded on Monday night at the St George’s Gymnasium with the Sunland Lutheran Baptist Stingers securing a 55-51 triumph over Tabernacle Baptist Academy for the title.

DWIGHT JONES, defensive player of the tournament, is presented with his award by principal Ashell Bain.

TABERNACLE Baptist Academy principal Ashell Bain presents Joshua Williams with his MVP award.

BELLERS WIN SAXONS SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT COMPETITIVE softball returned to action in dramatic fashion Saturday, junkanoo-style, when the initial Softball Panorama Tournament was held at the Bankers Field as many of the finest softball players participated.

If you thought there was a huge rivalry in junkanoo competition on Bay Street during the Christmas holiday season among the junkanoo groups, think again.

Add softball competition to the rivalry list.

Roots and other junkanoo groups expressed disappointment that they were not invited to this inaugural slow-pitch softball event. However, the tournament organisers explained the decision.

“When contacted by McNeil ‘Pan’ Albury of the Saxons for assistance with the tournament of four Saxons team, we suggested inviting at least two other junkanoo groups to create more softball drama for a full day of action,” said Tommy Stubbs, executive director of Bahamas Events & Sports (BES).

Stubbs, who’s also president of New Providence Old Timers Softball Association, said everything worked as planned with over 300 persons attending the games. He said this was ‘Pan’s idea and dream, and BES brought it to life.

“Once we reached out to Genesis Warhawks and Valley Boys, we decided it was not necessary to go any farther. Our BES team knew there might be some negative feedbacks,” Stubbs said. “That’s fine.

Now we know how badly other junkanoo groups want to participate in softball action. Their time will come sooner than they think.”

A softball tournament featuring all the other junkanoo groups - including Roots, One Family, Music Makers, Dynasty, Colors, Fancy Dancers, Fox Hill Congos, Redlands Soldier - is already in the planning stages for later this year.

An official date will be announced next month.

Albury and his Saxons Bellers team won the Panorama tournament in close matchup, 9-8, over Gary Hanna’s Saxons Frontline as they raised the Bahamas Events & Sports championship trophy yelling “For Juice!” – a tribute to their Saxons fallen member Burton “Gaitor” Saunders who died recently.

Earlier on Saturday, Saxons Bellers also defeated Saxons Frontline, 23-22, which saw tournament most valuable player Richard Bain hit two grand slam home runs in the first inning.

Other scores from Saxons 3-team tournament,

reported by Dudley “Bones” Moxey, were Saxons Frontline 27, Saxons Drummers 4; Saxons Bellers 12, Saxons Drummers 8. All games were played over five innings.

Saxons Brass did not enter a team for the tournament, said chief umpire chief Martin “Pork” Burrows, who rotated umpiring all 11 games on the day with Andrew Burrows.

Genesis Warhawks, coached by Jeffery “Big Ticket” Woodside and Vito “Don” Russell, sent a powerful message to the junkanoo community that the Warhawks were ready to show total dominance in softball, even though all their 4-game victories were just exhibitions.

“We wanted so badly to play for the championship, but we understand we were invited to the Saxons tournament,” said Woodside, who hit towering home runs in the games. “We can hardly wait to face all the groups later.”

Genesis won 21-5 over Andy and Eddie Ford’s Valley Boys, 22-18 against Saxons All-Star B-Team and 13-10 over Saxons AllStar A-Team.

The Valley Boys also lost against Saxons All-Star A-Team, 18-3.

Saxons Legends squeezed by A Sure Win Gamers, 14-13, in another

exhibition contest. “Thank You for Your Support” plaques were awarded to the Valley Boys, Genesis Warhawks and A Sure Win for participating and offering sponsorship.

“We couldn’t have done this tournament without the contributions of them all,” said Albury.

“I’m especially grateful to Tommy Stubbs and his wife, Makeva, and their team at BES for a wonderful job with organising this first tournament.”

The BES-sponsored home run derby got off to a “weak” start when last-minute entry, Sports Minister Mario Bowleg grabbed a pink bat and stepped into the batter’s box to face pitcher Kelsie Johnson, former ZNS sportscaster now at the Ministry of Sports.

Bowleg’s longest blast reached mid-field in left.

Leading the cheering crowd for Bowleg to blast one out of the park were former sports minister Dr Danny Johnson, Immigration Minister Keith Bell, Director of Sports Tim Munnings, Nardo Dean from Ministry Tourism Sports Division, and former Senator Jennifer Issacs Dotson.

Dotson is vying for the Bahamas Softball Federation’s presidency this weekend against umpire Thomas Sears, who was

in attendance with newly elected president of New Providence Softball Association Dwayne Stevens, also president of Government Departmental Softball Association.

Then eight stronger men - the true softball sluggers - took centre stage in a showdown of power, all to face pitcher Jason Sweeting.

Saxons drummers player Sidney Neely and Saxons frontline player Henry Martin advanced to the semi-finals after belting three home runs over the fence on five swings. They tied again, with one home run each.

In an extra round, Martin led off and hit one HR on three swings. Neely failed in his first swing, then captured the Bahamas Events & Sports Home Run Derby trophy and $100 cash in dramatic style on his last two swings as the limecoloured balls sailed deep over left field fence.

Five players hit two balls from five swings over the fence – lefty Rudy Fox, Ivan Rolle, Pedro Dean, Trey Gilbert and Moses Johnson, coach of the Bahamas Men’s National Basketball team.

One home run each was hit by Richard Bain and Jeffery “Big Ticket” Woodside.

Kellie Kemp came up empty.

SOUTH AFRICA CLINCHES SEMIFINAL PLACE AT WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

By STEVE MCMORRAN AP Sports Writer WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — South Africa locked in a semifinal place and West Indies kept its hopes alive at Women’s Cricket World Cup when they shared competition points yesterday from a match abandoned because of rain.

The West Indies will regret the abandonment far more than South Africa which was 61-4 when the decision was made to call off the match at Wellington’s Basin Reserve shortly before 5pm.

Defending champion England also enhanced its semifinal prospects yesterday when it beat Pakistan by nine wickets to move into fourth place.

Katherine Brunt took a wicket with the first ball of the match and went on to take 3-17 as England bowled out Pakistan for 105 in 41.3 overs after winning the toss on a greenish

pitch at Hagley Park, Christchurch.

Opener Danni Wyatt made an unbeaten 76 from 68 balls and England improved its net run-rate as it reached its winning target with almost 31 overs to spare.

Heavy overnight rain and showers during the morning delayed the start of play at Wellington’s Basin Reserve but a match of 26-overs per side finally began at 3:15pm under brooding skies.

The West Indies won the toss, bowled and South Africa slipped to 22-4 before a partnership between Mignon du Preez (38) and Marizanne Kapp (5) righted the innings.

The advantage was still with the West Indies when the rain returned and ground staff covered the pitch and surrounds. The umpires quickly decided that even if the rain stopped for the rest of the day, it would not be possible to complete the match.

The single point South Africa took from the match was enough to clinch its place in the semifinals with nine from six games.

It also now is likely to avoid a semifinal clash with unbeaten Australia, the six-time champion.

“Everybody’s extremely excited and happy to be in the semis,” South Africa captain Sune Luus said.

“It wasn’t the best of starts but we still have to take the positives out of today — the way Mignon batted was one. She has been shy of runs in the competition and she needed that for her confidence.”

The West Indies currently is in third place behind Australia and South Africa, having completed its seven matches in the group stage with seven points. Its semifinal hopes depended on the outcome of Sunday’s match between South Africa and fourthplace India.

West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor said her squad likely would “have some popcorn and hope that South Africa do beat India.”

“It’s something we can’t control but do hope it goes our way,” Taylor said. “If we go to the semis, you just have to go out and play ... you have to step up. It comes down to how badly you want it.”

Medium pacer Chinelle Henry was in top form yesterday, dismissing Laura Wolvaardt in the second over of the innings to end the South Africa batter’s run of high scores. She also removed Luus and Tazmin Brits to return figures of

3-19. England’s win was impressive and continued a strong form improvement after it began its title defense with consecutive losses.

Brunt was superb in helpful conditions, striking early to leave Pakistan 53-4. Sophie Ecclestone then took 3-18 as England took full advantage of the toss.

Wyatt has been in mixed form throughout the tournament but came into her own as an opener Thursday.

Batting conditions were difficult but she chanced her arm and her first World Cup half century included 11 fours.

“I’m really pleased to have the win but a big shout out to Katherine Brunt, who bowled her heart out today,” Wyatt said.

“We wanted to capitalize on any width and go hard and go big. It was a sensible innings by me as I wanted to get over the line and get among the runs.”

THE Bahamas Flag Football League is all set to open its 13th season this Sunday, March 27,at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium Fields with five games starting at 1pm.

This year, 11 teams will battle to be crowned champions.

According to president Bianca Lee: “Our members have been patiently waiting to get back in the babit.

International rules have been implemented on the women’s side increasing the physical aspect of the game.

With COVID-19 protocols strongly enforced, safety will be a major part of our focus during our season. It’s a family event, so bring your chairs and relax while the competition unfolds.”

Entry fee is $3 for adults.

Children 12-and-under are admitted free. Chairs are available for rent for $2 each. Check our social media platforms for updates on COVID-19 protocols.

Sunday Schedule 1:10pm - Pink Panthers vs Hawks 2:20pm - Wildcats vs Lady Jaguars 2:20pm - Warhawks vs Avengers 3:30pm - Team Red Dot vs Lions 3:30pm - Eagles vs Lady Avengers

ARMSTEAD AND HILL ARRIVE IN MIAMI WITH HIGH HOPES FOR DOLPHINS

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Tyreek Hill is fast on the field, fast with his words and fast at making a first impression.

Consider this list of highlights from Hill’s first full day as a member of the Miami Dolphins: The wide receiver who calls himself “Cheetah” raved about new coach Mike McDaniel’s offence, revealed that the record-setting value of his new contract nearly made him cry and challenged teammates to footraces.

“Wherever I go, the Cheetah, he always has to prove he’s the fastest on the team, no matter what,” Hill said. “I mean that.”

The Dolphins hope he’s going to win more than sprints.

Miami introduced the biggest two names from its offseason and free-agency makeover — Hill and offensive lineman Terron Armstead — yesterday, and neither made any effort to hide their belief that the Dolphins are poised to take big steps forward this fall.

“Every team at this point feels like a Super Bowl contender. All 32,” Armstead said. “It’s not true. We can talk about what it looks like on paper; I’ve been doing it long enough to know that doesn’t really matter. ... I’m going to say we’ll be Super Bowl champions, but you go see anybody else, they’re going to say the same thing.”

Hill got an extension from the Dolphins worth $120 million over four years as part of the trade that landed him from Kansas City, with $72.2 million guaranteed. He says the only time he remembers crying was when his daughter was born. Seeing those dollar figures almost brought more tears.

Armstead — the presumed starting left tackle — got a five-year deal worth $75 million, possibly close to $88 million when adding incentives, after he spent his first nine seasons with New Orleans.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 25, 2022, PAGE 17

BAHAMAS ‘OPEN FOR BUSINESS’ WITH LATEST COVID UPGRADE FROM PAGE 22 upgrade, which comes just two weeks after this nation was raised from ‘Level 4’ to ‘Level 3’ or a “high” COVID infection status, he added that a further revision to ‘Level 1’ should now be the country’s target.

Praising Bahamians for their compliance with pandemic-related protocols, Mr Sands told this newspaper: “The reality is that the lower the level, or better the upgrade, the better the situation for the tourism industry and it will certainly have a positive impact on group bookings as well as general tourism.

“We must continue to exercise the protocols, encourage more people to get vaccinated, and then we will see other protocols eased or removed in due course.” With ‘Level 2’ status confirmed by the Ministry of Health, and this designation set to take effect from Monday, the BHTA chief said The Bahamas must now ensure that ‘Level 1’ or a “low” rate of COVID infection is in its sights.

“We’ve been at ‘Level 2’ before, but not for too long,” Mr Sands said. “Certainly, I look forward to us getting to an even better position. It’s the resiliency and consistency of the Bahamian people that has gotten us to this particular point.”

He added that The Bahamas would likely need to “get our cases close to zero on a regular basis” to achieve ‘Level 1’ designation from the CDC, and “already we’re not too far off”. The Ministry of Health recorded just four new cases on Wednesday, March 23, with some six persons remaining in hospital with the virus.

“I think it’s something we should work towards,” Mr Sands said of ‘Level 1’.

“Being satisfied with ‘Level 2’, while it’s considerable position to be in, we should aim to be within the best category, which is ‘Level 1’. It’s important we work to be in the best position

for The Bahamas, and our focus is not so much on what the competition is doing. We wish them well, and that they be upgraded as well, because a COVIDfree region is also very important.”

While only a small minority of countries currently enjoy ‘Level 2’ status with the CDC, Mr Sands said The Bahamas’ forthcoming upgrade means it is “absolutely, unquestionably in an extremely competitive position”.

He added: “It sheds a light on The Bahamas that we are certainly open for business, that we have taken the COVID protocols very seriously, which is indicative of the very low amount of cases we currently have, and welcome all travellers to come to The Bahamas.”

Dr Michael Darville, in the Ministry of Health statement affirming the ‘Level 2’ ranking, said: “We all hold the key to our success. Free testing is available for anyone who wishes to know their COVID-19 status. And getting vaccinated remains the scientifically-proven best way of protecting ourselves and our loved ones.”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its Article IV statement on The Bahamas this week, urged the country to focus on increasing its COVID vaccination rates to protect against future outbreaks and disruption to the tourism-driven economy. “The policy priorities ahead are to safeguard the recovery, preserve debt sustainability and promote sustained and inclusive growth,” it added.

“First and foremost, this will require vaccinating the population as swiftly as possible. As the pandemic’s impact recedes, policies should focus on tackling long-standing challenges by improving the structure of revenues and spending, rebuilding fiscal space, and making the economy more resilient to the effects of climate change.....

“A re-intensification of the pandemic cannot be

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NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that SADCHA WILMIDE JOSEPH of Mckinney Drive, Nassau, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 18th day of March, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

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NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that ANSELT CURRY of Broom Street Nassau, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 18th day of March, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

discarded. With about 40 percent of the population fully vaccinated, the emergence of new COVID-19 variants could prolong the pandemic and induce

renewed economic disruptions. Alternatively, rising cases in source countries could dissuade travel and lead to a renewed decline in tourism.”

Some 163,526 persons are now fully vaccinated out of a 400,000-strong population, and Mr Sands agreed then with the IMF’s assertion that The Bahamas

needs to increase vaccination rates beyond the 40-50 percent mark to the 70-80 percent required for socalled “herd immunity”.

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

THURSDAY, 24 MARCH 2022

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 6.70 40.15 2.05 2.90 2.60 6.05 10.05 2.56 9.02 3.10 7.20 13.00 2.71 10.10 11.25 10.75 15.00 4.00 10.00 16.50

52WK LOW 4.55 32.12 1.46 2.20 1.30 5.50 6.00 2.82 4.25 2.27 5.50 9.75 1.99 6.50 10.02 9.00 13.10 3.50 8.00 15.50

SECURITY AML Foods Limited APD Limited Benchmark Bahamas First Holdings Limited Bank of Bahamas Bahamas Property Fund Bahamas Waste Cable Bahamas Commonwealth Brewery Commonwealth Bank Colina Holdings CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank Consolidated Water BDRs Doctor's Hospital Emera Incorporated Famguard Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) Limited Focol Finco J. S. Johnson

PREFERENCE SHARES 1.00

1.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

Bahamas First Holdings Preference Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 8 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Cable Bahamas Series 10 Colina Holdings Class A Fidelity Bank Bahamas Class A Focol Class B

CORPORATE DEBT - (percentage pricing) 52WK HI 100.00 100.00

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00

SECURITY Fidelity Bank (Note 22 Series B+) Bahamas First Holdings Limited

CLOSE

CHANGE

%CHANGE

YTD

YTD%

2213.30

-27.97

-1.25

-14.94

-0.67

SYMBOL AML APD BBL BFH BOB BPF BWL CAB CBB CBL CHL CIB CWCB DHS EMAB FAM FBB FCL FIN JSJ BFHP CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA FBBA FCLB SYMBOL FBB22 BFHB

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) 115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.98 100.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 96.71 93.97 94.12 91.00 90.95 89.02 89.62 89.00 90.24 90.73

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.50 4.67 2.20 207.86 207.68 1.72 1.83 1.81 1.05 9.37 11.83 7.54 16.64 12.84 10.77 10.00 10.43 14.89

52WK LOW 2.11 3.30 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.68 1.73 1.75 1.01 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57 9.88 8.45 11.20

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y BGRS FX BGR106036 BGRS FX BGR117037 BGRS FX BGR118037 BGRS FX BGR125238 BGRS FX BGR127139 BGRS FX BGR127149 BGRS FX BGR129249 BGRS FX BGR131249 BGRS FX BGR132249 BGRS FX BGR136150

BAH29 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0307 BG0330 BG0407 BSBGR1060361 BSBGR1170376 BSBGR1180375 BSBGR1252380 BSBGR1271398 BSBGR1271497 BSBGR1292493 BSBGR1312499 BSBGR1322498 BSBGR1361504

LAST CLOSE 5.30 39.95 2.04 2.31 2.50 6.05 9.25 3.30 7.90 2.82 7.16 13.00 2.06 10.06 11.74 10.75 15.00 3.80 10.00 15.50 1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00 LAST SALE 100.00 100.00 107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 5.30 39.95 2.04 2.31 2.50 6.05 9.25 3.30 7.90 2.54 7.16 13.00 2.04 10.10 11.79 10.75 15.00 3.99 10.00 15.50 1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX - 19 Dec 02 = 1,000.00 52wk-Hi - Highest closing price in last 52 weeks 52wk-Low - Lowest closing price in last 52 weeks Previous Close - Previous day's weighted price for daily volume Today's Close - Current day's weighted price for daily volume Change - Change in closing price from day to day Daily Vol. - Number of total shares traded today DIV $ - Dividends per share paid in the last 12 months P/E - Closing price divided by the last 12 month earnings

VOLUME 50

4,756

1,000

11,000

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund Leno Financial Conservative Fund Leno Financial Aggressive Fund Leno Financial Balanced Fund Leno Financial Global Bond Fund RF Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund RF Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund RF Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund RF Bahamas International Investment Fund Limited - Equities Sub Fund RF Bahamas International Investment Fund Limited - High Yield Income Fund RF Bahamas International Investment Fund Limited - Alternative Strategies Fund Colonial Bahamas Fund Class D Colonial Bahamas Fund Class E Colonial Bahamas Fund Class F

MARKET TERMS

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 (0.28) 0.00 0.00 (0.02) 0.04 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.19 0.00 0.00

(242) 323‐2330 (242) 323‐2320 EPS$ 0.239 0.932 0.000 0.140 0.070 1.760 0.369 -0.438 0.140 0.184 0.449 0.722 0.102 0.467 0.646 0.728 0.816 0.203 0.939 0.631 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

VOLUME

DIV$ 0.170 1.260 0.020 0.080 0.000 0.000 0.260 0.000 0.000 0.120 0.220 0.720 0.434 0.060 0.328 0.240 0.540 0.120 0.200 0.610 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

INTEREST Prime + 1.75% 6.25% 6.95% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.50% 6.25% 4.25% 5.40% 5.20% 5.22% 5.00% 5.00% 5.50% 5.55% 5.60% 5.65% 5.69%

NAV 2.50 4.67 2.20 204.67 199.97 1.72 1.83 1.81 1.01 9.37 11.79 7.54 15.94 12.47 10.74 N/A 10.43 14.89

YTD% 12 MTH% 0.34% 4.30% -0.06% 5.21% 0.21% 2.72% 1.37% 3.18% 8.18% 14.94% 0.26% 2.76% 0.36% 2.37% 0.28% 2.51% -1.31% -3.43% -0.02% 10.36% -0.33% 18.23% 0.22% 3.05% -3.89% 14.76% -1.04% -2.57% 0.81% 4.20% N/A N/A 3.00% 25.60% 7.90% 48.70%

P/E 22.2 42.9 N/M 16.5 N/M N/M 25.1 -7.5 56.4 13.8 15.9 18.0 20.0 21.6 18.3 14.8 18.4 19.7 10.6 24.6 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

YIELD 3.21% 3.15% 0.98% 3.46% 0.00% 0.00% 2.81% 0.00% 0.00% 4.72% 3.07% 5.54% 21.27% 0.59% 2.78% 2.23% 3.60% 3.01% 2.00% 3.94% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2022 30-Sep-2025 20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2022 4-Aug-2036 14-Jul-2037 13-Oct-2037 15-Oct-2038 15-Jan-2039 15-Jan-2049 15-Apr-2049 15-Jul-2049 15-Oct-2049 21-Apr-2050

NAV Date 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 28-Jan-2022 30-Sep-2021 30-Sep-2021 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021

YIELD - last 12 month dividends divided by closing price Bid $ - Buying price of Colina and Fidelity Ask $ - Selling price of Colina and fidelity Last Price - Last traded over-the-counter price Weekly Vol. - Trading volume of the prior week EPS $ - A company's reported earnings per share for the last 12 mths NAV - Net Asset Value N/M - Not Meaningful

TO TRADE CALL: CFAL 242-502-7010 | ROYALFIDELITY 242-356-7764 | CORALISLE 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225 | BENCHMARK 242-326-7333

PAGE 18, Friday, March 25, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

‘DON’T IMPERIL’ CITIZENS OVER TAXATION REFORMS FROM PAGE 22 assessed by the Government given the global push for a minimum 15 percent corporate income tax rate to combat tax arbitrage by large multinational enterprises. “I think we generally understand that is one of the areas the country is grappling with at this point in time,” Mr Edwards told this newspaper of tax reform.

“There are some persons who believe the Business Licence fee as it currently stands is unfair because it levies taxes on gross revenues, and there are persons who are proponents of taxation being levied on net income.” Business Licence fees, which are projected to generate some $101m in revenues for the Government in the 2021-2022 fiscal year, are forecast to increase to $150.376m by 2023-2024.

However, while they represent a significant revenue stream for the Government, many in the private sector view Business Licence fees as distortionary. They are seen as penalising high

turnover/low margin businesses, such as food stores and gas stations, while favouring low turnover/ high margin services companies because they are levied on gross revenues.

Many firms also complain that they regularly pay more in Business Licence fees than they earn in profits, or that it drives them into a loss-making position. Philip Davis’ mid-year Budget position indicates that his administration has picked up where its Minnis predecessor left off in continuing with Deloitte & Touche’s study of tax reform options including imposition of a corporate income tax.

“As you would be very well aware, it’s an approach that requires very careful, deliberate and deep study,” Mr Edwards said of income-style taxes and other options. “To the extent that that is going to be done, then it’s [reform] certainly worth contemplating.

“I would wish to mention this is a very deliberate and complicated path, especially given that The Bahamas’

experience with income tax and corporate income tax.

We have to be very careful going down that road. It’s not, as some people say, a panacea that, if done, will solve all our problems. I don’t think that’s true.

“They may be viable, but careful, continuous and deliberate study is what is needed at the end of the day. The bottom line is that it has to be a very studied approach, and not a superficial one. Moving to a corporate income tax is not only fundamental to business people; it has its cultural bias,” the ORG executive continued.

“Up to now, Bahamians are not used to that type of thinking, so there is ground work to be done for persons to understand it, accept it and work with it. I don’t believe it will be an easy task. Education is going to be paramount, and training also. I don’t think this is a matter to be implemented at great speed because speed may have its own set of disadvantages.

“To the extent we can come up with a substantive system that serves the purposes of the country, that is beneficial, that is equitable, and is not disadvantageous to business, certainly it’s a direction worth at least looking at to determine if it serves the interest of all parties. This cannot be all government and business sector. There has to be a balance. There are different stakeholders who have vested interests, and this has to be carefully managed.”

There is a significant body of opinion that believes The Bahamas should seriously consider switching to an income tax-based system aside from global corporate tax pressures. Proponents believe it would create a more fair, progressive and equitable tax system, with contribution’s linked to a taxpayer’s ability to pay, while still generating sufficient revenues for the Government.

Such reform would also move The Bahamas away from its long-standing dependence on regressive

consumption-based taxes, such as VAT and import tariffs, which result in lower income persons paying disproportionately more of their earnings in taxes than their wealthier counterparts.

However, given The Bahamas’ relatively narrow 400,000 population base, and 235,000-strong workforce, there are doubts that an income tax would generate enough revenues. This is especially since many wealthy, high income earners generate much of their receipts offshore, with the result that much of the tax burden remains on the middle and lower classes.

Income tax was rejected as a reform option in 2015 in favour of VAT largely because of the complexities associated with it, and the costs involved in administering such a system to ensure all paid their due and fair share. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its Article IV statement on The Bahamas, reiterated its previous recommendation that a corporate income tax - together

with personal income tax on high earners - should be a reform option.

“To the extent that the Government is signalling very clearly its willingness to look at reform it is commendable,” Mr Edwards said. “To the extent that involves a look at corporate tax or any form of income tax is also commendable because history has shown us most administrations have shied away from this.

“Whether it’s a case of we’re here now and the options are limited, or we’re going to be very prudent and serious about how we manage going forward, it’s a good step forward. The Government should be commended for this, but as we go along this road we have to be cautious that the outcome should not imperil the private sector and private citizen” it is relying on to generate the necessary taxes and revenues.

CARNIVAL’S PRIVATE ISLAND PLAN TO UP ARRIVALS 48% FROM PAGE 22 disclosed, says Carnival/ Holland plan to construct a pier capable of handling their largest 6,500 passenger ships, the XL or Excellence Class. The project comes after Carnival has come under increasing fire from environmental activists for several pollution incidents in Bahamian waters, for which it has been fined in the Florida courts.

“Half Moon Cay is a destination formerly known as Little San Salvador,” the EIA, performed by Bahamian firm, Islands By Design, and Applied Technology and Management (ATM), said. “A Heads of Agreement was entered with the Government of The Bahamas to undertake an $80m development of the private island.

“The additional development will add a main open pile supported pier; an excursion dock which will be used by local vendors to sell their waterborne shore excursions; and new amenities to enhance the guest experience. The intent is to create more beach offerings, food and beverage options and additional recreational activities. The island currently offers luxury beachside cabanas, a nature trail, bird watching, and an opportunity to swim and pet tame stingrays.

Noting that Half Moon Cay is located midway between Bannerman Town, south Eleuthera, and Arthur’s Town, north Cat Island, the EIA said Eleuthera residents will likely be the main beneficiaries of the extra jobs created. “Half Moon Cay currently employees 145 line staff, mostly residents of the neighbouring island of Eleuthera,” it added.

“The expansion project expects to require approximately 200 hires during the construction phase, and increase in daily labour by approximately 80 employees post-construction to sustain the increased operations of the destination. Most of this labour will be supplied by Eleuthera. With the national unemployment rate at 9.5 percent, this level of increased permanent jobs is not expected to have an impact on the population density of the neighbouring islands, only reduce unemployment.”

Besides jobs, the EIA said the other major benefit from Half Moon Cay’s expansion will be increased government revenues via departure taxes, Business Licence fees and Customs duty paid on operational items that are imported.

“With the open pile supported pier, in addition to existing tender capacity, the total volume of cruise passengers arriving to Half Moon Cay is expected to increase. In 2019, the island welcomed just over 640,000 passengers and plans include to gradually increase volumes to 950,000 by 2025,” the EIA said.

“Half Moon Cay has been operating as a cruise ship destination for the past two decades, and the additional development will expand the operations to moor ships at the open pile supported pier and accommodate more passengers. The additional development will provide more opportunities for employment of Bahamians on Eleuthera and other islands in The Bahamas.

“Prior to being owned by HAL Properties, Little San Salvador Island was the private island of Norwegian Cruise Line. Current land use consists of upland guest services and amenities, including food and beverage and recreational opportunities including waterfront experiences. Additionally, the back of house includes staff facilities, accommodations and infrastructural support.”

Setting out its plans, Carnival/Holland said: “It is the intent of HAL Properties, as outlined in the Heads of Agreement, to further develop Little San Salvador as a premier cruise destination, which will result in further economic and socio-economic benefits to the region. This intent cannot be accomplished without the additional construction. A ‘no action’ alternative would preclude the additional development.

“No action would limit the long-term growth of the area in comparison with similar places in The Bahamas and elsewhere in the Caribbean that are larger and have a greater range of amenities.

It would also not eliminate or reduce impacts from current land-based and vessel operations associated with the current island development and use.

“Employment levels would likely remain static, and may act as a potential deterrent of regional and local development that would certainly take advantage of the Half Moon Cay improvements and any expanded facilities offered at the Half Moon Cay operations.... The ‘no action’ alternative would not provide the economic stimulus of the further development Half Moon Cay.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, LILLY PATRICIA TAYLOR of Gatewood Lane, off Sandilands Village Road P.O. Box BE17913 Nassau, The Bahamas, mother of FANTASHIA CRUZ’ WILLNIQUE JOHNSON a minor intend to change my child’s name to FANTASHIA CRUZ’ WILLNIQUE TAYLOR. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Deputy Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 25, 2022, PAGE 19

BLOCKCHAIN OPERATOR BLASTS ‘UNFOUNDED’ $20M LAWSUIT

FROM PAGE 22

defendant instead conspired against Dreamr and sabotaged Dreamr’s crypto token launch by, among other things, causing a delay of the release of Dreamr’s tokens; preventing and stalling the transfer of Dreamr’s tokens out of its own bank accounts; and coercing Dreamr into an unjustified settlement agreement in exchange for additional compensation.”

Accusing Deltec, Delchain and the others of breaching their fiduciary duty to provide advisory and consulting services for the offering, Dreamr asserted that all knew “there was no legitimate reason to delay the release” of the tokens but did so in order to extract more fee income.

“Unbeknownst to Dreamr, defendants had pre-existing, complex, interlocking relationships, which defendants failed to disclose. As a direct result of defendants’ actions, Dreamr’s tokens crashed 93 percent in the first 90 days,” the lawsuit alleged.

While incorporated as a Bahamian company, Dreamr’s offices are based in Brooklyn, New York, which likely explains why the lawsuit was filed there.

Deltec’s and Delchain’s replies, though, indicate they will likely seek to have the action thrown out on jurisdictional grounds. It is understood that the agreements between the parties require any dispute to first go to arbitration under Bahamian law.

LABOUR CHIEF ASSERTS WHIMPER GREETED COVID FURLOUGH END

to their families about how they helped make this a reality.”

Acknowledging that the cruise port’s marine works did employ Turkish labour, Mr Maura said: “The marine per works are now completed. All along we’ve said this: As we move to the upland works, the construction of buildings, that’s most definitely a talent and skill set that we have. That is why Enka is taking on this job fair.”

where Dreamr’s chief executive commented: ‘Thanks to the help of our partners at Delchain we were successful in reaching our pre-listing capital goal. “‘Having the right partners on our project has made all the difference and resulted in a successful tier-one exchange listing that has provided the company a strong foundation to build upon’.” Delchain and Deltec have thus both denied that they participated in a “conspiracy to sabotage” a virtual token issue.

“As a licensed and regulated entity, Delchain must provide the top-level standard of custodial services,” the company added in its

FROM PAGE 22 could have put cashstrapped firms out of business at COVID’s peak.

Those emergency powers were ended on November 12, 2022, by the Davis administration, but it extended the furlough period by an extra 90 days from that date to give pandemic-hit companies more time to recover and determine whether there was sufficient trade to warrant recalling all staff.

While there was initial confusion as to whether the 90-day period started running from November 12 or December 12, 2021, given that the COVID emergency orders had originally provided a 30-day extension beyond their expiry, Mr Farquharson said the Attorney General’s Office had determined that the former was the correct start date.

“It came to an end on February 12,” he told Tribune Business of the near two-year COVID furlough period. “As you are aware, the Government brought the emergency powers to an end on November 12.

Once they were brought to an end, the suspension initiated by the Competent Authority [the Minnis administration] came to an end, and therefore section 28 (c) of the Employment Act as amended” came back into effect.

“There was a 90-day period which began on November 12, 2021,” Mr Farquharson added of the final furlough extension.

“The Attorney General’s Office took a look at it and determined that it began on November 12. Ninety days thereafter meant, effective February 12, the amended provisions of section 28 (c) became effective.”

The February 12 furloughend passed with seemingly little notice or mention, which the Government’s labour chief attributed to the strength of the economy’s post-COVID revival and the fact most businesses had recalled the majority of their workforces.

“Actually it was the opposite,” Mr Farquharson replied, when asked how many employers had moved to terminate workers at that date. “We got very few complaints from employees regarding termination, and very few employers notifying the minister [Keith Bell] of redundancies. That meant they had brought everybody back to work.

“A minor number of companies, a very small

statement. “Our clients are the ones who look for the highest level of safety and security. This means having in place processes and procedures to safeguard against cyber security threats, validate identities and continuously monitor account activities. Delchain provided its services in line with these compliance procedures and policies.

“Delchain will continue to vigorously defend itself in this matter, including as to the proper forum for any such claims to be heard, and will assert any and all legal rights and remedies afforded to us under the law.”

Deltec Bank & Trust, in response to previous Tribune Business inquiries, asserted that Dreamr Labs

number of companies, indicated that redundancies took place. The increase in the hospitality and tourism sector, in particular, gave an indication it had begun to rebound. We had companies calling us, asking us that we provide them with resumes for persons seeking employment.

“A number of persons furloughed would either have found jobs in other sectors, or begun small and home-based businesses of their own. Having begun their own small businesses, they chose not to return to the workforce. We know there’s been an increase in demand for employment opportunities,” Mr Farquharson continued.

“A major employer came in yesterday [Tuesday], and we provided resumes for 40 persons for positions such as housekeepers and bellmen that they needed to hire. That has been a very, very good indicator that the economy is rebounding and employment opportunities are available.”

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its Article IV statement on The Bahamas this week, forecast that the jobless rate will decline further this year - from 18.1 percent in 2021 to 13.9 percent - as the economy continues to reflate. While that means close to one in seven Bahamians seeking work still cannot find it, the numbers represent a significant improvement from the 25.6 percent jobless rate at COVID’s 2020 peak when one in four were unemployed.

Mr Farquharson also pointed to tomorrow’s job

was seeking to blame itself and others for its own failings after the value of its virtual tokens crashed by 93 percent within 90 days of being listed on the Bittrex Global crypto currency exchange.

Responding to the lawsuit filed in the eastern New York federal court, the New Providence-based institution branded the allegations against it as both “unfounded and unsubstantiated”, and “frivolous and vexatious”, given that it is not directly involved in the digital assets/crypto currency space.

The Dreamr complaint also names Delchain as a defendant together with its Florida-based chief executive, Bruno Macchialli. It claims they worked with

fair at the Department of Labour’s Rosetta Street headquarters in Palmdale, where the Nassau Cruise Port’s main contractor, Enka, is seeking to recruit 250 Bahamian construction workers for the project’s landside work, as further signalling an improving job market.

“Just to give you an indication of how the economy is going, we’ve just sent out a flyer showing Enka, the cruise port contractor, wants to hire 250 people to work there,” he added of the fair, which starts at 8am.

“People can come to the fair and register to be employed.

They need all levels of construction workers.” The posts available range from architects (document control specialists) to painters, carpenters, plumbers and excavator operators.

The job fair, though, has attracted concerns from interim Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president, Leonard Sands, who questioned why Enka is only now seeking to hire Bahamian workers when it has already brought in significant Turkish labour.

However, Michael Maura, the Nassau Cruise Port chief executive, defended the use of expatriate labour on the basis that they possessed specialist skills required for the marine work that was necessary to construct and expand Prince George Wharf’s vessel berths. And he added that Island Site Development and other Bahamian contractors had also been engaged for such work.

The cruise port chief said that, with the project moving

LIQUIDATOR’S FINAL STATEMENT

LAPIDIBUS FUND LTD. (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) Registration No. 198164 B (the “Company”) Pursuant to Section 138(6) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, we, Crowe Bahamas, the Liquidator of LAPIDIBUS FUND LTD. hereby certify that the winding up and dissolution of the Company is complete.

We would be grateful if you would strike the Company from the Register and issue a Certificate of Dissolution certifying that the company has been dissolved.

Dated this 21st day of March, 2022.

Andrew Davies for Crowe Bahamas Liquidator

two other defendants, Suisse Finance Holdings and Richard Iamunno, to undermine its digital token offering and cause $20m worth of losses.

Making allegations including breach of contract, fraudulent inducement and fraud, Dreamr claimed: “Defendants, individually and collectively, caused Dreamr to lose more than $20m.

Dreamr retained and paid each defendant to provide certain advisory services concerning Dreamr’s attempt to launch and list Dreamr’s DMR cryptotokens on a recognised crypto currency exchange, namely among others Bittrex Global.

“Rather than support Dreamr’s endeavour, each

to land-based construction, more opportunities are being created for Bahamians and the skill sets they possess. “Enka is looking to bring on additional labour in support of the upland construction,” Mr Maura added.

“We have the arrivals terminal under construction, we have the marketplace retail spaces,

the port square, authentic Bahamian food and beverage, retail, the coral exhibit, ground transportation.

We’re about to launch construction in all those areas.

Enka needs more Bahamian labour. It’s an opportunity to make themselves known and apply for those jobs, and be part of this wonderful development and tell stories

PAGE 20, Friday, March 25, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

BRITISH COLONIAL CLOSURE IN MARGARITAVILLE BOOST

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net DOWNTOWN Nassau’s Margaritaville Beach Resort has benefited from the February closure of the adjacent British Colonial Hilton hotel by picking up “a lot of the existing reservations there”, a senior executive revealed yesterday.

Hal Davis, Margaritaville’s director of sales and marketing, said the resort - part of The Pointe complex - is enjoying upwards of 70 percent occupancy for

March and predicting similar trends in April as The Bahamas heads into the traditional winter tourism season peak. Both individual and group bookings were said to be strong.

Mr Davis said: “January, we got off to a bit of a rough start with the latest variant (Omicron). However, since the mid to end of January, coming into February and March, we’ve seen a very nice pick-up with Spring Break happening. So we’ve been a big part of that, and we’re really seeing some nice demand now.”

The British Colonial’s February 2022 shuttering, after the agreement with

its Hilton brand operating partner, was said to have “helped” Margaritaville boost its sales in the last several weeks. “We’ve benefited from that. We picked up a lot of the existing reservations there from the British Colonial. We actually tried our best to honour the rates that they had. So we’ve made a smooth transition with their guests that were inconvenienced,” Mr Davis said.

The British Colonial and Margaritaville share the same owner in China Construction America (CCA), the Chinese state-owned contractor. Mr Davis said the resort has hired some

former British Colonial employees. “We hired a manager from the catering department over there, so we actually have benefited that way, too, because she’s amazing. We are so, so happy to have her on board with the sales team,” he added.

However, Mr Davis said building business has been tricky because its competitors have enjoyed a head start. “It’s been a challenge due to the fact that we didn’t have that much on the books. A lot of our neighbours already had a lot on the books, so it was more of a struggle for us,”he said.

“However, we’ve done well, being that we’re running about 70 percent [occupancy] for March or in the high mid-70s. So coming out against that, and then being able to pick up, has been good for us.

With April, we’re shaping up very well. I think we’ll be above that 70 percent, so we’re looking good.

“We’ve opened up all our channels and we’ve got a lot of wholesale coming up.

We’ve seen Canada really opened up; they’ve relaxed their restrictions there.

So there’s no longer quarantines. We have a lot of wholesale, we have a lot of good groups on the books.

We’ve done very well with group and then with retail as well,” Mr Davis continued.

“We’ve got a lot of good deals out there. We’ve been very aggressive with our exclusive offers. We do a lot of fourth night free, fifth night free stays along with food and beverage credits.

So that has been very popular as well. So all that is starting to pay off very well for us.”

The Pointe marina is scheduled to undergo infrastructure works in the near future, but Mr Davis could not disclose when this will start or the scope of works.

CABLE TO MAKE FIRST $80M FIBRE TIE-UPS BY YEAR-END CABLE Bahamas aims to start its $80m fibre-tothe-home network roll-out in New Providence “very shortly”, its top executive said yesterday, with the first customers connected by year-end 2022.

Franklyn Butler, its president and chief executive, said the BISX-listed communications provider is currently assembling the necessary equipment so that it can begin installations. “We are just in the early stages of the $80m fibre roll-out for New Providence. We’re excited because we have the fibre equipment coming in now and we’ll be starting to roll that out very shortly,” he said.

“We’re excited to be wowing our customers, and bringing a different level of service that works with the new fibre technology, to Cable Bahamas. We would

imagine by the end of this year we’ll be connecting our first customers, and for all of our existing customers, you’ll be happy to know that we will be doing automatic upgrades.

“So if you are existing customer on our HFC plan, we will automatically upgrade you to a state-ofthe-art fibre network where you’ll be able to get 10 gigabyte download speeds on 10 gigabyte uploads, so it’s going to be an incredible experience for all of your video conferencing. We’re excited coming off the pandemic to really be investing in our network and making the digital highways of the Bahamas available for all Bahamians.”

When it came to Cable Bahamas’ fibre roll-out on the Family Islands, Mr Butler said: “In Abaco, as we rebuilt from Hurricane Dorian, we’ve got

all fibre-to-the-home in Marsh Harbour and those areas where we replaced that plant. So we’re excited about that. So those customers in Marsh Harbour and throughout Abaco have a state-of-the-art digital infrastructure. So there’s no issue around Abaco as far as we’re concerned.

“For here in New Providence, this obviously is the major populous of the country. So we’re excited again to have fibre in New Providence and, of course, for us it only leaves Eleuthera and Grand Bahama, where in Grand Bahama the HFC plant is in incredible shape.

“So we can even see from the customer comments that in Grand Bahama, our services are largely very well fine-tuned from an HFC perspective. So we will be looking at Grand Bahama and Eleuthera as

CABLE BAHAMAS HQ secondary once we complete New Providence.”

Cable Bahamas is seeking to match its competitor, the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), which has a head start in rolling out its fibre network.

John Gomez, Aliv’s chief executive, added that the

mobile operator’s revenues have increased. He said: “We are excited in terms of the growth that we have thus far. We’re just over 50 percent of the market within five-and-a-half years.

So we’re excited that we’re continuing to look for different ways on how we can

excite our customers, and

BAMSI CHAIRMAN URGES: ‘FIGHT FOR FOOD SECURITY’

Young added that research has shown there is hesitancy

by Bahamian retailers and vendors to purchase locally.

The meeting, he explained, was seeking to address this and other barriers.

Mr Young also wanted to gauge what produce restaurants and wholesalers purchase locally, and any new offerings they want to be provided locally. He sought to get feedback on their experiences when buying locally.

Among the concerns voiced during the meeting were the quality, grading and sizing of products, and a need for more variety in produce offerings including red onions, iceberg and romaine lettuce. Stakeholders also said there were frequent shortages in produce such as limes, plantains, lettuce, tomatoes, cassava and boniatos.

Mr Young said BAMSI is currently repairing its grading machine. He addedf that it should be back in operation in the coming weeks.

In addition, he said plans are underway for the creation of greenhouse parks throughout The Bahamas to provide seasonal produce year-round.

There was also a call for greater variety of produce and the processing of foods, such as the shredding of cabbage for coleslaw and offering canned goods such as tomatoes and other vegetables.

Senator Young said BAMSI is in discussions with farmers about maximising yield, ensuring variety and reducing an over-abundance of certain produce. A meeting is being planned for June with farmers to discuss some of these issues.

THE Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science Institute’s (BAMSI) executive chairman has urged the industry to “fight for food security” and reduce the country’s annual $1bn import bill.

Senator Tyrel Young held a virtual meeting with industry stakeholders to discuss these issues this past Tuesday, saying he wanted to liaise with wholesalers, restaurants and others to address the issues they face and encourage them to purchase locally-grown produce.

“The fight for food security is a national responsibility as we are all key players in decreasing the food import bill,” he said. Mr

also give them ways to be able to continue to enjoy our services. We are continuing to push and we will continue to grow our business.”

Bahamas Customs Department Sale By Sealed Bids In accordance with Section 201 of the Customs Management Act 2011, the following good is available for sale by the Bahamas Customs Department: Shipment#1-Thirty-three (33) pieces of Building Supplies Shipment # 2-Six (6) - 20’ Containers of Galvanized Steel The goods can be viewed at the Bahamas Customs Warehouse located at the Gladstone Freight Terminal, Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm or call 376-5607 or 424-8065. Each of the shipments is being sold separately. Bidders must specifically state what shipment they are bidding on.

Interested persons are asked to submit sealed envelopes marked “SALE

BY SEALED BIDS’ to the office of the Comptroller of Customs, Customs House, 55 University Drive, New Providence, The Bahamas.

The deadline for bid submissions is Friday, 22nd April 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

The right is reserved to reject any or all tenders.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, March 25, 2022, PAGE 21

SET THE BOUNDARIES WITH STAFF HANDBOOK A

N EMPLOYEE handbook or manual gives staff a detailed overview of policies that are specific to your company, along with other key procedures, guidelines and employee benefits.

It sets clear expectations for your employees while also stating your legal obligations and defining employee rights.

This document can help protect your business against employee lawsuits and claims, such as wrongful termination, harassment and discrimination. It is also a crucial introduction to your business for new hires, providing insights that allow

them to understand your mission and values.

Creating an employee handbook from scratch can seem like a daunting task, but having one is essential to developing transparency and consistency across your company.

With a well-written, comprehensive handbook, employees always know what is expected of them at work. They know how their employer will address, and apply, the policies and procedures of the business and what they, as employees, can expect from the employer.

They know how their employer will address problems and complaints.

They have a reasonable

expectation that employees with similar issues will receive similar treatment.

They share a knowledge base with the rest of the employees, too, and know what is important for the business.

Every good handbook has enshrined in its contents the company’s history, vision, mission statement and core values, as well as code of conduct/policies, working hours, dress code and facility information. It also contains information such as: Privacy and security; benefits for full-time and part-time employees; leave entitlements including sick-time; vacation time and bereavement; the

company’s resignation and termination processes; and anti-harassment policies and processes. The document is never complete without an acknowledgment of receipt, which verifies for legal purposes that the document has been explained to each employee.

Here are some important reasons why your company should have one: 1. The handbook introduces employees to your culture, mission and values.

2. The handbook communicates to employees what is expected of them.

3. The handbook educates employees about what they can expect from management and leadership.

4. The handbook helps ensure key company policies are clearly and consistently communicated.

5. The handbook showcases the benefits you offer.

6. The handbook ensures compliance with governmental laws and policies.

7. The handbook helps defend against employee claims.

8. The handbook provides information about where employees can turn for help, including but not limited to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) information.

• NB: Ian R Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 54° F/12° C

TAMPA

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Breezy; downpours in the morning

Mostly cloudy

Mostly sunny and pleasant

Mostly sunny, breezy and pleasant

Mostly sunny and nice

Mostly sunny, breezy and pleasant

High: 81°

Low: 69°

High: 81° Low: 69°

High: 78° Low: 68°

High: 77° Low: 67°

High: 80° Low: 69°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

83° F

69° F

85°-66° F

80°-65° F

82°-64° F

82°-66° F

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 68° F/20° C

8-16 knots

S

WEST PALM BEACH High: 75° F/24° C Low: 58° F/14° C

8-16 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

W

FREEPORT

High: 75° F/24° C Low: 59° F/15° C

N

S

E

W

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 67° F/19° C

MIAMI

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 60° F/16° C

8-16 knots

KEY WEST

High: 75° F/24° C Low: 67° F/19° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 69° F/21° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2022

N

uV inDex toDay

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

2.8 2.1

8:45 a.m.

8:43 p.m.

0.3 0.0

3:18 a.m.

3:47 p.m.

2.8 2.1

9:55 a.m.

9:56 p.m.

0.3 0.0

Sunday

4:27 a.m.

4:57 p.m.

2.8 2.3

11:02 a.m. 0.2 11:06 p.m. 0.0

Monday

5:31 a.m.

5:59 p.m.

2.9 2.5

12:00 p.m. 0.0 ---------

Tuesday

6:27 a.m.

6:53 p.m.

2.9 2.7

12:09 a.m. -0.1 12:52 p.m. -0.2

Wednesday 7:17 a.m.

7:42 p.m.

3.0 2.8

1:05 a.m. -0.2 1:37 p.m. -0.3

Thursday

2.9 3.0

1:56 a.m. -0.3 2:19 p.m. -0.4

Today

2:09 a.m.

2:34 p.m.

Saturday

8:02 a.m.

8:27 p.m.

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

7:09 a.m.

7:23 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

2:17 a.m.

12:53 p.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Mar. 25

Apr. 1

Apr. 9

Apr. 16

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

N

S

E

W

7-14 knots

S

7-14 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 84° F/29° C Low .................................................... 75° F/24° C Normal high ....................................... 80° F/26° C Normal low ........................................ 66° F/19° C Last year’s high ................................. 85° F/29° C Last year’s low ................................... 64° F/18° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ................................................. 4.39” Normal year to date ..................................... 4.17”

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 73° F/23° C

regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@ coralwave.com.

| Go to AccuWeather.com

TONIGHT

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 59° F/15° C

IAN FERGUSON

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 73° F/23° C

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

N

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 73° F/23° C

8-16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 83° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 82° F/28° C Low: 73° F/23° C

H

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 75° F/24° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 85° F/29° C Low: 74° F/23° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

6-12 knots

6-12 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday:

WINDS W at 8-16 Knots WNW at 7-14 Knots W at 7-14 Knots N at 7-14 Knots S at 7-14 Knots N at 7-14 Knots SE at 8-16 Knots SSE at 4-8 Knots S at 8-16 Knots N at 7-14 Knots NNW at 8-16 Knots WNW at 7-14 Knots S at 7-14 Knots N at 7-14 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots NNE at 4-8 Knots SSE at 6-12 Knots N at 4-8 Knots SE at 8-16 Knots SSE at 6-12 Knots SSW at 8-16 Knots N at 6-12 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots N at 4-8 Knots S at 8-16 Knots N at 7-14 Knots

WAVES 3-6 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-2 Feet 0-1 Feet 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-6 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-2 Feet 4-8 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet

VISIBILITY 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 77° F 77° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 80° F 81° F 77° F 77° F 79° F 77° F 79° F 80° F 81° F 83° F 79° F 80° F 79° F 79° F 78° F 78° F 80° F 80° F 78° F 77° F

business@tribunemedia.net

FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022

$5.50

$5.68

$5.50

‘Don’t imperil’ citizens over taxation reforms

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net TAX reform must “not imperil” the Bahamian private sector and citizens, a governance reformer is warning, adding that income taxation is not a cure-all for the country’s fiscal and economic woes by itself.

Hubert Edwards, head of the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) economic development committee, told Tribune Business in a recent interview that The Bahamas must “be careful going down that road” of income tax - corporate and/or personal - because this nation has no history of imposing such levies.

Arguing that such reform options require “very careful, deliberate and deep study”, he argued that The Bahamas must at all costs avoid a hasty,

their competitiveness and that the Government generates sufficient revenues to run the country and deliver essential public services without overburdening taxpayers.

Praising the Davis administration for its willingness to consider tax reform, the ORG executive nevertheless urged caution over long-standing private sector calls to convert the annual Business Licence

HUBERT EDWARDS fee into a corporate income tax that is instead levied on net profits rather than gross revenues.

The Prime Minister, in unveiling the mid-year Budget, confirmed such a reform is being studied and

SEE PAGE 18

Blockchain operator blasts ‘unfounded’ $20m lawsuit

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A BAHAMIAN blockchain and digital assets firm has slammed a $20m damages claim as “unfounded”, asserting that it was lavished with praise by the party making the allegations less than five months earlier.

Delchain, the affiliate of Deltec Bank & Trust, in a statement pointed out that

Bahamas-incorporated Dreamr Labs on October 22, 2021, hailed its role in the virtual token offering that is now at the centre of their legal dispute.

Responding to the latter’s March 10, 2022, lawsuit, Delchain referred to Dreamr’s Yahoo Finance release - seen

by Tribune Business - in which it described the Deltec affiliate as a “leading digital asset firm” and thanked it for the advisory role it played

in helping to raise $2m in capital.

“We are aware of the recent news regarding a complaint that was filed against Delchain Ltd with allegations related to a token launch and issuance by Dreamr that are unfounded and unsubstantiated,” Delchain’s statement said.

“Projects in this space are not always successful. At Delchain we work to support our clients with a compliant

launch strategy, and then to provide regulated custody and conversion services. Delchain does not operate any crypto currency exchange and cannot control the decision or timing to list any token.”

Suggesting that relations soured suddenly, and rapidly, Delchain added: “Over one month after the token listing, a press release was issued by Dreamr on Yahoo Finance

SEE PAGE 19

Bahamas ‘open for business’ with latest COVID upgrade

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE BAHAMAS is “unquestionably” in a strong competitive position after US federal health authorities confirmed this nation’s COVID ranking is set to be upgraded to ‘moderate’, a top hotelier said yesterday.

Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s president, told Tribune Business that the upcoming US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revision to ‘Level 2’ signals to the tourism industry that this nation is certainly “open for business” with little to

ROBERT SANDS no COVID infection at this time.

Speaking after the Bahamian government confirmed the imminent

SEE PAGE 17

Carnival’s private island plan to up arrivals 48%

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE $80m expansion of a cruise line’s private island will create 200 construction jobs, and an extra 80 fulltime posts, through growing annual visitor arrivals by 48 percent compared to preCOVID volumes.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted for Carnival Cruise Lines and its HAL (Holland America) Properties Ltd subsidiary, released ahead of public consultation on the project, reveals plans to bring close to 1m passengers per annum to Half Moon Cay by 2025.

The increase from 640,000 passengers in 2019, the last pre-COVID year, is billed as expanding full-time employment at Half Moon Cay by 55 percent to 225 posts.

While some will have reservations about expanding a cruise line’s private island, amid suspicions that the industry - rather than The Bahamas and Bahamians - will maximise the economic benefits, the deal was agreed by the former Minnis administration.

The EIA, which refers to a September 28, 2019, Heads of Agreement with the Government that has never before been publicly

SEE PAGE 18

Labour chief asserts whimper greeted COVID furlough end • ‘Very minor number’ of firms laid-off at February 12 • 250 cruise port jobs; hotel’s need for 40, show revival • But IMF still pegging unemployment rate at near 14%

• ORG executive: ‘Not true’ income tax is cure-all • Warns of ‘cultural bias’ against such tax types • Bahamas ill-served if change hasty, ‘superficial’ “superficial” approach given the culture shock that incometype taxes will inflict on both businesses and the wider taxpaying public.

With education and training “paramount” to the success of any tax reforms, Mr Edwards said the outcome must “serve the interests of all parties” citizens from an equity and fairness perspective, while ensuring businesses maintain

$5.52

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE COVID furlough period’s end sparked very few worker terminations, the Government’s top labour official is asserting, with Nassau Cruise Port’s need for 250 construction workers “a good indicator” of the economy’s growing revival.

Robert Farquharson, director of labour, told Tribune Business that labour demand was starting to outstrip supply with his department having just provided resumes of available Bahamians to a major hotel seeking to fill some 40 positions.

He added that the COVID furlough’s expiry on February 12, 2022, had produced more of a whimper than a flurry of worker terminations with the Department of Labour receiving “very few complaints” from dismissed staff and notices of redundancies from “a minor number of companies”.

Mr Farquharson said he and the Government were interpreting this as a sign that employers had recalled most of their workforce by that deadline, with the tourism industry’s re-opening in particular - and the arrival of winter high season - providing the critical spark to return workers from furlough.

The Employment Act provisions, which require employers to recall furloughed workers within 90 days (13 weeks) or otherwise pay them due severance, were suspended under the former Minnis administration’s emergency powers in an effort to both preserve jobs and delay payment of severance packages that

SEE PAGE 19