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POLICE OFFICERS BACK IN SCHOOLS

Munroe announces move after last week’s AF Adderley stabbing

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe confirmed that police officers have returned to public schools, nearly a week after concerns were reignited about school safety following last week’s stabbing at AF Adderley Junior High.

According to officials, several officers were

assigned to nine different public schools in New Providence on Monday in view of the incident.

Among them are AF Adderley Junior High, CH Reeves Junior High, Government High School, RM Bailey Senior High, CC Sweeting Senior High, CV Bethel Senior High School and Doris Johnson Senior High.

SEE PAGE FIVE

GOVT TO PAY $177,000 TO AID STRAW VENDORS

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama Minister Ginger Moxey announced yesterday that the government will be providing monetary assistance to hurting straw vendors at Port Lucaya Marketplace and other industry workers on that island this week.

She said the initiative will cost the government $177,000, with money

ACTIVIST ONE OF TWO MEN MISSING AT SEA

expected to be given out in the days ahead.

Payments in the sum of $500, she said, will be made to vendors at Port Lucaya Marketplace, the Farmer’s Market located downtown, the Fish Fry site in Eight Mile Rock and workers in the harbour area.

It is expected that over 300 vendors will receive monetary relief from the government, according to Ms Moxey.

SEE PAGE TWO

FRIENDS and family are concerned after two men went on a boating trip on Sunday and have not been heard from since. Environmental activist Andrew Rolle, right, also known as Conchalay Conchalar, and Zephaniah Pennerman was on board the vessel, pictured, set off from Morgan’s Bluff, Andros, headed for Grand Bahama. See PAGE FOUR for the full story.

GB AIRPORT LOST OVER $8M IN TWO YEARS BEFORE PURCHASE

WSC’S $26M DEBT TO SUPPLIER TO BE COVERED BY GOVERNMENT

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama International Airport suffered an $8.129m operating loss

in the two-and-a-half years leading up to its 2021 purchase by the government, which aims to select a preferred bidder to redevelop the asset by August.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

THE government has pledged to bring the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s

record $26.4m debt owed to Consolidated Water “current”, it was revealed last night. Consolidated Watersaid it had been informed in late February of the plan.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

MORE CASH FOR JUNKANOO - AND CHANGES TOO MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said it won’t be business as usual when Junkanoo parades return to Bay Street later this year, saying the government anticipates an increase in the event’s operational budget to pay for enhanced safety measures.

Meanwhile, an official from the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence said stakeholders want to see changes to the parades

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg. this season, with improvements in the judging format, the handling of results and

a better spectator experience to be discussed.

Mr Bowleg was asked about recommendations from Saxons leader Percy “Vola” Francis that stakeholders needed to come together to hash out measures needed at parades and Junkanoo shacks after a two-year absence.

“Most definitely we can’t go back to Bay Street as things were prior to COVID, so there has to SEE PAGE FOUR

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

ALICIA WALLACE: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS GOOD VIOLENCE

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Wednesday, March 30, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Buddy Walk held to mark World Down Syndrome Day

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Grand Bahama Down Syndrome Society organised a successful ‘Virtual Buddy Walk’ raising awareness and support in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, which is observed on March 21.

Wende Hanna, founding president of GBDSS, said the event went well and marked a rejuvenation for the organisation, which has been inactive for the past two years due to the COVID pandemic.

She said the virtual Buddy Walk was held on Saturday, March 26, with people participating from far as Canada, and the United States.

World Down Syndrome Day is held March 21 in recognition of the three copies of the 21 chromosomes.

Down Syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome.

Mrs Hanna said: “Due to COVID, we decided to go virtual. But this was a blessing in disguise because family from abroad was able to support the event, and we really had supporters from all over the world as far as Canada, New York, and New Jersey participate.”

The ‘Rock Your Socks’ was another activity that people recognise and support World Down Syndrome Day.

She explained that the wearing of mismatched colored socks is just symbolic of the way the Down Syndrome chromosomes look under a microscope.

“They sort of look like socks and so mismatching of socks is usually a way that people show support and awareness for those living with DS, and a lot of people supported that,” she said.

Mrs Hanna said local schools, including the ICAN Academy, Walter Parker Primary, and the Beacon School supported ‘Rock Your Socks,’ and made donations to the organisation through that activity.

The GBDSS was formed in 2012 by Mrs Hanna, whose son has Down Syndrome and was two years old at the time.

Although inactive in the last two years, the organisation has accomplished a lot within the past years when it was active.

The GBDSS printed an early intervention handbook to assist parents about what they should be doing with their babies who have DS and how they can get them to meet all their milestones. It has also produced a television commercial, ‘We are Just Like You,’ which is still in rotation on the air on ZNS. Mrs Hanna also said that they had held Buddy Walks for about five years, and free summer camps in conjunction with the Freeport

City Council for kids with special needs.

“We will reinstitute summer camps this year with the funds raised from this year’s virtual Buddy Walk,” she said.

The GBDSS president said at the summer camps they provide therapeutic services, including speech and occupational therapy which so many children special needs require.

“Because we don’t have those services readily available on the island, we had to bring in therapists to provide those services and assess the kids and give parents direction. This is a tremendous resource we do not have that we need on the island so kids can receive therapy on a consistent basis,” she said.

When asked about corporate support, Mrs Hanna said they did not request corporate sponsorship this year, but it has been historically strong.

“We got an unsolicited donation from FTX Digital Markets, which was welcomed and appreciated.

It was a jumpstart to our fundraising this year. And whenever we request corporate support, it always comes and our support from the community has always been very good,” he said.

Mrs Hanna thanked the community for its support.

“I want to encourage the community to continue to

do so. Our eventually goal beside raising awareness and getting support from the community is create a consistent path to independence for DS kids and individuals so that they are able to be functional and contributing citizens to the country and not be a burden to society,” she said.

GB Down Syndrome Society founding president Wende Hanna, far right waving and wearing pink and gray, is seen with participants in the Virtual Buddy Walk on Saturday, March 26 on Grand Bahama. The event marked the rejuvenation of the organisation following the last two years of inactivity due to the COVID pandemic.

GOVT TO PAY $177,000 TO AID STRAW VENDORS

from page one

The vendors have long spoken about their difficulties in making ends meet due to the island’s beleaguered economy.

Ms Moxey said the Davis administration is working on several initiatives to attract more tourists to Port Lucaya Marketplace.

This comes after she and Tourism, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper met with marketplace vendors last week to discuss their concerns.

Among the concerns shared by workers were the lack of sales due to low visitor arrivals, as well as the discontinuation of the

National Insurance Board benefit and food vouchers they were receiving from the Department of Social Services.

“We were there and there are many concerns with Port Lucaya Marketplace and not having the cruise passengers that come through and so immediately, the next day, I got an approval from Cabinet for an immediate relief for the vendors in Port Lucaya Marketplace that will be distributed sometime later this week,” Ms Moxey told reporters before going to a Cabinet meeting yesterday.

“But there is so much more that needs to be done. One of the major

things was the beach access and the fact that, of course, visitors when they come, they’re coming for a beach experience and we are now working with the Ministry of Tourism in partnership to develop a beach access that is secure and we’re going to also create other vendor opportunities for that area so we’re working to do that as well as to ensure that guests actually come into the marketplace so we’re speaking to the cruise lines.

We’re also working in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism to have something called ‘Taste of Port Lucaya’ to make it more attractive.

“And so, we are like

working on all cylinders just trying to ensure that business comes to that area and that guests come to that area to provide opportunity to the vendors there so it’s been a challenge and we are pushing forward doing everything we can to bring some relief to those vendors.”

Ms Moxey also gave an update on the efforts to eliminate derelict buildings in the area.

She said: “So we came into office six months ago and that’s one of the immediate things we’ve been looking at and there are some environmental bye laws that the port has presented, but you know, outside of that there are

so many other issues that are going on. I know that our Attorney General’s Office and lawyers from the Port Authority have been in direct contact trying to make progress with it, but that’s one of the major things we’re looking at now and we’re working on it.”

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis admitted earlier this month that a change is needed for Grand Bahama to live up to its potential.

His comments came after concerned businesspersons and residents held a ‘Let’s Take a Stand’ march to the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

The group expressed their concerns about the

economic state of Freeport and lack of investment to the island in the past 18 years, with some claiming that the island is perishing due to lack of vision by executives at the Port Authority.

“All I know is that there has to be a change and a fundamental change to see how we can get investments here to Grand Bahama,” Mr Davis said at the time.

“We have been having over the years investments in many of our islands.

And, unfortunately, (we) have not seen the same kind of interest here in Grand Bahama. When I say interest, it is interest that consummates itself at some point in time.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 30, 2022, PAGE 3

A HANDS for Hunger breakfast in the park event at Sutton St, Kemp Rd, in November.

Hands for Hunger ‘was’ prudent with food funds

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net HANDS for Hunger has said it was prudent with public funds it received to feed people receiving assistance through the National Food Distribution Task Force, adding almost all of the operational costs were self-absorbed to ensure the lion’s share of the money it received was spent on food.

Keisha Ellis, Hands for Hunger executive director, told The Tribune yesterday, the organisation used its own resources to fund running the programme, inclusive of salaries, leasehold improvements and utilities.

She also addressed Hands for Hunger receiving a $2m surplus payment due to an accounting error, saying the money was returned to the government as soon as they were advised on where it should be wired.

“Hands for Hunger did its part to feed tens of thousands of people in The Bahamas during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said in emailed comments to The Tribune yesterday.

“We were aware from the onset that any unused funds would be transferred to the government upon completion of the programme. As soon as we were advised on where to wire the funds, the funds were returned.

This came about during the

audit process.

“We were prudent and conscientious stewards of the people’s money, and used our own resources to fund almost all operating costs associated with running the programme, inclusive of salaries, leasehold improvements and utilities. This was our contribution to ensure that the lion’s share of funds received were directly spent on food.

“At no time did our clients suffer because of our prudency. All of the food boxes that we provided to thousands of our clients contained fresh produce, meats, bread, and other healthy items. We have submitted all requested

information to the programme auditors and have supplied all supporting documentation requested of us. We are satisfied that we have provided a complete and accurate record of our programme income and expenditures to help the auditors conclude their work.”

Her statement comes amid deepened concern over the former Minnis administration’s handling of funds accessed through the World Bank for the national food programme.

According to The Nassau Guardian, The Bahamas has not been able to provide information to the World Bank on how funding for

MYLES LARODA

‘MORE THAN 1,000 AWAITING HOME FUNDS’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net MORE than 1,000 homeowners are still waiting to receive funding approval from the Disaster Reconstruction Authority to continue their post-Dorian home repairs, Minister of State Myles Laroda said yesterday.

Mr Laroda, who has responsibility for the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA), made the remarks when asked for an update on the agency’s Small Home Repair programme. He said: “The Small Home Repair in Grand Bahama, we’re at a point now where we have sourced the funds with regards to about 2,600 residents at various stages of the home repairs. That would be from about 2,500 and capped at 10,000 (dollars).

“What we have to do there are about 3,700 people in total so there’s an additional 1,100 people who have applied for assistance.

However, the former Cabinet only approved 2,600 so we have to go back to Cabinet for approval for those other, just say under 1,100 people. I expect that to be done pretty shortly. I conveyed that message to both the leader of the opposition and member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama.”

The housing repair programme was launched by

food assistance during the pandemic was used to help Bahamians.

Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe made the revelation to the newspaper.

In May 2021, the World Bank approved a $100m COVID-19 response and recovery development policy loan for The Bahamas to support the country’s efforts to provide pandemic relief and “lay the foundation for a resilient economic recovery”.

The Bahamas also received $250m from the IMF through its rapid response facility and also accessed money through the IDB. The funds were to aid

the Minnis administration in February 2020 to help residents in Abaco and Grand Bahama repair their storm ravaged homes following the passage of Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Mr Laroda told parliamentarians earlier this month that more than 3,700 homeowners sought assistance as a result of the relief initiative.

He said 1,200 people in Grand Bahama got assistance at a price tag of $1.5m and $585,000 went to Abaco residents.

“The home repairs, as it started under the previous government, there were homes with various stages of damage and they were

measures to enhance unemployment benefits and provide food assistance to those workers and households most affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and measures to develop an inclusive vaccination policy, the World Bank said.

According to the local daily, Mr Wilchcombe said he was “embarrassed” being unable to answer the World Bank’s questions.

The National Food Distribution Task Force was launched at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020.

At the height of the pandemic at least 57,000 households were receiving assistance through the task force.

supposed to be assessed,” Mr Laroda said yesterday.

“Whether that was done entirely could be debated, but we are where we are where commitments have been made. The contractors would’ve done work.

Some of them are at (the) halfway point, some of them are completed so we do owe about just north of $400,000 to those contractors who performed the work. As I said earlier, those (funds) have been sourced so those contractors will be notified shortly when they would receive their funds.”

A forensic audit continues to be underway into the DRA, Mr Laroda also said.

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PAGE 4, Wednesday, March 30, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

ACTIVIST ONE OF TWO MEN MISSING AT SEA

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

ANDREW Rolle, also known as environmental activist “Conchalay Conchalar”, has not been heard from since Sunday when he went out on a boating trip, causing

concern among close friends and family.

Mandel Quant, Mr Rolle’s friend of 20 years, told The Tribune yesterday that they last spoke shortly after 11am that day.

Mr Rolle left Morgan’s Bluff, Andros, and told Mr Quant that he was passing through the Berry Islands

on his way to Grand Bahama.

Another man, Zephaniah Pennerman, was also on board the vessel.

Having known Mr Rolle for two decades as someone who “crosses all his T’s and dots all his I’s” it is unnerving to have not heard from him for two

days, Mr Quant said.

“He was actually coming to me in Grand Bahama,” Mr Quant said. “He was getting ready to come over here to start a fishing business.

“I am worried, he crosses his T’s and dots his I’s. So, I am worried.”

He also said: “We have

all boots on the ground searching, but everything is in God’s hands. We have people in the Berries, Bimini and Abaco out in boats looking.

“We had a lady call from the Berries saying her husband spotted the boat, but I don’t know what the specifics are,

but they have the plane searching.”

Mr Quant said the vessel the men were on is seaworthy and described it as a 28ft boat with a cuddy cabin and a 250 Yama outboard engine on the back.

He said relatives had filed a missing person’s report yesterday.

More cash for Junkanoo and changes too from page one be some protocols put in place,” Mr Bowleg said in response. “We have to build an environment where it’s safe for all persons who will be attending the parade.

Yes we anticipate there will be an increase in the budget as it relates to the government having to subsidise the parade, which we subsidise the entire operation of the parade in any event.

“Knowing that there has to be sanitation stations, we have to have extra exit and entry points, more human resources will be needed.

“So he is correct, we cannot go back to Bay Street as it was prior to COVID, so definitely we have to make some adjustments.”

Mr Bowleg said stakeholders will get together to formulate a plan for the upcoming Junkanoo season. He could not say how much the event’s operational costs will increase

in view of the changes that will be made to any future parades.

Asked about a possible increase in seed funding to Junkanoo groups — some of whom have complained about reduced donations to the COVID-19 economic slump — Mr Bowleg said he did not anticipate the government shelling out more money in this regard.

“I think it’s premature for us to get to that point, I still believe that looking at the economy right now we are trending in the right direction. Most of the major sponsors for Junkanoo are doing quite well.

I believe that — we’re still nine months away from Junkanoo, so when we get to that bridge we’ll cross that bridge. But at this very present time, I don’t see the need for us to have to make any new increase for any grants to the Junkanoo groups.”

Asked if there were plans to host one holiday parade this season, Mr Bowleg

said: “We will go on the course as if things will be back to some sort of normalcy with two parades.”

Yesterday, Dion Miller, chairman of the JCNP, told The Tribune that stakeholders want to see major improvements to the parades.

He said the JCNP’s year does not begin until April 4, so he could not speak about specific plans.

“However all Junkanooers are in agreement with Mr Francis’ comments,” Mr Miller said. “We are in agreement that after a two-year absence you can’t come back to Bay Street with the same format, the same attitude, the same presentation.

“We must innovate and improve the parade experience.”

Asked what areas they hope to improve he said: “One thing we have to look at is the whole judging of the parades, the whole parade aftermath. . .so we avoid what occurred during

A MEMBER of the Valley Boys in the 2019 New Year parade. the last season with confusion in the parade results.”

He said stakeholders also want to create a more inviting atmosphere for the spectators saying the parades have gotten “stale” in recent times.

“We’re anticipating that this year will be some huge, massive parade, some exciting parade and it’s time to go back to Bay and do what we love to do.”

“We’ve already met with our partners in government a few weeks ago and got the greenlight to begin our planning for the current season. We’re ready to rock and roll and return to Bay Street. . this year.”

The Boxing Day and New Year’s parades were put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic.

However, last week during the Royal visit,

Junkanoo groups rushed down Bay Street as part of the celebrations for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

On Monday, Mr Bowleg said a possible Junkanoo event was being planned for the country’s independence celebration in July.

This comes as daily COVID-19 cases remain low, with only one new case recorded on March 28.

1,500 STUDENTS HAVE CHANCE OF HBCU SCHOLARSHIPS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Think HBCU college fair is set for April 23 and will provide 1,500 students throughout the country the opportunity for scholarships at 20 historically black colleges and universities in the United States.

The virtual HBCU fair will take place from 9am to 5pm. It has awarded more than $7m worth of scholarships to 300 Bahamian students in the last two years.

During a press conference on Tuesday to announce the event, Zoe Gibson-Bowleg said ‘Think HBCU’ is a collaboration

between Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Pi Upsilon Omega and Eta Psi Omega Chapters, and The Bahamas Area of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, which consists of the Iota Epsilon Lambda and Pi Nu Lambda Alphas Chapters.

She said that their organisations saw fit to partner and “create a pathway to help Bahamian students take advantage of opportunities that will help them to become the leaders of tomorrow”.

Mrs Bowleg, of Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter, believes that their college fair is unique from others because students meet with college presidents, and not recruiters.

“The presidents will be there to award on the spot scholarships to deserving students to attend their institutions for the Fall of 2022,” she said.

Additionally, the US Embassy will make a special presentation to provide information and tips to students about applying for student visas.

Algernon Cargill, vice president of Iota Epsilon Lambda Chapter, said that the fair will be held in virtual format using the Hover platform.

“We have a maximum limit of 1,500 students that can participate in the fair this year, and we encourage Bahamians to register wherever they are in the

Funeral Service for JOAN FERGUSON CLARKE, 64 of Elizabeth Estates, Nassau, Bahamas, will be held at the New Bethany Baptist Church Key West Street on Thursday, March 30th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be Bishop Victor Cooper Jr., J.P. Interment will follow at the Southern Cemetery, Cowpen and Spikenard Road.

Cherished memories of her are held and treasured in the hearts of her Children (4): Jerrett, Ryan, Raquel, and Shakera Clarke; Siblings: Winston (Althea) and Lloyd Ferguson, Yvonne Cooper, Beverley Ferguson, and Rose (Oswald) Morrison; Grandchildren (8): Kevin Killman, Darren, Devonté, Jahmari, Jahvaughn, Rayden, and Sapphire Clarke, and Alia Pitt; Aunts & Uncle: Florence Lewis, Estella Cox, Lorraine Moss, Barbara Moss, Tristian Ferguson, Naomi Munnings, Elizabeth Adderley, Beulah McPhee, Edna Ferguson, Willis Smith, and Laban Ferguson; Nieces & Nephews: Jasmine, Jayde and Emerald Ferguson, Rashad Ferguson, Charita Cooper & Chad Woodside, Sasha Johnson, Ashley Williams & Adam Miller, Tyler & Tarah-Rose Morrison. A host of other relatives and friends including: Bishop Victor & Elder Frances Cooper, Reverend Franklyn and Sister Kate Clarke, Reverend Wendell and Sister Naomi Lewis, Minister Marion Sturrup, Janet Ferguson, Sharon Farrington, Vilerine Henfield, Lillis Winters, Sophia Pinder, Capt. Fernley Palmer, The Conliffe Family, The Management & Staff at The Pastry Shop – Atlantis, The Golden Gates and Elizabeth Estates Communities. Special thanks to: the Doctors, Nurses & Staff of Female Medical I – Princess Margaret Hospital.

Viewing will be held at the Evergreen Mortuary located on Parkgate Road on Wednesday, March 30th from 10am to 5pm and again at the church from 10am until service time.

Bahamas and outside,” he said.

The HBCU scholarships offered, he said, supplements government scholarships.

“Between the Bahamas government and the HBCU institution, many students will have the opportunity to go to school for free at no cost to parents,” he said.

“We continue to provide lots of scholarships to Bahamians, and this year will be no different,” he said.

According to Mr Cargill, the Think HBCU fair has been very successful, awarding millions of dollars in academic, music, band, and athletic scholarships to Bahamians.

During the 2019 fair, he said $3.5m was awarded in scholarships to Bahamians, and in 2021 a further $2m was awarded. Also in 2021, another $1.5m was awarded exclusively by Talladega College.

A fair was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic.

Kevin Basden, president of Iota Epsilon Lambda, explained the history of HBCUs. “The US Congress officially defined an HBCU as a school of higher learning that was accredited and established before 1964, and whose principal mission was the education of African Americans,” he said.

He stressed that HBCUs continue to play a major role in higher learning in the US and for students from all around the world.

Though typically smaller in size, he said, they provide quality education.

“HBCUs account for 80 percent of black judges, and 50 percent of black lawyers and doctors,” he said.

Mr Basden said Dr Roderick Smothers, the 14th president of Philander Smith College, challenged their fraternities in The

Bahamas to have an HBCU college fair, and they partnered with the AKA Sorority and launched the Think HBCU event in 2019.

Dr Smothers said Bahamians Dionisio Knowles and Vashanti Storr are excelling at Philander Smith College.

Mr Knowles, a graduate of Government High School, is an honour student majoring in accounting.

Ms Storr, a national merit scholar and a graduate of St John’s College, is a Presidential Scholar recipient on a full ride scholarship. She is a double major in mathematics and chemistry and is on the President’s and Dean’s List.

The fair is open to 12th grade students, 11th graders, parents, guardians, guidance counsellors, coaches, band teachers, principals, and Ministry of Education officials.

Students may register at www.thinkHBCU242.com.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 30, 2022, PAGE 5

Police officers back in schools from page one Mr Munroe said two other schools are expected to have police presence very soon. He added the initiative is “intelligence driven.”

This comes after a student was stabbed at AF Adderley last week in what officials believe may have been a gang related attack.

A 13-year-old boy has since been charged in connection with the incident.

Yesterday, Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin described the return of officers to schools as a necessary effort to strengthen campus safety and help stem the rise of violence among teens.

She said her ministry is committed to ensure that Bahamian children remain safe and also revealed plans to incorporate anger management classes in the new curriculum for next year.

“We have to appreciate that these young people have been out of the loop for two years,” Mrs Hanna

Martin said before going to a Cabinet meeting. “Many have not been in school at all. Some have been on the streets; some have been cooped up for extended periods of time so we’re not dealing with a normal environment for these people.

“I mean they’re coming back now to a socialised environment, but they have been in an abnormal situation for two years. This has had a negative impact and we are going to steadily work it through until we bring about some level of regularity in their lives and the lives of the Bahamian people.”

The introduction of police on school campuses is not a new move.

In 2003, the Progressive Liberal Party formed the School Policing Unit that involved strategically placing police officers in the public schools. In 2007, under the new FNM government, the programme was stopped and cancelled.

However, it was eventually replaced with a community policing

approach that stationed officers outside schools during the peak hours of 7am to 9am and 3pm to 5pm.

The Christie administration later reinstated the programme when it assumed office in 2012.

Yesterday, Mr Munroe said it is his hope that the initiative will help others adopt better conflict management skills.

“We want the citizenry to have an attitude that if something happens, you don’t take the law into your own hands, but you give it to the police so how better to inculcate that into persons and it starts with students and the police are on campus if you have an issue, you can access them,” he said.

Concerns about increased violence among children comes as the country grapples with a rise of homicides and violent crime.

According to this newspaper’s records, 35 murders have been recorded so far for the first three months of this year.

CANADA OFFICER TO LEAD MURPHY INVESTIGATION

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe says his ministry is hoping to engage a retired correctional officer from Canada to lead an independent committee to investigate Charles Murphy’s tenure as corrections commissioner once Cabinet has given approval.

Mr Murphy was controversially sent on leave in October, supposedly out of concern that a Supreme Court order was breached under his watch.

Since then, Mr Munroe has claimed that a litany of issues have been uncovered, including the handling of a prisoner who caught COVID-19 during lock-up.

Earlier this month, Mr Munroe said he was still seeking Cabinet’s permission for an independent review commission to be appointed to look at matters relating to the prison, including Mr Murphy’s tenure there.

When asked for an update yesterday, the minister said he was still waiting for Cabinet to appoint the committee.

“It’s not been appointed because it takes Cabinet to appoint it,” he told reporters before heading to a Cabinet meeting. “We’re working out the details when and how the persons from the Corrections of Canada because we want

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when we say independent, we want somebody who isn’t connected to The Bahamas who nobody can say has a horse in the race and we recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Corrections Canada and we’re working out the basis upon which a retired correction services officer will head that.”

Asked how soon a committee could be appointed, the minister replied: “Unfortunately, things don’t always happen in TV time. We have come out of COVID lockdown. We have come out of a number of things. We have met the budget that we have met and unfortunately, I can only operate on the budget that I have. I expect that it will be shortly, but again, not everything is in my control.”

Mr Murphy’s lawyer, Romona Farquharson Seymour, told The Tribune this month she has already taken legal action in the courts on her client’s behalf.

In October she accused Mr Munroe of bias in his handling of Commissioner Murphy, noting he represented two deputy prison commissioners who asked the Supreme Court to quash Mr Murphy’s appointment.

“How do we view,” she said, “that the very thing you were petitioning and asking the court for, the removal of Mr Murphy, which you were asking for in your private capacity, now in your public capacity has come to fruition? Is that a coincidence, happenstance, is that what we are supposed to accept?”

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis called an urgent conclave with key stakeholders to address the nation’s escalating crime rate. He said more details about the government’s plan will be released soon.

However, the Free National Movement has questioned the Davis administration’s plan to arrest crime.

FNM leader Michael Pintard said he is of the view that the government should have already been prepared to present Bahamians with immediate, short term and long-term goals for crime fighting.

Mr Munroe pushed back at Mr Pintard’s statements yesterday and questioned the opposition’s sincerity in wanting to be bipartisan in discussions of national concern.

“As I mentioned in the House, I am sceptical of the opposition’s sincerity in wanting to be bipartisan and they’re disingenuous in a lot of what they do so you come to a meeting with proposals, and you have not even been briefed as to what the problem is. That is like a doctor treating you without examining you,” the minister told reporters yesterday.

“And so, the prime minister may be of a different

view, but I see their efforts as cynical and disingenuous.

We had a briefing where the police ​were quite blunt with us about what was happening, the steps that could be taken.

“Deputy Commissioner (Clayton) Fernander indicated that he’s putting together the same team that he led to reduce murders to under 100 before he was sidelined if you remember – and he is putting together a team and they’re targeting the gangs and people on bail and they’re targeting the drug shops and it’s quite clear at the meeting that they introduce saturation patrols into the hotspots.”

PAGE 6, Wednesday, March 30, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

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Officers back - but schools different this time

jamaaltheartist@gmail.com

THE news that police are now back on school campuses might well bring a familiar feeling for many readers.

This is not the first time police have been stationed at schools. Back in 2003, the PLP formed a School Policing Unit that placed officers in public schools. That scheme was discontinued in 2007 under the FNM government, but back it came in 2012 under the Christie administration.

So while National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said that the move this time is “intelligence driven”, some may be forgiven for thinking this is just more of the same old, same old.

But things are different this time around – something that Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin noted yesterday.

“We have to appreciate that these young people have been out of the loop for two years. Many have not been in school at all. Some have been on the streets; some have been cooped up for extended periods of time so we’re not dealing with a normal environment for these people.”

What Mrs Hanna Martin has hinted towards there, The Tribune has heard from readers too. One such reader, a teacher, told The Tribune how this year has been different in terms of how children are relating to one another at school.

The teacher said that schools are experiencing more incidents of conflict – often nothing major, but incidents brought about because children have been, as Mrs Hanna Martin puts it, cooped up for a long time. For certain crucial years, particularly the children making the transition between junior school and high school, these have been the years where they would develop the socialisation skills dealing with those around them, while the school instills in them the responsibility for their behaviour. In short, many are two years taller, two years bigger, but still behaving in social terms like children two years younger.

That at least is the experience some are going through.

Whether the introduction of police into schools is nuanced enough to deal with young people’s behaviour as they grow into themselves or not is another question – but it is a very different landscape from those years when the PLP previously placed officers in schools.

Add to that the fact that the country is in the middle of a turf war between gangs, and some of these children may have been living on the street more than

previously and have come into contact with these gangs, and it is worth considering this move on its own merits rather than as part of a familiar political cycle.

What we do not want this to do is to end up with more children in handcuffs, charged and going before the court – the key has to be to steer them away from criminal behaviour rather than formally name them as criminals.

But we also want to see that they are safe – and we have already seen a stabbing take place at AF Adderley school last week.

Parents want to know that when they send their children to school they will come home, safe and sound.

We will see what the outcome of this move will be, we will see it in crime figures, we will see it in police expenditure.

We will wonder whether those officers might have been better deployed in other areas. But we may not see the most crucial area of all – how it affects these children who have had such a different childhood from those who came before them. This is a generation interrupted – and putting them back on the right track may be the most crucial task we face.

Prison probe When National Security Minister Wayne Munroe sent Corrections Commissioner Charles Murphy on leave in October, this column questioned why he did not recuse himself from such a decision, given his involvement with a court case in which he represented two deputy commissioners seeking to quash Mr Murphy’s appointment.

We said that he should step back from the process and ensure it is handled independently.

The news then that the government is seeking to have a Canadian corrections officer lead an independent committee to investigate Mr Murphy’s tenure is a welcome one. Having someone from outside the jurisdiction is something commonly done in police forces and other bodies, and this follows that protocol.

It should ensure that whatever decision is reached, it can be seen to be fair as long as the investigation is carried out appropriately, rather than having a perceived bias because of previous involvement.

Mr Munroe may not have made the best start in his handling of this matter, but this is a good choice.

of sailing in The Bahamas EDITOR, The Tribune.

IF THERE is anyone in the Bahamas who is yet unconvinced that sailing has been the bedrock of transportation, boat building, ocean freighting, pleasure boating, commercial fishing, competitive sportsmanship, and finally a Royal Regatta with the future King and Queen of England racing against each other and teaming up with some of the very best Bahamian sailing talent, then you are definitely inconvincible.

Without sailboats it is highly unlikely that the Bahamas would exist, as it does today, as a nation of far flung island communities stretching some six hundred miles from southeast to northwest from just beyond the Windward Passage to less than 100 miles to the coast of Florida.

If you Google Boat Building in the Bahamas its pages are rich with historical facts of the very early settlers and their descendants who have passed on the art and science of boat building for generations.

In Man-O-War Cay in the Abacos we have Lewis Uriah Albury and Son Boat Works since 1927.

And then we have Harbour Island and Colonel Andrew Deveaux: The island played a central role in recapturing Nassau from the Spanish in 1783. Colonel Andrew Deveaux, a British Loyalist living in St. Augustine after the American Revolution, sailed to Harbour Island on his way to retake Nassau from the Spanish. Over a hundred men and 50 small fishing boats from Harbour Island, Spanish Wells and Eleuthera joined the successful expedition, taking the Nassau garrison of over 600 Spanish soldiers with less than 300 men. For their efforts, Harbour Islanders and men from Spanish Wells were awarded 6,000 acres on north Eleuthera, lands which they had cultivated for years but now took as their own. The land was granted on behalf of the Crown by Lord Dunmore, who had a summer home on Harbour Island and for which “Dunmore Town” is named. During the period, a Reverend Moss described the island as “a tight and orderly community of sixty families, living mainly a maritime life, building their own ships, and growing subsistence crops and raking salt on the nearby mainland of Eleuthera.”

And then: https:// www.geni.com/ people/Victor-Cleare/ 6000000019092287106 Anyone in The Bahamas who knows anything about boat building will have heard of Victor Cleare, whose skills created no fewer than nine impressive craft between 1920 and 1944, including the 165-foot Arawak, believed to be the biggest vessel ever built in these islands.

Mr Cleare, who was born in Harbour Island on December 12, 1900, was the sixth generation of Cleares in The Bahamas, a family descended from solid English stock whose roots are said to go all the way back to Anne Boleyn, the illfated second wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth I. A self-taught boatbuilder, Victor developed his passion for sea-going craft through his father, Bruce, who owned several three-masted sailing ships.

These were used to carry pineapples to Baltimore and to pick up mahogany in Havana for delivery to ports along the east coast of North America. The names of two are believed to be the Beatrice and the Corinthia, both of which are believed to have sunk in Harbour Island during the fierce hurricane of 1929.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Victor’s son, Paul, a retired businessman who developed a keen interest in Bahamas shipbuilding, has been sorting out family photographs which throw a fascinating light on his father’s halcyon days as a shipbuilder supreme.

“Boatbuilding was his great love and he developed a great skill in the field as was so very apparent by the nine boats he later built,” said Paul. The craft ranged in size from 40 feet up to the 165-foot Arawak and included the Saint Mary of Stafford, a 55-foot vessel built in Harbour Island in 1932 at the request of the then Roman Catholic bishop, who used it for travel to the Out Islands.

And then we come across the boat builders of Long Island in which the Royal Competitors sailed in the Jubilee Regatta: https:// www.bahamasb2b.com/ news/2013/09/three-generations-of-boat-builders Trophies are everywhere: on shelves and tables and across the floor. Winners live in this house, and they span at least three generations. This is the house of the Knowles family in Mangrove Bush, Long Island. It is a house of boat builders and sailors. When it comes to Family Island regattas, they own the “winningest” boats.

The long hours spent in the sun shows in their cracked lips and leathery looking skin, burnt by the tropical sun. It shows in their toned muscles and steady hands.

“I learned how to build boats from my grandfather,” said 52-year-old Mark Knowles. “That’s all he ever did, my grandfather. Back in the day the government used to build boats for the poor to fish.

He had a year round job just building boats for the people to fish.”

Two of his sons are learning the trade: Marco, the eldest at 21, and Miko, the youngest at 17. “Marco has been helping me since he was four years old,” said Mark. He currently works in construction, as do many of the men when regatta season ends.

Mark has won 14 regattas in his boat, the New Susan Chase, which pays homage to one of his father’s early boats. In the 2013 Regatta, he won the Governor General’s Cup. He lays claim on behalf of his family to building “the fastest boats on the island.” He does not divulge the boat building secret, but he said trophies tell their own stories.

And on the Bahamas Government Website The Government > Non Residents > Culture > Regattas A Brief History of Regattas by Howland Bottomley - Commodore Emeritus.

By the early 1950’s, working sail was fast disappearing from this part of the world, The Grand Banks fishing schooner was all but gone, the Chesapeake oyster dredgers were no longer being replaced as they were laid tip, and the many vessels, still working under canvas in the Bahamas, had an uncertain future. In 1954 a small group of Bahamian and American yachtsmen conceived the idea of holding a regatta for the Bahamian working sailing craft.

The overall condition of the working fleet was not good and it was felt that the material condition of the boats would be improved by the preparations necessary to ready the vessel for racing competition. A regatta would also offer a fine opportunity for Bahamian sailors to all gather in one place, have some sport, and a chance for cruising

yachtsmen to witness one of the last working sailing fleets in action and at the same time introduce them to the magnificent cruising grounds here in The Bahamas.

So it was in the late April 1954, nearly 70 Bahamian sloops, schooners, and dinghies gathered in Elizabeth Harbour for three days of racing. When it was all over the organisers of the event were so pleased with the success of their idea that they realized it must continue if possible. A regatta of this type would require a good organization and adequate funding. To accomplish this, the Out Island Squadron was formed. Made up of interested Bahamian and American yachtsmen, the Out Island Squadron took on the responsibility of sponsoring what was to become an annual event in George Town. From 1954 to 1967 this dedicated organization developed the Regatta from its birth to its place as one of the outstanding annual events in Bahamian affairs.

It is regrettable that Google does not have more information about other boat building and sailing islands such as Mangrove Cay and Lisbon Creek which it does have a photo of a boat builder, but not even his name. https://www.alamy.com/ stock-photo-old-retiredblack-bahamian-boatbuilder-with-some-of-hisold-boats-13029906.html Also Ragged Island has some claim to fame in this regard, but there is no public information to be had on it.

But the good news is that sailing is not in decline in the Bahamas and in fact very much on the upswing.

Not for the reasons of yesteryear, but a new found interest in a sport that boys and girls, men and women can compete in the same event, not unlike the future King and Queen did last week.

The new class of sailboat for children between the age of eight and fourteen is the Optimist. A small, one person sailing dinghy that is an Olympic Class boat. On New Providence there are three Clubs which offer training in this Class.

The Royal Nassau Sailing Club, The Nassau Yacht Club and the Lyford Cay Club. There are Clubs in Grand Bahama, Abaco, Harbour Island, Exuma and Eleuthera as well as Long Island although Long Island is currently inactive.

There is an annual National Regatta for this Class held on different islands each year, and the Bahamas is hosting the North American Championships in Nassau in November when some two hundred children from North America and the Caribbean will come to Nassau to sail in what has been described as the “Best Sailing Destination in the World”.

This prestigious accolade was given by a group of senior sailors known as the “Star Sailors League” who, prior to COVID19 came to Nassau each year in November, with their Star boats and spent a couple of weeks sailing and racing in Montagu Bay. It was this group that gave the people of the Bahamas the 60’ flag pole that stands on the pier in front of Fort Montagu.

It was, of course, the Star Class boat that the late Sir Durwood Knowles won Olympic Gold sailing with the late Cecil Cooke in 1964.

And so, as Diane Philips has urged the Government of the Bahamas to retire the National sport of Cricket, whose ship has sailed now and replace it with Sailing as the National Sport of the Bahamas.

BRUCE G RAINE Nassau, March 26, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 30, 2022, PAGE 7

WOMEN of Purpose and Power 242 at the Children’s Emergency Hostel on an outreach ministry mission.

New group aims to support women A NEW NGO focused on community outreach and empowerment commemorated its first Women’s History Month by celebrating each other, engaging in community outreach, and making a commitment to foster a culture of “women supporting women”.

Women of Purpose and Power 242 believes women should be celebrated this month because all throughout history, they have been a pillar of strength, often working behind the scenes. They have been masters of grassroots movements, creating change in the world for centuries.

Deidre M Bastian, author and certified life coach, founded Women of Purpose and Power 242 (WOPP242) on July 6, 2021 as a ministry for women ages 24 years and older. Its purpose is to “promote, support, motivate and empower women to achieve their dreams”.

“Life has a way of crowding our calendars, but it’s essential to concentrate on building and strengthening each other,” Ms Bastian said.

“When you help another woman rise, all women rise, and everyone wins. In other words, it’s ok to build other women up as opposed to knocking them down! It may seem like you’re taking attention away from yourself, but what you’re really doing is demonstrating that you’re an inspiring leader who is secure enough in herself to praise others.

It has always been my humble belief that we’re always better together than we are alone. In every culture and for every social issue, women are the key agents who have inherently understood the power of networking and support.”

It was through this networking, first with family, then friends,

then the wider community, that WOPP242 blossomed into the thriving NGO that it is today. Ms. Bastian’s giving heart and willingness to help others led her to starting her own ministry. When she found like-minded women with hearts that were just as big, they came together, knowing that their strength is in unity.

Today, WOPP242 Ministry has visited churches, children’s homes and communities, spreading love, making donations, and empowering many. What began with a few members in New Providence is now a growing ministry with members in Grand Bahama, the Family Islands, and the United States of America.

Each member has, in their own way, been conducting their personal ministries to their churches and community. Therefore, the organisation is strengthened by their presence.

COUPLE ‘MADE THINGS WORK’, DROP CHARGES

By PAVEL BAILEY A COUPLE who appeared in Magistrate’s Court yesterday for causing harm and assault against each other withdrew the charges, with one of the accused saying the two were working on things.

Alexander Grey, 60, and Angela Bain, 50, both of Dorsett Street, Fox Hill, stood before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain facing separate charges against each other.

Grey was accused of assault

and Bain was accused of causing harm.

On Saturday, March 19, around 8.45am, an argument occurred at the couple’s residence resulting in both parties pressing charges against each other.

However in court, both Grey and Bain told the magistrate that they wished to withdraw the charges against each other having apparently resolved the issues in their relationship.

Grey even went so far as to call Bain his girlfriend in court.

When the pair were asked

separately if they had been coerced into withdrawing the charges, they both said that they had come to the decision of their own free will.

Assistant Chief Magistrate Swain asked Bain if she was certain that she wanted the charges dropped, stressing that once it was done it couldn’t be undone.

Bain said yes, adding that the couple made things work.

As a result, the charges against the two were officially withdrawn.

$100K FINE FOR DRUGS CHARGES

By PAVEL BAILEY

A MAN was fined $100,000 yesterday for drug charges dating back to 2014.

Brian Hanna, 44, appeared before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney yesterday on conspiracy and possession of dangerous drug charges.

In late 2014 Hanna was arrested for being found in possession of 1,075 lbs of Indian hemp. Since his arrest the accused has already spent one year on remand.

In court, Hanna reversed his initial plea and pleaded guilty to both charges against him.

While Hanna’s lawyer V Alfred Gray admitted that his client had been found in possession of a substantial amount of drugs, he still asked for the court’s mercy on Hanna’s behalf.

Gray submitted that given the fact that Hanna had already spent a year on remand, while his coaccused had only been sentenced to two years, he believed that a fine would be an appropriate

punishment. He argued that Hanna was an engaged man and the father of five who was remorseful for his actions and was now committed to following the law.

In view of this, Magistrate McKinney imposed a $100,000 fine on Hanna for the possession charge.

Failure to pay the fine would result in one year in prison. The magistrate also placed the accused on two years probation for the conspiracy charge. If Hanna breaches his probation, it would result in a one year sentence.

MAN ACCUSED OVER DEATH THREAT

By PAVEL BAILEY

A MAN was arraigned yesterday for threatening a woman with death over the weekend.

Caleb Stubbs, 32, stood before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain to face a charge of threats of death.

He is accused of threatening the complainant, Racquel McPhee, on

Sunday, March 26, in New Providence.

Stubbs elected to have his trial heard in Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

While the accused was initially offered bail in the sum of $3,000 with one surety, the prosecution objected to this.

Prosecutor Inspector Lincoln McKenzie wanted

Stubbs’ bail denied on the basis that he already had a previous death threat conviction.

In view of this information, Assistant Chief Magistrate Swain rescinded the accused’s bail, despite Stubbs’ pleas for release from custody so he can be with his three-month-old baby.

Stubbs’ trial was adjourned to July 29.

“We all have a role to play in life, how we support and take care of each other; it all starts with our daily conversations and choices,” Ms Bastian said.

“Every one of us has a degree of influence that can be used to benefit someone else, moreover we all do have a choice as to whether we wish to use that influence for the good of others in our community.”

Women of Purpose and Power is extending an invitation for interested women to join a “loving, supportive movement”.

Look for them on Facebook or visithttps://www.womenofpurposeandpower242.com/.

Ms Bastian added: “Despite operating as a non-profitable ministry, we are still optimistic and encouraged that WOPP242 will make a giant dent in all areas of our communities, as putting a smile on the faces of

children and the elderly in the community is our sole desire.

If we can help someone along the way, then our living will not be in vain. By the grace of God we aim to make a difference economically, ethically, and socially.”

Founding members include: President, Deidre M Bastian; Vice President, Nassau, Kendra Simmons; Vice President, Freeport, Crislyn Gibson; WOPP Ambassador/USA; Sophia Bethel; Ingrid Taylor; Sherry Johnson; Alicia Nesbitt; Sherniqueca Mckinney; Tabitha Roberts; Sophia Bastian; Minister Margie Wallace; Leandra Swan; Gladys Cartwright; Nevada Murray; Okemea Brown; Kayla Butler; Minister Nikita Sweeting; Jerdavinique Hamilton; Antonia Sturrup; Leesa Mcfall; Tamika Brown; Marshanell Stuart; Charmaine Johnson and Shantel Taylor.

PAGE 8, Wednesday, March 30, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

There is no such thing as good violence “JADA, I love ya, GI Jane 2, can’t wait to see it, aight?”

That is what Chris Rock said on stage at the Academy Awards on Sunday night. He used the 1997 movie GI Jane which starred Demi Moore with a buzzcut to reference Jada Pinkett-Smith’s bald head. Pinkett-Smith’s bald head is not exactly a style choice, but the result of alopecia. On Sunday night, sitting in the audience, she was visibly annoyed by the comment, rolling her eyes, showing exhaustion.

In 2018, Pinkett-Smith shared on Red Table Talk, her Facebook Watch series, that she had been experiencing hair loss, had gone through many tests, and did not know what was causing it. She said, “It was terrifying when it first started.”

She recalled being in the shower and having hair in her hands. In that episode, she talked about losing the choice to have hair or not have hair. In December 2021, she shaved her head and shared her new look on Instagram, connecting it to her struggle with alopecia.

Rock seemed to know the “joke” did not land the way he thought it would, and insisted that it “was a nice one”. He said, “Wuhoh!” as Will Smith bounded toward him in a way that was clearly not friendly.

He laughed until the point that Smith slapped him.

‘Oh, wow. Wow,” he said as Smith turned around, headed for his seat.

Smith told Rock, from the audience, to “keep [his] wife’s name out [his] [expletive] mouth.” Rock attempted to defend himself, noting that it “was a GI Jane joke.” Smith repeated himself, and Rock responded, “I’m going to, okay?” The video clip is being shared over and over again on social media and with that, of course, comes the commentary. The incident sparked conversation about violence, racism, respectability politics, ableism, and cancel culture among many others.

In the video, it is clear that Smith laughed at Rock’s reference to PinkettSmith as GI Jane. He, apparently, found it funny.

In the same frame, it is clear that Pinkett-Smith was not amused, but Smith was not looking at her in that moment. The video does not show what happens next between Smith and Pinkett-Smith, but it is likely that he realised she did not appreciate the joke.

We can guess that he was dealing with the negative impact that the comment had on Pinkett-Smith as well as his participation in the laughter by the audience. His reaction may have been more than anger toward Rock, but his own guilt for not remembering Pinkett-Smith’s struggle and laughing at her expense.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease — a condition in which the

By Alicia Wallace immune system attacks the body. Other autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Graves’ disease. In alopecia, the white blood cells attack the cells in hair follicles. It can affect people who are blood relatives of a person with alopecia and people who have thyroid disease, vitiligo, down syndrome, hay fever, and a number of other conditions.

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley tweeted about the moments of vulnerability that only those closest to people with alopecia ever see. She emphasised the importance of loved ones being there to provide support. She also made it clear that people’s health should not be material for “jokes”.

She said, “Our bodies are not public domain. They are not a line in a joke – especially when the transformation is not of our choosing.”

In recent years, there have been several public debates about comedy and what is and is not appropriate content for jokes.

The generally accepted rule is that comedians need to “punch up”, meaning people in situations of vulnerability should not be disrespected or used to get laughs. Jokes should not be, for example, about survivors of abuse or people who are systemically disenfranchised. In his apology, Smith noted that being the butt of the joke comes with the territory of his celebrity, and that he did not expect Pinkett-Smith to be targeted. This seemed to be an acceptance of the idea that he, a wealthy person in the public eye, is fair game. He seemed to, in that moment on Sunday night, draw the line at PinkettSmith — also wealthy and a celebrity —being fair game due, not only to her having a medical condition, but her medical condition actually being the “joke”.

As people become more socially and politically aware, and more cognizant of issues of inequality, less and less of what was once considered funny is acceptable today. As such, it is not particularly surprising that there are conversations about the relevance of (certain kinds of) comedy and what it takes, and will take in the future, to command a stage and bring humour that engages, informs, and inspires as opposed to pandering to the people with enough power, influence, and health or disconnected enough from the realities of the world to be unaffected by unintelligent quips.

There has to be recognition that what passes for

comedy, in many cases, is violence.

Most of us understand that Smith’s actions against Rock were violent. He physically assaulted Rock.

What happened before Smith assaulted Rock does not excuse this act of violence. It does not matter that his action came in response to an inappropriate comment directed at Pinkett-Smith and her reaction to it. What really matters here is that Smith’s immediate reaction, after laughing and then seeing Pinkett-Smith’s reaction, was to physically assault the person he thought was wrong.

Smith’s action has been characterised by one group of people as one of violence and by another group of people as one of heroism.

The position of the first group of people is easier to understand, if only because the violence we understand best is physical. We understand it even better if it is between men. Then, it is treated as a special variant of violence when it occurs between two Black men.

Of course, there has been the rhetoric about Black people’s behaviour in “mixed company” and the burden that is on Black people to be on their best behaviour when in view of white people who are known to use any and every opportunity to characterise Black people in certain ways which include inherently violent.

Black people are not allowed to make the same mistakes as white people because a mistake made by a Black person becomes a character trait of all Black people. We use this — is it knowledge or fear? — as an excuse for policing Black people, holding each other to impossible standards with the absurd expectation that our engagement in respectability politics will end racism. Wrong.

Respectability politics and this constant policing of Black people is abhorrent and it does nothing to address racism or antiblackness.

Still, many people in that first group — the people who saw violence when Smith slapped Rock — are most upset that a Black man did this on one of the biggest world stages, concerned that it projected an image, a meaning, and a fate on every other Black man.

Unfortunately, that moment also led to projections on Black women who, somehow, continue to be blamed for the violent acts of men. This brings us to the second group of people.

Those people believe Smith did the right thing, defending

FROM top, the now famous slap at the Oscars; Jada Pinkett-Smith pictured at the Oscars, and a tweet from US Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley on the issue.

PinkettSmith’s honour and making a statement (about his wife and all matters related to her) to everyone who witnessed it.

The people chanting, “Protect Black women,” in support of Smith’s action are not seeing the continuum of violence. Yes, Black women are vulnerable. Yes, Black women are disproportionately affected by violence. Yes, the protection of Black women is, today, absolutely necessary, and we need to get to the point at which Black women do not need protection. Yes, Rock’s comment was violent and we saw a glimpse of the harm it caused. We cannot, however, see the violence in speech and supposed comedy and ignore or excuse the violence of Smith’s response. We must not try to portray particular types of violence as moral or good. We have to demand different, more effective responses. We cannot end violence or convince other people to stop participating in violence by enacting another form of violence and declare it superior or morally sound.

It is also important to note that Smith’s action was a way of actively participating in patriarchy, asserting his masculinity, and posi-

tioning Pinkett-Smith in a very specific way — in relationship to him. When he spoke to Rock from his seat, he never used her name.

Twice, he told Rock not to use her name, referring to her as [his] wife. He was saying that Pinkett-Smith is in relationship to him, and he would not sit down and watch her be discussed, targeted, disrespected, or embarrassed. This was not a moral position, or an attempt to protect all Black women, but a personal position about a personal relationship and the way Pinkett-Smith’s feelings and reactions impact the perception she and others have of him.

This led to conversations about what women expect of their husbands and boyfriends. On a radio talk show yesterday morning, it was suggested that men fight over women and go to jail because of it, and the women end up in relationships with other people.

This comment seemed to have been made to suggest that women cause men to engage in violence.

This is not surprising since women and girls are regularly blamed for the sexual violence they experience, whether it is sexual harassment or rape. Women

are made responsible for the behavior of men while men are not held accountable for the decisions they make.

In addition, it is rarely acknowledged that men behave in these ways, not out of love or concern, but out of a sense of ownership. “My girlfriend.” “My wife.” “My woman.” “My gal.” They see themselves as owners and women as property, so violence against “their” women is perceived as violence against them, an act of disrespect, and a call to prove their masculinity.

This may be viewed as a form of affection or a way of proving or demonstrating relationship status, and some women may believe this is evidence of love, but it is violence and it is selfserving. Smith’s action did not protect Black women.

In fact, it quite obviously contributed to the fodder of people who infantilise men by blaming women for men’s behaviour.

We desperately need to think about the place violence has in our lives, and the ways we are prepared to use it or encourage others to use it to get what we want. That may be respect, feelings of love, public demonstrations or evidence of relationships, or something else. Violence is not and cannot be the answer to our problems, the way we reach desired social status, or a means of protecting anyone, particularly from violence. As Smith stated in his apology, “Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive.” Violence will not give us what we need. We need to heal, and we need to build.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 30, 2022, PAGE 9

ROBOT DEVELOPED TO PERFORM SURGERY WITHOUT A DOCTOR

By MEREDITH COHN, The Baltimore Sun

BALTIMORE (AP) — In a high-tech lab on Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood campus in Baltimore, engineers have been building a robot that may be able to stitch back together the broken vessels in your belly and at some point maybe your brain, no doctor needed.

The robot has a high-tech camera on one arm and a high-tech sewing machine on a second arm. It’s already reattached halves of a pig’s intestines.

“It’s like park-assist in a car,” said Axel Krieger, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in Hopkins’ Whiting School of Engineering. “Performs the procedure autonomously.”

This kind of suturing is performed more than a million times a year in surgeries around the country, said Krieger, part of a team developing the robot and senior author on a recent paper describing the technology in Science Robotics.

The goal is to develop in the next several years a robot that makes the intricate and delicate work of suturing more consistent.

Missing a stitch or doing one awkwardly could cause a catastrophic complication for a patient. The robotic procedure is also less invasive as it’s performed laparoscopically, through small holes in the skin rather than a large opening.

The Hopkins engineers expect the robot to be cheaper than existing robotic technology and more portable. They want to develop a mobile version that eventually could be used on an ambulance or in the field for emergencies, such as stitching up a major artery to stop bleeding.

The robot would advance technology currently in wide use in operating rooms.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration calls them robotically assisted surgical devices.

The best known is the da Vinci robot federally approved for general laparoscopic surgical use in 2000.

The device has a console where a surgeon can see a 3D image and move several arms with surgical instruments, essentially becoming an extension of the doctor.

“The device is not actually a robot because it cannot perform surgery without direct human control,” the FDA says.

The da Vinci robot is now commonly used in gallbladder removal, hysterectomies and prostate removals because it works best on “complex tasks in confined areas,” according to the FDA. Other robotic machines assisted in surgery before da Vinci was developed but required far larger incisions.

The new robot being developed by Hopkins engineers along with collaborators at the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., known as Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot, or STAR, is different. It does

ABOVE: JIN KANG, from left, professor of electrical and computer engineering, Justin Opfermann, PhD student, Axel Krieger, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and Michael Kam, PhD student look at a SMART robot (Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot) in Baltimore, Md. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/The Baltimore Sun via AP)

have computer monitors that offer a 3D view, but it doesn’t have a joystick or other controls.

The STAR is run by a highly advanced, and adaptable-on-the-fly computer program. The algorithm “sees” and “feels” through cameras that create 3D images with lasers and sensors that detect pressure from breathing, bleeding and soft tissue.

The robot completes about a stitch a minute, a conservative pace slightly slower than a human surgeon. The tests so far have shown more consistency than the humans.

That’s been an issue with robotic technology now in the operating rooms. The current robotic-assisted technology is better at some surgical tasks than others. And outcomes aren’t always an improvement even if things appear to go smoothly.

Such machines also add significantly to the expense of surgery because the cost of the equipment reaches into the millions, though some of that can be made up through shorter hospital stays and fewer complications. But many smaller hospitals and those in less affluent regions or other countries can’t afford upfront expenditure.

Jin Kang, another STAR developer and a professor in the Hopkins department of electrical and computer engineering, said the STAR requires less machinery and would be cheaper, though the ultimate cost is not determined.

It was designed with input from surgeons, who often choose to use technology

because it can help them withstand the rigors of their job. Long hours of traditional surgery can cause human hands to twitch and fatigue.

He said surgeons and other surgical staff still would perform procedures, such as removing diseased tissue, before handing off to STAR, and would stay in the room in case of an emergency as the robot reconnected intestines or other vessels.

“Doctors are not being replaced,” Kang said.

Dr. Michael Awad, the director of the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Comprehensive Robotics Program in St. Louis, was not involved in STAR’s development but has been following the work at Hopkins. He did his surgical residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital and trained on the first generation of da Vinci robot there.

Awad said it’s still early in the process, but he believes autonomous robots are inevitable in the operating room and the Hopkins researchers work could be a big step forward.

How long it take the public — and surgeons — to accept

LEFT: A team of mechanical engineers from Johns Hopkins University are developing a SMART robot (Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot) that can perform soft tissue surgeries such as intestinal reconnections. The robot is fully autonomous and can perform delicate suturing of small vessels and nerves.

(Barbara Haddock Taylor/The Baltimore Sun via AP)

such technology remains to be seen, he said.

He views it like those autonomous cars. People are ready to adopt the park-assist technology Krieger referenced and other technology to keep people from drifting into other lanes. The fully self-driving cars will prove trustworthy eventually, as well.

“While driving is high stakes and can result in injury or death, I think people are even more sheepish when it comes to surgery on the human body,” he said.

“There are a lot more variables that make the task more challenging in itself. There is a higher bar to leap.”

Awad, who is also director at the Washington University Institute for Surgical Education, said there is a lot of training that goes into using existing robotic equipment.

Doctors have to learn to use other senses such as their eyes on computer screens, rather than the touch of human tissue, when they use technology.

He said the machines are especially helpful in getting

to tight and sensitive spots in the body such as the esophagus, behind the rib cage and near the heart. An autonomous robot could advance what doctors are able to do for patients.

There also may be less training needed for autonomous robots in the operating room. But that doesn’t mean surgeons won’t have to know how to perform the same procedures, Awad said.

“If a human needs to intervene, they need to know how to,” he said. “But anything that can lessen the learning curve would be welcomed.”

A position paper from the American College of Surgeons says surgeons need to be “appropriately educated and their skills assessed” prior to using any new technology. The group also calls for evaluation to establish the value and safety of the technology before wide adoption.

The Hopkins team plans to continue perfecting the robot and assessing what it could do beyond connecting two ends of a blood vessel, an intestine or other channels, called anastomosis.

Work on the robot has been supported by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. A next step is seeking a commercial partner to bring the technology through the development process and approvals from federal regulators to begin testing the robot on humans.

“We really want to push the boundaries,” Krieger said.

TECHTALK

ATLANTA AIRPORT TO REPLACE X-RAY MACHINES WITH NEW SCANNERS

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta’s airport plans to spend $55 million to replace X-ray machines at the main security checkpoint with more advanced scanners to screen carry-on bags.

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport officials say the new technology will generate higher quality images for security screeners and could reduce congestion in security lines, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

While X-ray machines generate 2-D images of bags, the new computed tomography scanners can create 3-D images that can be rotated and viewed at different angles. The new scanners can detect explosives, including liquid explosives.

The installation is expected to begin in October, according to the Transportation Security Administration. It will be done in phases, and it could take 18 months to two years to complete the job, airport officials said.

USPS DOUBLES NUMBER OF EV DELIVERY TRUCKS IN INITIAL ORDER

By DAVID SHARP Associated Press

ONE in five of the first batch of next-generation U.S. Postal Service delivery vehicles will be electricpowered, officials said last week.

The Postal Service formally placed its initial $2.98 billion order for 50,000 vehicles with at least 10,019 of them being battery-electric vehicles.

That represents a doubling of electric vehicles from the initial plan. The first of the new vehicles are expected to be on delivery routes by late next year.

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said the Postal Service made good on its pledge to accelerate purchases of electric vehicles based on financial outlook and strategic considerations.

“Today’s order demonstrates, as we have said all along, that the Postal Service is fully committed to the inclusion of electric vehicles as a significant part of our delivery fleet” even though they represent a more costly investment than internal combustion vehicles, he said.

U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, said she appreciated the larger share of electric vehicles.

But it’s still not enough, she said.

PAGE 10, Wednesday, March 30, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Eight-hour gap in January 6 White House phone records WASHINGTON Associated Press THE House panel investigating the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol has identified a roughly eight-hour gap in official White House records of then-President Donald Trump’s phone calls as the violence unfolded and his supporters stormed the building, according to two people familiar with the probe.

The gap extends from a little after 11am to about 7pm on Jan 6, 2021, and involves White House phone calls, according to one of the people. Both spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation.

The committee is investigating the gap in the official White House log, which includes the switchboard and a daily record of the

president’s activities. But it does not mean the panel is in the dark about what Trump was doing during that time.

The House panel has made broad requests for separate cell phone records and has talked to more than 800 witnesses, including many of the aides who spent the day with Trump.

The committee also has thousands of texts from the cell phone of Mark Meadows, who was then Trump’s chief of staff.

The committee’s effort to piece together Trump’s day as his supporters broke into the Capitol underscores the challenge that his habitual avoidance of records laws poses — not only to historians of his tumultuous four years but to the official panel, which intends to capture the full story of the former president’s attempt to overturn the election results in hearings and reports later this year.

The panel has trained a

particular focus on what the president was doing in the White House as hundreds of his supporters beat police, broke into the Capitol and interrupted the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory. The missing records raise questions of whether Trump purposefully circumvented official channels to avoid records.

Trump was known to use other people’s cell phones to make calls, as well as his own. He often bypassed the White House switchboard, placing calls directly, according to a former aide who requested anonymity to discuss the private calls.

In fact, it is not unusual for presidential calls to be channeled through other people.

It is unclear whether the committee has obtained cell phone records related to Trump after issuing a broad records preservation order in August to almost

three dozen telecommunications and social media companies. The individuals included in that request included Trump, members of his family and several of his Republican allies in Congress.

The committee also is continuing to receive records from the National Archives and other sources, which could produce additional information and help produce a full picture of the president’s communications.

During the eight hours on January 6, Trump addressed a huge crowd of supporters at the nearby Ellipse, repeated falsehoods about his election defeat and told them to walk to the Capitol, make their voices heard and “fight like hell”. He then returned to the White House and watched as the mob broke into the Capitol. More than 700 people have been arrested in the violence.

Several of Trump’s calls

that day are already publicly known. He spoke to Vice President Mike Pence between 11am and 11.30, according to a person familiar with that conversation, as he had been lobbying Pence publicly and privately to object while presiding over the certification. He also spoke with several GOP members of the House and Senate as his allies in Congress were preparing to challenge the official vote count.

He had a tense conversation with House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, who asked him to call off the mob, according to Republican Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington state, who shared McCarthy’s account shortly after the insurrection. Trump responded that the rioters must be “more upset about the election than you are”, according to Herrera Beutler.

Trump also talked to Ohio Rep Jim Jordan and

Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, among other lawmakers. Tuberville has said he spoke to the president while the Senate was being evacuated. Utah Sen Mike Lee has said that Trump accidentally called him when he was trying to reach Tuberville.

The White House log does show calls Trump made before that time period, as he was preparing to speak at the rally. That log shows calls with his former aide Steve Bannon, conservative commentator William Bennett and Sean Hannity of Fox News, according to one of the people familiar with the records.

The gap in the phone records was previously reported by the AP. The exact length of time of the gap was first reported by The Washington Post.

Trump had no immediate comment Tuesday, but he has previously disparaged the investigation and sued to stop records production.

RUSSIA VOWS TO SCALE BACK NEAR KYIV - BUT SKEPTICISM OVER CLAIM KYIV, Ukraine Associated Press

THE REGIONAL government headquarters of Mykolaiv, Ukraine, following a Russian attack, on Tuesday.

Photo: Petros Giannakouris/AP

Rite of Christian Burial For MRS. PEARL MOXEY, 97 of Little Harbour Mangrove Cay, Andros will be held at St. Francis Xavier, Roman Catholic Church, West Hill Street, Nassau, Bahamas, 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 1st April, 2022.

She is predeceased by her Husband: Capt. Leonard Moxey and Two Sons: Earthel Moxey, Norman Rolle (Adopted).

Left to cherish Mother Pearl’s precious and fond memories are her Two (2) sons and their wives: Lundy and Willame Moxey, Joel, and Lolita Moxey; Adopted son and his wife: Frank and Jewel Major; Daughters-In-Law: Joyce Moxey and Margreta Rolle; Adopted Sister: Carmetta Moxey; Grand Children: Leonardo, Lucia, Laverne, Lynette, Jamelle and Nitasha, and Jovannah Moxey, Gelina Rolle, Althealia, Franklin Byron and Jennifer Major; Great Grand Children: Althilio, Armanni, Marcus, McKenna, Abigail, and Jade; Nieces: Deputy Governor General, Cynthia Mother Pratt, Deaconess Pat Moxey J.P., Rev. Dr. Daisy Winder, Lillian Greene, Leonie McPhee, Floreta and Hazel Kemp, Evangelist Dorothy Greene, Geneva Jones, Julia Davis, Shirley Clarke, Retired Educator, Annamae Clarke-Rolle, Rhoda Greene, Karen Hepburn, Antoinette Palacious, Drucilla Moxey, Dorothy Saunders, Edna and Cleo Moxey, Patsy Moxey, Garnell Greene, Bessiemae Russell and Mary King; Nephews: Rev. Charles Moxey, Rev. George Clarke, Dr. Deswell Forbes, Anthony Moxey, Hayward Poitier, Thomas Poitier III, Cleveland Poitier, Calvin Sweeting, Allen, Fred, Nelson, Wilmore and Leroy Moxey, Lundy Greene, John Greene, Jr., Hayward and Junior Kemp; God Daughters: Ellen King, Audrey King, Keitha Bannister; and a Host of Family and Friends including: Rose Belasco, Rebecca Lockhart, Ethel Sands, Mary and Marguerite Taylor, Glynis Armbrister, Thelma Johnson and Family, Virginia and Shirley Simmons and Families, Johnniemae Thurston, Maxine Calendar, Joseph Moxey and Family, Prince Moxey and Family, Retired Educator Cleola Wilson, Cynthia and Isaiah King and Family, Ralph Moxey and Family, Elon Moxey and Family, Arinthia Taylor and Family, Patrick and Henrietta King and Family, Archie Moxey and Family, Captain Floyd Moxey RBDF and Family, Dencer Moxey and Family, Jeffery Jolly and Family, Isadora Moxey and Family, Martha Moxey and Family, Mary Miller and Family, Daphne McKinney, Audra Cleare, Crystal Glinton, Whitney Bastian J.P., Sandra Gaitor, Niki Pratt, Juan and Julian Pratt, Glenroy Brown and Family, Terrance Brown and Family, Maxine Greene and Family, Zelamae Greene, Patsy Wallace, Estelle, Brenda, Charlton, Tony and Berthram Greene, Ornell Greene & Family, Lynn Green and Family, Joseph Greene and Family, Ezra and Maria Greene and Family, Prudence Anderson & Family, Mark Bastian and Family, Marvin Miller & Family, Hayward King and Family, Abraham Greene and Family, Josh Greene and Family, Pastor Michael Thompson and Family, Lenora Gray and Family, Slim Greene and Family, Dr. Tracey Thompson of University of the Bahamas, Brightman Moxey and Family, Randy and Kathryn Dix of Billings, Montana, Rick Ruoff of Billings, Montana.

Cephas Miller and Family, Janetta Culmer, Andrew Wallace, Jimmy Saunders and Family, Lionel Russell and Family, Family of The late Elmer Poitier, Family of The Late Magnolia Wright, Family of The Late Moody Moxey, Family of The Late Etienne King, Family of The Late Rev. Hubert King, Family of The Late Solomon King, Family of The Late Lillian Sturrup, St. Benedict and Holy Angels Church Family, Staff and Residents of Pat’s Senior Citizens Home especially Mother Pearl’s roommate, Mrs. Grace Roker.

Due to Covid regulations there would be no viewing at the church. The body will repose at Curtis Memorial Mortuary on Thursday from 12:00 to 4:00 PM then again on Friday from 9:00 AM until service time.

RUSSIA announced yesterday it will significantly scale back military operations near Ukraine’s capital and a northern city, as the outlines of a possible deal to end the grinding war came into view at the latest round of talks.

Ukraine’s delegation at the conference, held in Istanbul, laid out a framework under which the country would declare itself neutral and its security would be guaranteed by an array of other nations.

Moscow’s public reaction was positive, and the negotiations are expected to resume on Wednesday, five weeks into what has devolved into a bloody war of attrition, with thousands dead and almost four million Ukrainians fleeing the country.

Amid the talks, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin said Moscow has decided to “fundamentally... cut back military activity in the direction of Kyiv and Chernihiv” to “increase mutual trust and create conditions for further negotiations”.

He did not immediately spell out what that would mean in practical terms.

The announcement was met with skepticism from the US and others.

While Moscow portrayed it as a goodwill gesture, its ground troops have become bogged down and taken heavy losses in their bid to seize Kyiv and other cities. Last week and again on Tuesday, the Kremlin seemed to lower its war aims, saying its “main goal” now is gaining control of the mostly Russian-speaking Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden,

asked whether the Russian announcement was a sign of progress in the talks or an attempt by Moscow to buy time to continue its assault, said: “We’ll see. I don’t read anything into it until I see what their actions are.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested Russian indications of a pullback could be an attempt by Moscow to “deceive people and deflect attention”.

Western officials say Moscow is reinforcing troops in the Donbas in a bid to encircle Ukraine’s forces. And Russia’s deadly siege in the south continues, with civilians trapped in the ruins of Mariupol and other bombarded cities.

“There is what Russia says and there is what Russia does, and we’re focused on the latter,” Blinken said in Morocco.

“And what Russia is doing is the continued brutalization of Ukraine.”

Even as negotiators gathered, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces blasted a gaping hole in a nine-story government administration building in a strike on the southern port city of Mykolaiv, killing at least 12 people, emergency authorities said. The search for more bodies in the rubble continued.

“It’s terrible. They waited for people to go to work” before striking the building, said regional governor Vitaliy Kim. “I overslept.

I’m lucky.”

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the US has detected small numbers of Russian ground forces moving away from the Kyiv area, but it appeared to be a repositioning of forces, “not a real withdrawal”.

He said it was too soon to say how extensive the Russian movements may be or

where the troops will be repositioned.

“It does not mean the threat to Kyiv is over,” Kirby said. “They can still inflict massive brutality on the country, including on Kyiv.” He said Russian airstrikes against Kyiv continued.

Rob Lee, a military expert at the US-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, tweeted of the Russian announcement: “This sounds like more of an acknowledgment of the situation around Kyiv where Russia’s advance has been stalled for weeks and Ukrainian forces have had recent successes. Russia doesn’t have the forces to encircle the city.”

The meeting in Istanbul was the first time negotiators from Russia and Ukraine talked face-to-face in two weeks. Earlier talks were held in person in Belarus or by video.

Among other things, the Kremlin has demanded all along that Ukraine drop any hope of joining NATO. Ukraine’s delegation offered a detailed framework for a peace deal under which a neutral Ukraine’s security would be guaranteed by a group of third countries, including the US, Britain, France, Turkey, China and Poland, in an arrangement similar to NATO’s “an attack on one is an attack on all” principle.

Ukraine said it would also be willing to hold talks over a 15-year period on the future of the Crimean Peninsula, seized by Russia in 2014.

Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation, said on Russian TV that the Ukrainian proposals are a “step to meet us halfway, a clearly positive fact”.

GUNMAN KILLS FOUR IN ISRAEL SHOOTING SPREE JERUSALEM Associated Press A GUNMAN on a motorcycle opened fire in a crowded city in central Israel late Tuesday, killing at least four people in the second mass shooting rampage this week. The shooter was killed by police.

While circumstances were not immediately clear, the shooting appeared to be the latest in a string of attacks by Arab assailants ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the anniversary of last year’s Gaza war. Israeli media said the attacker was a Palestinian from the West Bank.

The previous two attacks, carried out by Arab citizens of Israel inspired by the Islamic State extremists group, have raised concerns of further violence.

Tuesday’s shootings occurred at two locations in Bnei Brak, an ultra-Orthodox city just east of Tel Aviv. Police said in a statement that a preliminary investigation found that the gunman was armed with an assault rifle and opened fire on passersby before he was shot by officers at the scene.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called an emergency meeting of top security officials later Tuesday.

Bennett said in a statement that Israel “stands before a wave of murderous Arab terrorism” and pledged to combat it “with perseverance, stubbornness and an iron fist.” Israel Defense Minister Benny Gantz wrote on Twitter that the security forces “will work with all means to return security to Israeli streets and the feeling of security to civilians”.

Israeli media reported that the suspected gunman was a 27-year-old Palestinian man from the northern West Bank town of Yabad.

Police did not immediately provide information about the suspect.

SPORTS PAGE 11

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2022

Woods, Page 13

Devynne celebrates with her alma mater

‘Golden girl’ Shaunae has eyes on World Outdoors

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

A

s part of the celebrations for her first global track and field meet, women’s national record holder Devynne Charlton shared her IAAF World Indoor Championships 60 metres hurdles silver medal with her alma maters at St Francis/Joseph and St Augustine’s College.

Charlton, 26, returned home with women’s 400m gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo last week to a hero’s welcome as they were celebrated for their medal performances at the championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

On Friday at SAC, Charlton got emotional as she spoke to the students. In attendance were principal Marici Thompson and past president Sonja Knowles, who both expressed their delight in her achievement.

“I thought it was important for me to come back and speak to you guys because of the opportunities that SAC has given

Shares World Indoors 60 metre hurdles silver medal me,” she said. “It’s really a world-class education and world-class athletics and I think both of those things set me up for where I am in life right now.”

Charlton, who graduated from St Francis/Joseph in 2007 and SAC in 2014, went on to graduate from Purdue University, is a graduate assistant at the University of Kentucky where she trains under the supervision of head coach Rolando “Lonnie” Greene.

Accompanied by her mother Laura, a graduate of SAC, Charlton said she felt proud to have

WORLD Indoor Championships 60 hurdles silver medallist Devynne Charlton, who graduated from St Francis/Joseph in 2007 and SAC in 2014, went on to graduate from Purdue University, is a graduate assistant at the University of Kentucky where she trains under the supervision of head coach Rolando “Lonnie” Greene. been able to visit both of her alma maters to show her former teachers and administrators the woman she has become. Her

father, Dave, accompanied her at St Francis/Joseph.

“Many of the teachers and

SEE PAGE 14

COMING off her World Indoor Championship gold medal performance a couple weeks ago, there’s one more major title Shaunae Miller-Uibo wants to add to her résumé and that is the World Outdoor Championship crown.

Having fallen short in 2019 when she was defeated by Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser in Doha, Qatar in the women’s 400 metres, Miller-Uibo is eager to head to Eugene, Oregon, in July to claim the title that slipped out of her grasp.

Miller-Uibo, accompanied by her husband, Estonia’s decathlete Maicel Uibo, returned home last week with hurdler Devynne Charlton for a hero’s welcome after they secured the gold and silver respectively in Belgrade, Serbia.

While home over the weekend to celebrate her triumph at the World Indoors and to join partners with the Stapledon Gardens Community for

MILLER-Uibo a fun walk/run race in her honour, Miller-Uibo said her limited indoor season was a rewarding one.

“We opened and closed out the indoor season at the World Championships. We just wanted to go out there and grab the title,” she said. “It was just to see where I’m at right now and I feel like I’m in a good spot.”

Having already made the transition to her training under coach Lance Brauman in Clermont, Florida, for the outdoor season, Miller-Uibo said all roads will lead to

SEE PAGE 15

ATHLETES GET SET FOR CARIFTA TRIALS STARTING FRIDAY

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net IN anticipation of the finals trials this weekend and subsequently the CARIFTA Games over the Easter holiday weekend, the top sprinters eligible for Team Bahamas got a chance to go through a block start session.

As he has been for the past few years just before the trials, former national record holder and Olympian turned Swift Athletics’ head coach Andrew Tynes organised the event yesterday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Fabian Whymns, one of the country’s sprinters assisted Tynes. The session, however, was conducted

by Courtney Wallace, the president of the Bahamas Association of Certified Officials (BACO). “It’s a

simulation of what is going to happen on Friday and Saturday,” said Wallace about his role in getting the athletes to work on their techniques coming out of the blocks with the start of the gun as if they were in an actual race.

“We want to get the athletes mentally prepared so that they will be ready for the trials. And if they make the team, they will know what to expect when they go to CARIFTA, especially the new athletes, some of whom came in from the Family Islands.”

The sessions were set up

by Tynes to allow Wallace to take the athletes through their straight for both the 100 and 200m, working on their mechanics on the straight away and coming off the court out of the blocks.

With the two-year break in the games because of COVID-19, Tynes said it

was good to get the block start off and running again as the trials approach this weekend.

“This is motivation for the kids where we just have a combined block start for all of the clubs to attend,” he said. “We wanted to get the kids from all of the clubs to get in a good quality workout with their arch rivals before the competition.

“Most of the time, our clubs just practice by themselves, so this gives us a good chance to rub shoulders with the people you

will be competing against at the trials. So this was good mental training for them to get ready for the trials.”

Tynes said he was pleased with the turnout because at least 80-90 percent of the athletes who would have attained either the A or B qualifying standards for CARIFTA were in attendance, with the exception of the athletes from Grand Bahama.

Once the trials are completed this weekend, the BAAA is expected to select, ratify and name the final team that will

represent the country at the return of the games in Kingston, Jamaica, over the Easter holiday weekend.

One of those athletes who took part in the block start session was Andrew Brown, a 15-year-old ninth grader at St Augustine’s College, who will be vying for selection to the under17 boys’ sprints.

“I had some setbacks with a little bit of an injury, but I should be ready to go this weekend,” he said. “I actually got to train with my competition, so I had a chance to see what to expect for the trials.”

Brown will need to lower his personal best of 11.08 to 11.02 in order to qualify in the 100m and he will have to go 21.84 or better in the 200m. He’s confident that with “God on my side, I know I am capable of doing it.”

And Paige Archer, who has moved up from the

under-17 girls’ division to under-20, is looking forward to making the team again. She was particularly pleased with the block start session.

“I got to work on my technique with my competition for the trials,” she said.

“I got to work a little bit on my reaction. That was one of my biggest problems. So I’m extremely grateful that they allowed us to come out here and get in the session.”

The Queen’s College student and member of Fast Forward Track Club said her goal this weekend is to run 11.69 in the 200 and 23.95 in the 200m so that she can make the trip to Jamaica. “With God on my side and having the faith that I can do it, anything is possible,” she stated.

The trials are scheduled to begin 5pm Friday and conclude with the final session, starting at 2pm on Saturday.

West side’s story: UConn reaches 14th Suns are top seed, straight Final Four, tops NC State in 2OT plenty left to decide

By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — In a double-overtime thriller that put UConn’s record streak of women’s Final Four appearances at serious risk, Paige Bueckers came through for the Huskies — and earned a trip home to Minneapolis.

The sensational sophomore scored 15 of her 27 points after regulation, and UConn beat North Carolina State 91-87 on Monday night to reach its 14th straight Final Four.

“Two days ago I said, ‘Win or go home,’ but we won and I’m still going home,” said Bueckers, who missed nearly three months this season with a left knee injury. “This is crazy. I’m just so excited no matter the location, no matter where it is.”

CONNECTICUT guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts in double overtime against NC State during the East Regional final of the NCAA women’s tournament Monday night.

(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Bueckers, who grew up 10 miles outside the site of the Final Four, scored the

SEE PAGE 12

DENVER (AP) — Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets certainly figured a recent stretch of winning 14 of 18 games would propel them in the Western Conference standings.

Or at least give them some breathing room in the postseason race.

Not the case.

What their 14-4 run did was allow them to merely tread water in the sixth spot — teetering on the brink of tumbling into the play-in scenario for the teams that finish between seventh and 10th in the conference.

SUNS centre Deandre Ayton, of the Bahamas. (AP) “The depth of the Western Conference, I think, is incredible,” marveled Nuggets coach Michael Malone, whose team has been playing without injured standouts Jamal Murray

and Michael Porter Jr. “The West is loaded.”

The final two weeks of the regular season should provide entertaining theater as teams jockey for playoff position. With, of course, the notable exception of the Phoenix Suns, who can sit back and wait to see who they play after sewing up the top seed in the West.

Everyone else has work to do. In the East, there is very little settled, either.

The top six teams are separated by just 4 1/2 games, with Miami currently leading the way. The Heat have a big matchup with Boston tonight.

SEE PAGE 14

PAGE 12, Wednesday, March 30, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Unfinished business: NPBA to resume postseason play at AF Adderley Thursday

8 Miami 78 9 South Florida 66

Tucson

5 North Carolina 79 12 SFA 66 4 Arizona 72 13 UNLV 67

Ames

6 Georgia 70 11 Dayton 54 3 Iowa St. 78 14 UT Arlington 71

Iowa City

7 Colorado 74 10 Creighton 84 2 Iowa 98 15 Illinois St. 58

Louisville

1 Louisville 83 16 Albany 51 8 Nebraska 55 9 Gonzaga 68

Knoxville

5 Oregon 70 12 Belmont 73 (2OT) 4 Tennessee 80 13 Buffalo 67

Ann Arbor

6 BYU 57 11 Villanova 61 3 Michigan 74 14 American 39

Waco

7 Ole Miss 61 10 South Dakota 75 2 Baylor 89 15 Hawaii 49

1 S. Carolina 49

16 Longwood 74

16 UIW 51

16 Mount St. Mary’s 70

Greensboro

NCAA TOURNAMENT

Sweet 16

8 Miami 33

Second Round

Sweet 16

March 25-26 1 S. Carolina 69

Bridgeport

March 25-26

Elite 8

Elite 8

March 27-28

8 Kansas 65

1 Stanford 59

5 N. Carolina 63

12 FGCU 65 5 UNC 61

4 Maryland 66

FINAL FOUR

4 Arizona 45

GREENSBORO

4 Maryland 89

Minneapolis

1 S. Carolina

April 1

1 Stanford

SPOKANE

6 Georgia 44

6 Ohio St. 79 3 Iowa St. 68

6 Ohio St. 63

3 Iowa St. 67

10 Creighton 64 10 Creighton 76

1 NC State 66 9 Kansas St. 57 1 Louisville 62

1 NC State 87 5 N. Dame 108

12 Belmont 67 5 N. Dame 63

4 Tennessee 64

4 Oklahoma 64

4 Tennessee 70

WICHITA

2 UConn

1 Louisville

BRIDGEPORT

11 Villanova 49

11 Princeton 55 3 Michigan 52

3 Indiana 58

3 Michigan 64 2 UConn 91 (2 0T)

10 S. Dakota 61 10 S. Dakota 49

All times EDT

2 Baylor 47

first five points in the second overtime to lift the Huskies (29-5), who will face defending champion Stanford in the national semifinals on Friday night.

Bueckers returned last month from the knee surgery that sidelined her for 19 games, and in eight appearances before this one, she wasn’t quite the

same. But against N.C. State, she looked like the player who was named AP Player of the Year in 2021.

She was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament’s Bridgeport Region.

“Thank God Paige came back, because she just gives everybody so much confidence and then everybody just kind of played and everybody took turns making plays,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. “It was

13 Delaware 71 6 Ohio St. 63 11 Missouri St. 56

1 NC State 96 16 Longwood 68 8 Washington St. 40 9 Kansas St. 50 5 Notre Dame 89 12 Massachusetts 78 4 Oklahoma 78 13 IUPUI 72 6 Kentucky 62 11 Princeton 69

10 Florida 52

2 UConn 75

forearm injury earlier in the game.

“This team has been through so much and it’s only made us stronger,” Bueckers said. “And if we see one of our sisters go down, we’re going to do it for her. We all love each other, we’re all so close. It just signifies what we’ve been through all year.

Whole bunch of adversity, highs and lows, ups and downs. We stayed composed and we stayed together.”

Brown-Turner finished with 20 points for N.C. State (32-4), and Elissa Cunane scored 18. Williams had 21 points for UConn and freshman Azzi Fudd had 19.

Both teams had chances to win in the final 30 seconds of regulation. UConn’s Olivia Nelson-Ododa was fouled with 28 seconds left and missed both free throws. On the ensuing possession, Diamond Johnson dribbled down the clock and drove before passing it back out to Kai Crutchfield, who was way off on a deep 3-pointer from the wing.

This was the first double-OT women’s NCAA

14 Charlotte 51 7 UCF 69

7 UCF 47

2 UConn 52

just an amazing basketball game and it was a great showcase for our sport.”

Auriemma said it was one of the greatest games of his Hall of Fame career at UConn. The Huskies were ranked No. 5 in the final AP Top 25 before the tournament; the Wolfpack were No. 3, and both talented rosters shined.

“It was just amazing. ... No one wants to lose,” Auriemma said. “Everyone was making big play after big play. no one backed down from the moment. It’s a shame one of us had to lose. Would be great if both of us could go.”

N.C. State was within 86-84 late in the second OT. Christyn Williams made a free throw and then a layup with 21 seconds left to give UConn an 89-85 lead.

Jakia Brown-Turner — who had forced the second overtime on a 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds left in the first extra period — then made a layup to get the Wolfpack within two, but Williams converted a layup off the inbounds to seal the win.

UConn had lost senior centre Dorka Juhasz to a

4 Maryland 102

3 Indiana 85 3 Indiana 56

3 Michigan 50

12 FGCU 84

15 Fairfield 52

1 NC State 89

9 Gonzaga 59

5 Virginia Tech 81

2 Texas 70

2 Texas 78

1 Louisville 76

9 Georgia Tech 58

10 Arkansas 69

2 Texas 66

1 Louisville 68

8 Kansas 77

7 Utah 92

7 Utah 56

April 3

2 Iowa 62

16 Montana St. 37

14 Jackson St. 77

2 Texas 50

NATIONAL All times EDT CHAMPIONSHIP

March 18-19

1 Stanford 78

3 LSU 83

3 LSU 64 10 Creighton 50

FROM PAGE 11

1 Stanford 91

1 Stanford 72

March 27-28

1 S. Carolina 80

FINAL FOUR

March 20-21

First Round

Stanford

16 Howard 21

March 20-21

Primary Boys Freedom Baptist Academy def. Kingsway Academy 24-14: Caleb Russell led Freedom with 11 points, three rebounds and two steals.

Amare Neymour led Kingsway in the loss with twelve (12) points, four (4) rebounds and two steals.

The series is tied 1-1 with the third and deciding game played on Tuesday.

College Park

Columbia

1 South Carolina 79

Second Round

Friday, March 8 7pm - YES Giants vs Asphalt Maintenance Resistance (DII) 8:30pm - Commonwealth Bank Giants vs Breezes High Flyers (D1)

16 Howard 55

Spokane

2022

March 18-19

First Four

• Here’s a look at how the playoffs unfolded:

Baton Rouge

11 Florida St. 50

Friday 7pm - Shell Rockets vs Leno Eagles Nest (DII) 8:30pm Discount Distributors Rockets vs University of the Bahamas Caribs (D1)

THE Bahamas Small Schools Athletic Association is now into its basketball postseason at the Michael “Scooter” Reid Sporting Complex at the Hope Center.

While five of the championship matchups are already set, the final two were decided yesterday.

Thursday, April 7 7pm - Shell Rockets vs Leno Eagles Nest (DII) 8:30pm Discount Distributors Rockets vs University of the Bahamas Caribs (D1)

Austin

11 DePaul 57

March 16-17

• Here’s a look at the matches on tap each night: Thursday 7pm - YES Giants vs Asphalt Maintenance Resistance (Div. II) 8:30pm - Commonwealth Bank Giants vs Breezes High Flyers (D1)

Saturday 7pm - Asphalt Maintenance Resistance vs YES Giants (DII) 8:30pm - Breezes High Flyers vs Commonwealth Bank Giants (D1) Sunday 4pm - Leno Eagles Nest vs Shell Rockets (DII) 5:30pm - University of the Bahamas Caribs vs Discount Distributors Rockets (D1)

Raleigh

11 Missouri St. 61

He noted that everybody is excited to be able to play basketball again.

From Thursday to Sunday, the NPBA will play a pair of division II and one match-ups to determine who will advance to the best-of-five championship series that will begin on Sunday, February 8.

Norman

11 Dayton 88 Greensboro

First Round

“They would have eight players from their old rosters, but the four players they wish to add, could not have played on any team in the league during the season,” Price said.

Price said once there is not another variant of COVID-19 coming to the Bahamas, they will go full steam ahead with their season.

He noted that after a two-year hiatus, they are all eager to see the ball being jumped again in the gym.

“We sit down and look at all of the crime happening.

If the young fellows don’t have anything to do, they say idle hands will lead to mischief,” he said.

“So if we can get back playing basketball, they can have something to do other than sitting on the blocks and getting into mischief.”

Bloomington

WITH some unfinished business from the 2019/20 season that was interrupted because of COVID-19, the New Providence Basketball Association is scheduled to resume its postseason play starting on Thursday at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.

League president James Price, however, advised the public that everybody wishing to enter the arena must present a negative COVID-19 testing, whether they are fully vaccinated or not.

“Normally our start time is in November, but some teams had the interest of their sponsors and they wanted to finish what they started,” Price said. “So that’s why we considered it.

We will give them what is

due to them. We will start our new season probably in October, rather than November. So this will be a good test for us to see how we can cope with having a full season again.”

The Division II best-ofthree match-ups will be played between the YES Giants vs the Asphalt Maintenance Resistance and Shell Rockets vs the Leno Eagles Nest.

Division One will feature the Commonwealth Bank Giants vs the Breezes High Flyers and the Discount Distributors Rockets vs the University of the Bahamas Caribs.

With teams who have lost some players, Price said they are allowing each team to adjust their roster where they can include up to four new players who would not have participated in the 2019/2020 season.

2 UConn 83

Storrs

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

SMALL SCHOOLS ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION BASKETBALL POSTSEASON UNDERWAY

15 Mercer 38

Tournament game in the regional final or later.

UConn won an overtime game for the first time in its storied tournament history; the Huskies had been 0-5 after regulation.

N.C. State was trying to reach the national semifinals for the second time in school history. The Wolfpack made it that far in 1998, beating the Huskies in the Elite Eight that season to advance. None of the current roster had been born then.

“This journey has been incredible and this team has done so much and accomplished so much,” said Cunane, a senior.

“Although this is hurtful right now, proud of all we’ve done this season. I couldn’t be more proud of the team.”

Crutchfield, Raina Perez and Kayla Jones all came back this year using their extra COVID-19 season that was granted by the NCAA to try and lift the Wolfpack to new heights.

They succeeded, advancing farther than the team had in 24 years.

“What a legacy they have now,” coach Wes Moore

Mini Division Kingsway Academy def.

Freedom Baptist Academy 12-1.

Junior Boys Akhepran International Academy. def.

Teleos Christian School 35- 33: Evan Hanna led Akhepran with 12 points, five rebounds, two steals and one block.

Andrew Bethel led Teleos with 12 points in the loss.

The series is tied 1-1.

Game three was played on Tuesday.

Senior Boys CW Saunders def. Teleos Christian School 57-48: Tenaj Strachan and Kenaz Roker led the Cougars with 17 points each for the win as they swept Teleos in two straight games.

Michael Albury led Teleos with 22 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals.

Championship match-ups already set: Mini Division - Genesis Academy vs Kingsway Academy.

Primary Girls - Teleos Christian School vs Freedom Baptist Academy.

Junior Girls - Freedom Baptist Academy vs Genesis Academy.

Senior Girls - Teleos Christian School vs Akhepran International Academy.

Senior Boys - Jordan Prince William vs CW Saunders. said. “Another step would have made it better.”

The Huskies dealt with injuries and COVID-19 issues all season and had their most losses since 2012, including their first conference defeat in nine years and their first loss to an unranked team since 2012.

Things have been looking up for UConn since the team started getting healthy, starting with Bueckers.

INJURED HUSKY UConn suffered a major blow when Juhasz went down in the first half with a scary-looking injury just above her left wrist.

She was fouled on a putback attempt and landed awkwardly when she tried to put her hands down to brace her fall.

Juhasz was on the floor in tears and was helped back to the locker room with her team up by seven points.

The Huskies extended the advantage to 10 before N.C. State cut it to 34-28 at the half. She returned to the bench at the start of the fourth quarter dressed in warmups with her arm in a sling.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 30, 2022, PAGE 13

Tiger Woods arrives at Augusta National as Masters talk mounts

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer TIGER Woods flew to Augusta National yesterday, sparking even greater speculation the Masters next week could be his first time competing against the best since a car crash 14 months ago severely injured his right leg.

Various plane-tracking websites showed a Gulfstream registered to Woods leaving South Florida at about 9am, and the twitter handle “Eureka Earth” showed the private jet on the runway at Augusta’s regional airport.

SI.com’s “Morning Read” cited a source as saying Woods was at Augusta National with 12-year-old son Charlie. Woods’ agent at Excel Sports did not immediately respond to a voicemail from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Woods has not said anything publicly or even walked in a way that suggested he would be ready to play his first major — and first PGA Tour event — since the Masters in November 2020.

Speculation began to pick up when Phil Mickelson was removed from the list of players who plan to compete in the Masters, which starts April 7. Woods was still on the active invited players list, and when asked a week ago for guidance on a decision, his agent said it was too early.

Unlike regular tournaments, players don’t have a commitment deadline. Woods is a five-time Masters champion who can play

every year. It’s up to him to tell Augusta National whether he will play, and that can happen all the way up until the start of the tournament.

Woods was seen playing at The Medalist near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida, over the weekend. He presumably was at Augusta National to see how his legs could hold up on one of the toughest walks in golf. The course has elevations on nearly every hole. He played in December in the PNC Championship with his son — they finished runner-up — in a 36-hole tournament in Florida where Woods was able to ride in a cart and the format was a scramble.

“But to be able to be out here and play, call it six rounds of golf, a practice round, pro-am, four competitive days, it’s the cumulative effect of all that. I’m not able to do that yet. I’m still working on getting to that point,” Woods said six weeks ago at Riviera, where he was host of the Genesis Invitational.

During an interview on CBS Sports that weekend, Woods gave no timetable on a return and said he wouldn’t want to show up just to play.

“I need to feel that I’m confident that I can beat these guys, and I got to do the legwork at home. It’s on me,” he said.

Woods has been seen moving well but slowly in his few public appearances, such as at Riviera or three weeks ago when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

His last Masters victory, in 2019, followed four surgeries on

Flowers: ‘What an amazing person Anita Doherty was’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net LONG before she made her mark in the sporting community in New Providence and Grand Bahama, businessman Craig Flowers said he got a first hand view of the late Anita Doherty’s sporting prowess and administrator skills in Liberia.

On Monday morning, Doherty passed away at the Rand Memorial Hospital at the age of 73. She served in various sporting organisations, but was a long time educator and administrator who made an impact in so many people’s lives.

“What an amazing person Anita Doherty was,” was how Flowers - a long-time player and executive of the Bahamas Golf Federation who is overseeing the transformation of the BGF’s Driving Range at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex - described her.

“She crossed my path when we were both away from the Bahamas. She came prominently into my life and made such a huge impression when I was the training captain for Liberia Airlines and I offered her husband John Doherty a position with the company.”

Through their involvement in the company, Flowers said Doherty was able to organise a number of sporting events in the American/British Oil Refinery Compound. “Anita was able to take on the softball team, the baseball team, the basketball team and the volleyball team,” Flowers remembered. “The only team she didn’t take on was the bowling team.

“But she organised all of them and put together a team of administrators, who were truly amazed by the depth and the level of her ability to function the way she did.”

During the four years they spent there, Flowers said he and Doherty also attended the same school, learning the Arabic language, although the younger kids were shocked to see two older folks sitting in their class.

ANITA Doherty.

“Many of the foreigners there thought that we were wasting our time because Arabic was a language that we certainly could not learn,” he said.

“But Anita and I certainly proved them wrong.

In the long haul, when her husband’s contract ended, there was a huge party to thank her for the role she played in pulling the sports together in the compound.

She was presented with many awards.”

When she ascended the podium to give her speech, Flowers said she asked him to join her because what she was able to do, she could not have achieved without his support as a Bahamian.

“I felt very impressed because I knew she was learning something that she loved doing,” he said. “For the amount of friends she acquired in the Middle East was so amazing.

“I understood how fortunate and blessed that I was able to have crossed paths with Anita Doherty. I’m certainly a better person when I look back over her contribution and commitment to excellence and her ability to take nothing and make something out of it.”

Like the rest of the nation, Flowers said he will miss Doherty, but he will cherish the good times they shared and the big smile she exhibited on her face and her semi-masculine voice that demanded authority at all times.

“I can only say that I am a better person today solely because of the presence of Anita Doherty in my life,” he said. “May her soul rest in peace. I know I will surely miss her.”

TIGER Woods becomes emotional during his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame on March 9, 2022, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) his lower back and was among the most remarkable comebacks in sports. Later in the year, he won the Zozo Championship in Japan for his 82nd career PGA Tour title, tying Sam Snead for the all-time record.

He played only nine times during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. And then February 23, while recovering from a fifth back surgery, he drove his SUV over a median and it tumbled down a hillside in the coastal suburbs of Los Angeles.

Doctors said he shattered tibia and fibula bones in his right leg in multiple locations. Those were stabilised by a rod in the tibia.

A combination of screws and pins were used to stabilise additional injuries in the ankle and foot.

Woods has said amputation was discussed at one point.

Whether he chooses to play at Augusta National does not affect the field. The Masters is an invitational and does not have an alternate list.

GIANNIS CANS 40, BUCKS BEAT SIXERS PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 40 points and had a game-deciding block of Joel Embiid in the final seconds to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 118-116 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers last night in a matchup of two of the Eastern Conference’s top teams.

Khris Middleton added 22 points and Jrue Holiday had 18 for the Bucks, who pulled within a halfgame of idle Miami for first place in the East.

MAVERICKS 128, LAKERS 110 Luka Doncic had 34 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists, and Dallas routed Los Angeles, which was missing LeBron Janes because of an ankle issue.

The Lakers (31-44) are tied with San Antonio for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference with seven games remaining for both teams.

NETS 130, PISTONS 123 NEW YORK (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 41 points and Brooklyn rallied past Detroit.

Kyrie Irving added 24 points in his second home appearance since New York exempted athletes from a private employer mandate for COVID-19 vaccinations last week.

BULLS 107, WIZARDS 94 WASHINGTON (AP) — DeMar DeRozan scored 14 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter and Chicago beat Washington.

Nikola Vucevic scored 27 points for Chicago, which is trying to stay in the top six in the Eastern Conference and avoid the play-in round of the postseason. The Bulls (44-32) took a half-game lead over Toronto (43-32) for fifth place in the East.

MEDVEDEV CLOSES IN ON NO. 1 RANKING, OSAKA IN SEMIS MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Daniil Medvedev is one win away from returning to No. 1. And Naomi Osaka is two wins away from being a tournament champion again.

Shaking off a slow start, the top-seeded Medvedev reached the quarterfinals of the Miami Open yesterday by defeating Jenson Brooksby of the US 7-5, 6-1.

Medvedev has yet to drop a set in his three Miami matches. He’ll face No. 8 seed and defending Miami champion Hubert Hurkacz in the quarters — and if Medvedev prevails there, he’ll be assured of supplanting Novak Djokovic and returning to No. 1 in the world. “I’m not the kind of guy who’s going to say, ‘Yeah, I’m the best,’” Medvedev said.

In women’s quarterfinal play, the unseeded Osaka — who hasn’t won a tournament since the 2021 Australian Open — made quick work of No. 9 Danielle Collins of the U.S. The former world No. 1 needed only an hour to overpower Collins 6-2, 6-1 and make the Miami semifinals for the first time. “This is my childhood tournament and I would love to win here,”

said Osaka, who spent part of her youth living in South Florida. Collins — who has been dealing with neck pain — needed a medical timeout during the match.

“She’s a fighter,” Osaka said. “She fought through the match.”

Next up for Osaka: No. 22 Belinda Bencic, who, like Osaka, continued her roll through the tournament.

PAGE 14, Wednesday, March 30, 2022

DEVYNNE FROM PAGE 11

administrators that are still there had a huge impact on my life and I just wanted to thank them for being who they are,” she said.

Thompson said they were elated to have Charlton return home. But she added that because of the inclement weather, they were prevented from celebrating the way they had planned to. “Devynne was an outstanding student athlete while here at SAC and also as an undergraduate student at Purdue University,” Thompson said.

“She had an amazing collegiate career, and in her first Olympics in 2021 she placed 6th in the 100m hurdles.

“She continues to soar, having recently won the

THE TRIBUNE

silver medal in the 60m hurdles at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade.

“We are so proud of Devynne’s accomplishments thus far and we are excited about her future.”

Charlton, who also has two other sisters who graduated from SAC, is now preparing for the outdoor season. She’s expected to make her debut in a University of Kentucky home meet on April 22 when she is expected to compete in the 100m hurdles.

Coming off a sixth-place finish at the delayed 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan last August, Charlton is hoping to carry over her success to the World Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, in July with another medal performance.

IAAF World Indoor Championships 60 hurdles silver medallist Devynne Charlton shared her IAAF World Indoor Championships 60 metres hurdles silver medal with the students and staff at her alma maters at St Francis/Joseph and St Augustine’s College. She graduated from St Francis/Joseph in 2007 and SAC in 2014. On Friday at SAC, Charlton got emotional as she spoke to the students. In attendance were principal Marici Thompson and past president Sonja Knowles, who both expressed their delight in her achievement.

USYK LEAVES UKRAINE, PREPARING SUNS FROM PAGE 11 FOR REMATCH WITH JOSHUA Every matchup is a big one for the Lakers. The LONDON (AP) — World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is preparing for a rematch with Anthony Joshua after leaving his native Ukraine, where he was helping his country in the war with Russia.

Usyk “is already in Europe” to start training for a second fight with Joshua that could take place in June, the champion’s promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, said.

Krassyuk said locations for the fight are being discussed. “Late June is also the timing we are considering now,” he told Sky Sports late Monday.

“Many things will depend on how fast we manage to ink the papers.”

Saudi Arabia is reportedly one of the places looking to host the fight.

Joshua regained his WBA, IBF and WBO belts by beating Andy Ruiz Jr in the kingdom in December 2019, only for the British fighter to lose them last September by unanimous

decision after being outboxed by Usyk in London.

The rematch was expected to take place in the spring but has been disrupted by the war. The 35-year-old Usyk returned to Kyiv in February to help defend Ukraine from the invading Russians. He was pictured carrying an automatic rifle, flanked by three other armed men in the Kyiv Territorial Defense force.

Usyk said he had the support of his friends and family in his bid to return to the ring and beat Joshua for a second time.

“In this way, I can help my country more and better than I would by being in the Territorial Defence and running around Kyiv with a machine gun,” he said in a video message on Instagram in which he spoke mostly in Russian. Usyk, who made the step up from cruiserweight where he was the unified world champion, is from Crimea and chose to stay with Ukraine after Russia annexed the peninsula in 2014.

road may have gotten even bumpier for them after LeBron James hurt his ankle. He very well could be limited going forward — or even possibly miss some time.

Obviously, the Lakers can’t afford that. Not with the Lakers dangerously close to falling out of the play-in. The New Orleans Pelicans are in the No. 9 spot and the Lakers in 10th.

There was a preview of that possible matchup Sunday as the Pelicans rallied from 23 points down late in the second quarter to knock off the Lakers 116108. James didn’t hide his feelings over blowing a big lead in a game in which he twisted his left ankle.

“Excuse my language but that’s what it feels like,” James said after using profanity to describe his emotions. “It feels like another wasted opportunity obviously for myself and for our team.”

There’s no margin for error for the Lakers with the San Antonio Spurs

— winners of four straight — only a half-game out of the last spot.

At the moment, the Los Angeles Clippers occupy the eighth position. Imagine if they were to get back some combination of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell.

All of a sudden, they’re an even scarier eighth seed.

The current standings would pit the Clippers against the Timberwolves in a play-in scenario. But the Timberwolves could still catch the Nuggets for No. 6.

Karl-Anthony Towns and the Timberwolves remain two games behind the Nuggets and they play Friday in Denver. Whoever grabs the sixth seed will more than likely draw Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, who are third in the standings. Memphis comfortably sits in the second spot.

“It’s really, really hard going into the playoffs to predict a clear winner,” said Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault, whose team is eliminated from the postseason but closes the season by playing the Jazz, Lakers and Clippers. “It’s been a

bear of a conference for a long time.”

That’s why being at home could mean everything. Which is precisely why the Dallas Mavericks’ 114-100 win over the Utah on Sunday may prove so pivotal.

The Mavericks moved a game ahead of the Jazz in the race for the fourth and fifth seeds in the West, and earned a split of the season series. The home team has won all four games.

“That’s what we wanted, but it’s a long way to go,” said Mavericks All-Star point guard Luka Doncic, whose team hosted the Lakers last night in another important matchup. “We’ve still got to keep our composure, focus on the next opponent and try to win every game.”

Because, as Dallas coach Jason Kidd warned, “this wasn’t a playoff game. No one’s up 1-0.”

The Suns locked up the No. 1 seed last week as point guard Chris Paul returned from a thumb injury that had sidelined him since the All-Star break. They’re shifting into a playoff-mentality to make another run toward

the NBA Finals, where they were a year ago before losing to Milwaukee.

“Our team understands that the regular season is the regular season,” Paul said. “It’s different in the playoffs.”

Although the Suns have been the front-runners since taking over the top spot in the West for good in mid-January, they’re not favoured in any postseason award outside of Monty Williams for coach of the year.

Devin Booker (plus4600) is behind Sixers big man Joel Embiid (minus195), Jokic (plus-180) and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo (plus-1000) in the MVP race, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. In the defensive player of the year category, Phoenix’s Mikal Bridges (plus-390) trails Boston’s Marcus Smart (plus-170), while Miami’s Tyler Herro (minus-20,000) appears to be a lock for sixth man of the year, with Phoenix’s Cameron Johnson (plus-13,000) well back.

“We’ve done a good job of not worrying about what people say about us,” Booker said. “But they need some recognition.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 30, 2022, PAGE 15

SHOWN, from left to right, are Maicel Uibo, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Charlee Fisher, Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Tomark, representing the Stapledon Gardens Community.

WORLD Indoor Championships 400 metres gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo, accompanied by her husband, Estonia’s decathlete Maicel Uibo, reunited with the Stapledon Gardens Neighbourhood Watch community for a fun walk/run race in her honour over the weekend. Shown, from left to right are Maicel Uibo, Leslie Miller, Minister of Sports Mario Bowleg, Fr James Palacious, Shaunae MillerUibo, Michael Dillet, Ian Fernander and Tomark.

Photos by Anton Francis

SHAUNAE FROM PAGE 11

Eugene and hopefully another trip on top of the medal podium.

“The main thing is to just stay healthy,” she said.

“Obviously there are some goals that I want to achieve, but the main thing is to stay healthy, have some fun this season and hopefully win the world title.”

While she couldn’t reveal her timeline for the outdoor season, she noted that some of her Pure Athletics Track Club training partners will open up at the Florida Relays next weekend and so she might just take part in an event as well.

“I’m just looking forward to having some fun this season,” said the two-time Olympic gold medallist, whose focus this year will again be on the 400m, although she expects to once again run the 200m for some speed workout.

“The World Championships is coming up pretty soon and it will be in the US, close to home. So I’m

looking forward to representing the country well and hopefully bring home the gold medal.”

As the big gun or the hunted, so to speak, going into the season, MillerUibo said her aim is to just stay focused, healthy and work as hard as she can and have some fun in the process.

“Once I enjoy it and I’m having fun, I know everything else will fall into place,” said Miller-Uibo, who expressed her gratitude to her parents May and Shaun Miller Sr for the guidance they provided over the years.

To the Bahamian public, the 27-year-old Miller-Uibo simply asked that they continue to pray for her on her journey to success.

“I want to say thank you to the Bahamian people for all of their support. They have supported me for years now and I will try my best to continue to make you proud,” she said.

“So keep me in your prayers and hopefully I can bring home another gold this year.”

Peyton Wong ranks 6th in High Point Rider standings UNIVERSITY of Tampa Equestrian Peyton Wong ended her competition season ranked 6th overall in the 2022 High Point Rider standings for Zone V Region 5 of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA).

This ranking is based on the points accumulated by all riders in every division in every show over the course of the IHSA season.

Riding in the Open Division, the highest and most competitive in collegiate competition, Wong’s High Point Rider ranking was boosted by her solid

performance at the final show of the season, the IHSA Zone V Region 5 Regional Finals, which took place in Ocala, Florida.

“This last show was an amazing way to end a great show season,” she noted.

“I pulled an amazing horse Argon who helped me place 2nd in the flat and Cupido who helped me achieve 5th over fences.”

In collegiate competition, horses are furnished by host colleges and are chosen by drawing lots. The format fairly tests the horsemanship of the athletes as there is no opportunity for warm

up or practice before entering the ring. Divisions range from beginner to the open division for more experienced riders.

Wong’s strong performance helped the University of Tampa Spartans Equestrian Team to finish 7th out of the 16 teams competing at the IHSA Zone V Region 5 Finals.

In reflecting on her successful season, she gave credit to her coach, Karey McGee of Premier Show Stables, and to her teammates, saying: “I knew it was an honour to have been

placed in this division and know that my trainer and other team members had faith in me to compete at such a level.”

She also praised the opportunity to “compete at very nice facilities and alongside amazing riders”, and “to bond with all my team members forming close friendships.”

The Spartans will have to do without Wong this coming fall as she plans to take a semester abroad to study in Ireland. She looks forward, however, to rejoining the team in the spring of 2023.

PEYTON WONG, shown here with University of Tampa Equestrian team coach Karey McGee, ranked 6th overall in the 2022 High Point Rider Standings for IHSA Zone V Region 5.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 30, 2022, PAGE 19

WATER CORP’S RECORD $26.4M DEBT SET TO BECOME ‘CURRENT’ FROM PAGE 24 “Such correspondence also indicated that the Government intends to return all of Consolidated Water (Bahamas) accounts receivable from the Water & Sewerage Corporation to current status. As of February 28, 2022, Consolidated Water (Bahamas) accounts receivable from the Water & Sewerage Corporation totalled $26.4m. During the first three weeks of March 2022, we received $7.6m in payments on these accounts receivable.”

The Water & Sewerage Corporation last month revealed that it is owed some $50m by a combined 45,625 customers who are in arrears

on their payments. This represented an increase on the $38m accounts receivables owed prior to COVID-19, which likely explains why the debts owed to Consolidated Water have also been steadily climbing especially as disconnections were suspended. Those were due to resume from Monday, March 28.

The Water & Sewerage delinquency has caused havoc for Consolidated Water’s cash flow and liquidity, and that of its Bahamian subsidiary. Its 10-K filing makes clear, though, why it has stuck with the contract.

“A significant portion of our consolidated revenue is derived from our water supply agreements with the

Water & Sewerage Corporation. The loss of the Water & Sewerage Corporation as a customer would adversely affect us,” Consolidated Water said.

“One bulk water customer, the Water & Sewerage Corporation, accounted for approximately 36 percent of our consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021.

If, for financial or other reasons, the Water & Sewerage Corporation does not comply with the terms of our water supply agreements, our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.”

(Bahamas) has experienced delays in collecting its accounts receivable from the Water & Sewerage Corporation.

“When these delays occur, we hold discussions and meetings with representatives of the Water & Sewerage Corporation and The Bahamas government and, as a result, payment schedules are developed for Water & Sewerage Corporation’s delinquent accounts receivable. Our most recent such discussions occurred during the week of March 7, 2022,” the BISX-listed reverse osmosis supplier added.

“All previous delinquent accounts receivable from the Water & Sewerage Corporation, including accrued interest thereon, were eventually paid in full.

Based upon this payment

Revealing that the latest talks over the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s debts took place on March 7, Consolidated Water said: “Consolidated Water (Bahamas) accounts receivable balance, which included accrued interest due from the Water & Sewerage Corporation, amounted to $21.5m as of December 31, 2021.

“Approximately 76 percent of the December 31, 2021, accounts receivable balance was delinquent as of that date. The delay in collecting these accounts receivable has adversely impacted the liquidity of this subsidiary. From time to time, including presently, Consolidated Water

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 70° F/21° C

TAMPA

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Partly sunny and windy

Partly cloudy with winds subsiding

Mostly sunny with winds subsiding

Mostly sunny, breezy and humid

Brilliant sunshine and humid

Humid; a t‑storm around in the p.m.

High: 82°

Low: 74°

High: 83° Low: 74°

High: 85° Low: 73°

High: 84° Low: 74°

High: 85° Low: 73°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

84° F

71° F

87°-75° F

93°-77° F

94°-77° F

95°-75° 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.

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

10‑20 knots

S

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

8‑16 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

E S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

W

uV inDex toDay

THURSDAY

N

N

| Go to AccuWeather.com

TONIGHT

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 74° F/23° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 72° F/22° C

MIAMI

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

12‑25 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 79° F/26° C Low .................................................... 59° F/15° C Normal high ....................................... 80° F/27° C Normal low ........................................ 67° F/19° C Last year’s high ................................. 87° F/30° C Last year’s low ................................... 74° F/23° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ................................................. 6.36” Normal year to date ..................................... 4.45”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2022

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 73° F/23° C

N

KEY WEST

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 75° F/24° C

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

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

8:02 a.m.

8:27 p.m.

2.9 3.0

1:56 a.m. ‑0.3 2:19 p.m. ‑0.4

Friday

8:45 a.m.

9:09 p.m.

2.8 3.0

2:43 a.m. ‑0.4 2:59 p.m. ‑0.4

Saturday

9:26 a.m.

9:49 p.m.

2.7 3.0

3:27 a.m. ‑0.3 3:37 p.m. ‑0.4

Sunday

10:05 a.m.

10:28 p.m.

2.5 2.9

4:10 a.m. ‑0.2 4:13 p.m. ‑0.3

Monday

10:44 a.m.

11:08 p.m.

2.3 2.8

4:52 a.m. ‑0.1 4:50 p.m. ‑0.1

Tuesday

11:24 a.m.

11:50 p.m.

2.2 2.6

5:34 a.m.

5:28 p.m.

0.1 0.1

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

N

S

E

W

10‑20 knots

S

10‑20 knots

ANDROS

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

7:04 a.m. Moonrise 7:25 p.m. Moonset

6:17 a.m.

6:08 p.m.

New

First

Full

Last

Apr. 1

Apr. 9

Apr. 16

Apr. 23

CAT ISLAND

E

W

history, Consolidated Water (Bahamas) has never been required to provide an allowance for doubtful accounts for any of its accounts receivables, despite the periodic accumulation of significant delinquent balances. As of December 31, 2021, we have not provided an allowance for doubtful accounts for Consolidated Water (Bahamas) accounts receivable from the Water & Sewerage Corporation.”

Consolidated Water said its two New Providencebased reverse osmosis plants, Blue Hills and Windsor, are capable of producing a combined 14.8m gallons of water per day. For the 2021 full-year, they supplied the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s customers with 4.4bn gallons compared to 4.2bn in 2020.

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 74° F/23° C

N

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 74° F/23° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 74° F/23° C

10‑20 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 82° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 80° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

H

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 84° F/29° C Low: 76° F/24° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

12‑25 knots

12‑25 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday:

WINDS SE at 8‑16 Knots SSE at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 12‑25 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots SSE at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots NE at 12‑25 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 12‑25 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 12‑25 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots E at 12‑25 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots

WAVES 3‑5 Feet 4‑7 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 3‑6 Feet 4‑8 Feet 4‑7 Feet 5‑9 Feet 3‑6 Feet 4‑7 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑6 Feet 4‑7 Feet 4‑7 Feet 4‑8 Feet 6‑10 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 4‑7 Feet 4‑7 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet

VISIBILITY 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 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 78° F 76° F 77° F 75° F 78° F 78° F 77° F 77° F 78° F 77° F 77° F 77° F 78° F 77° F 77° F 77° F 79° F 79° F 78° F 78° F 77° F 77° F 79° F 79° F 78° F 77° F

PAGE 20, Wednesday, March 30, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

AIRPORT IN $8.1M OPERATING LOSS BEFORE GOV’T PURCHASE FROM PAGE 24

Government acquired the airport from Hutchison-controlled Freeport Harbour Company, its immediate parent, in May/ June 2021.

Many observers viewed the deal as enabling the GBPA and the Hong Kong conglomerate to walk away from their developmental and governance obligations under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

It was also seen as allowing Hutchison to dump another loss-making asset on the Bahamian taxpayer following so swiftly behind the Grand Lucayan’s $65m sale to the Government’s special purpose vehicle (SPV), Lucayan Renewal Holdings.

And the figures provided in the Request for Proposal (RFP) document only measure the loss incurred in Grand Bahama International Airport’s operations.

They do not include items such as depreciation, provisions for doubtful accounts, impairment charges, fuel write-offs, bad debts and losses on the disposal of property, plant and equipment, meaning that the airport’s net loss is far greater than the

figures contained in the bid documents.

The Government, which paid $1 to acquire the airport, also paid-out around $1m as its 50 percent share of the redundancy pay and associated benefits received

by Grand Bahama International Airport staff. And Hutchison was also allowed to walk away with the multi-million dollar insurance payout received over the airport’s Dorian-related claim, essentially meaning that not a cent was invested into storm repairs.

The RFP document, which otherwise was little changed from that issued under the former Minnis administration last summer, reiterated that the Government is seeking a private sector partner to invest $150m-$200m at the highend on Grand Bahama International Airport’s transformation given that it will be a key supporting infrastructure asset for the Grand Lucayan’s owner, plus the Royal Caribbean project in Freeport Harbour and the Carnival cruise port.

“The airport suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

A fixed based operator (FBO) building was repurposed as a temporary

terminal. A comprehensive site-wide redevelopment solution (capital expenditure approximately $150m - $200m) is required to replace damaged facilities, unlock commercial potential and operate the airport as a profit centre,” the RFP document said.

“For greater clarity, the approximate capital expenditure value identified above is a highlevel order of magnitude estimate and no formal capital expenditure costing has been undertaken to date.”

Freeport-based private sector sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, yesterday argued that it was unlikely any bidder will be prepared to invest $150m-$200m at this stage given that the city’s tourism market - and hence passenger volumes - are non-existent.

“That ain’t going to happen,” one said. “No one is going to go for that when you have no passengers. I’m not saying don’t pursue that project, but it is the wrong way to go. You are in a dead market. It just doesn’t have the bodies.

Nassau has people, Nassau has a market. We have no people and no market here, and it will take us five years to develop. Whoever

buys that hotel [the Grand Lucayan] will have to push them on the airport.”

However, just launching the Grand Bahama International Airport bidding process has fostered renewed optimism among some in the island’s tourism industry. Branding the RFP unveiling as “fantastic news”, Magnus Alnebeck, the Pelican Bay resort’s general manager, told Tribune Business: “It seems like the Government of The Bahamas is moving quicker than the two biggest owners of Freeport....

“Hutchison and the GBPA seem to be competing to show very little interest in the future in Grand Bahama. It’s just the Government showing interest. That should definitely increase investor confidence and appetite.”

Mr Alnebeck suggested it was also time that Freeport stakeholders and the wider Bahamas review the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, Freeport’s founding treaty, given that it has not delivered for the past three decades.

“I’m one of those people who believes in, yes, the Hawksbill Creek Agreement that set up Freeport was probably a good thing when it happened, but it

GN-2693

has not worked for the last 25-30 years,” he said.

“That’s the reality. How much you can blame on the hurricanes and other stuff is a question, but the fact is it’s not working any more.

“Let’s start by sorting out what we have, and hopefully that turns around and there will be an interest from investors. How the administration of Freeport works, that’s something for the Government and people of The Bahamas to decide. There needs to be more partnership between people who live, work and invest, including the Government.”

Speaking to the airport bid process, Mr Alnebeck voiced hope that its launch could persuade the US government to bring Freeport’s pre-clearance facility back and provide a further boost to investor confidence. “It shows to everyone, not just those only interested in the Grand Lucayan, that the Government is putting their foot forward and leading the way,” he added.

“The positive thing is they are showing they are committed to Grand Bahama, and there is no more ‘rolling the thumbs’ attitude. That is very important. I think that if they are to reverse the downward spiral in Grand Bahama, they have to show they are doing something about it.

I don’t consider myself an expert in big infrastructure investments like this, but showing they believe in Grand Bahama and want to restore it. It’s the first real serious government investment in the last 16 years.”

As for Grand Bahama International Airport’s consistent losses prior to the Government’s takeover, Mr Alnebeck said bidders would need to adopt a longterm view when seeking to extract returns. “I remember when I first came to Grand Bahama 20 years ago and was told that there were three airports in the

world that made a profit: London Heathrow, Hong Kong and Grand Bahama,” he added.

“In those days we had ridiculous landing fees.

That’s been one of the problems in Grand Bahama. It’s been so expensive to use the airport that it’s basically driven the airlines away from here.”

Monday’s bidding launch represents the start of the pre-qualification phase, which is designed to separate the serious, wellcapitalised groups with a strong track record in airport redevelopment from those that lack the experience and wherewithal to meet what the Government is looking for.

Once that stage closes, successful applicants will move on to the formal Request for Proposal (RFP) round with final bids due by end-June 2022. The Government is hoping to conclude negotiations with the preferred bidder, and close commercial and financial terms, by August 2022.

The winning bidder will be responsible for the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of Grand Bahama International Airport under the same private-public partnership (PPP) model currently employed at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) with the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD).

Grand Bahama International Airport, its real estate and other assets will be transferred to a new company, Freeport Airport Development Company.

That entity will be owned 100 percent by the Government through the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, which will retain ownership of the airport facilities and the real estate, while the winning bidder will operate it under a long-term lease concession of likely 30 years or more.

AML SHRUGS OFF INFLATION, ‘OUT-OFSTOCKS’ CONCERNS FROM PAGE 24 Elsewhere, Mr Watchorn said that AML Foods’ new Exuma location “continues to exceed our budgets, and we expect to open Solomon’s Downtown Freeport in the summer of 2022”. AML Foods previously said it was targeting $12m in annual sales from its new Solomon’s Freeport location despite it being two-thirds the size of its former Queen’s Highway site.

Mr Watchorn last year told Tribune Business it aims to do more with less space as it unveiled the latest phase in a neighbourhood food store roll-out that aims to drive total annual sales to $250m by 2030. He voiced optimism that Solomon’s Freeport, which will re-open at the former Winn-Dixie (City Markets) site following a $3.5m investment, will “do all

if not more of the sales” generated previously at Queen’s Highway despite being 10,000 square feet smaller.

The AML chief, though, explained that the group’s neighbourhood outlet strategy was based on reducing store footprint and associated real estate costs by cutting “back-of-house” areas. It will instead “maximise” space by serving these stores from a central warehouse location, which in Freeport’s case has been achieved by converting a portion of the Cost Right location for product/inventory storage.

AML Foods has secured a long-term 30-year lease on the former Winn-Dixie location at York Street, but Mr Watchorn confirmed that Solomon’s Freeport will only use 20,000 square feet or two-thirds of the total 30,000 square feet available due to the Cost Right-based warehouse.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 30, 2022, PAGE 21

DORIAN SMALL HOME REPAIR CONTRACTORS OWED $400K

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) owes $400,000 to contractors for the post-Dorian Grand Bahama small home repairs programme, a Cabinet minister said yesterday, with 1,100 homeowners still awaiting funding approvals.

Myles Laroda, minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office, who has responsibility for the DRA, told media ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting: “We are at a point now where we have sourced the funds with regards to about 2,600 residents at various stages of the home repairs. That would be from about 2,500 and capped at $10,000.

“What we have to do is there are about 3,700 people in total, so there’s an

additional 1,100 people who have applied for assistance.

However, the former Cabinet only approved 2,600, so we have to go back to Cabinet to get approval for those other 1,100 people. I expect that to be done pretty shortly. I conveyed that message to both the leader of the opposition and member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama.”

The small home repairs initiative was launched by the Minnis administration

in February 2020 to help uninsured Grand Bahama and Abaco homeowners effect repairs to their properties that were damaged

by Hurricane Dorian.

Mr Laroda added: “The home repairs, as it started under the previous government, there were homes with various stages of damages and they were supposed to be assessed.

Whether that was done entirely could be debated, but we are where we are.

Commitments have been made. The contractors would have done work, some of them are at the half-way point and some of them have been completed.

“So we do owe just north of $400,000 to those contractors who performed the work. As said earlier, those funds have been sourced so those contractors would be notified shortly when they would receive their funds.”

Due to an ongoing audit at he DRA, Mr Laroda

HIGH OIL PRICES MAY FORCE GOV’T ROADS ‘SCALE BACK’ FROM PAGE 24 reduce the deficit. We’re in a catch-22.

“The only outcome I predict is that the Government will scale back on capital expenditure. It’s the only thing that they can do.

If the oil price increases further, and that of construction materials, it is highly likely that the Government will scale back on capital expenditure, which has an impact on GDP, which has an impact on revenues circulating within the economy, which has an impact on taxes, which has an impact on the debt and deficit.”

The Davis administration has already cut back the capital spending it inherited when it took office, reducing this from $370.4m or 3 percent of economic output (GDP) to $316.2m or 2.7 percent. However, it largely left the Ministry of Works’ total capital budget unchanged at $100.614m, with the road repairs and maintenance still the same at $20.831m - a figure that was essentially flat against the prior year.

However, the increase in oil prices - worsened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - is certainly ill-timed with

works already underway to improve the condition of Village Road and plans in the works to widen Gladstone Road to a four-lane carriageway.

Both projects are likely to now experience cost increases, although global oil prices currently appear to have stabilised having come down from recent peaks. The US West Texas Intermediate benchmark last night had oil priced at $105.1 per barrel, a modest 0.81 percent increase on the day, while Brent Crude was trading at $111.2 per barrel having risen just 0.91 percent.

Mr Sands, meanwhile, said that while supply chain backlogs and delays had changed little, he anticipated that construction material costs could increase by a further 20 percent given that higher oil prices - and associated volatility - feed directly into their production processes.

“Construction prices, I would say and firmly believe, are going to see a further increase,” he warned. “Reason being, as was mentioned just yesterday, the vice-president of the Bahamas Petroleum Dealers Association said

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, LAVEL LASHERA FERGUSON also known as LAVAL LASHERA FERGUSON of Marshall Road, New Providence, Bahamas, intend to change my name to LAVAL LASHERA KNOWLES. 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.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that RAHEEM HUBERT DAWKINS of P.O. Box SS-19324, Cow Pen Road, West, New Providence, The 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 30st day of March, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

fuel prices could reach $8 per gallon.

“Higher prices in the US, where a lot of product comes from, means production costs are going up for a lot of materials. Plywood is $60 per sheet, and we’re using that stock up. If the war persists, and fuel prices stay high, the next batch will go up and not just stay high but may go higher as well.

“There’s nothing we can do about it. It’s a natural relationship, and is not good for us as the consumer. The Bahamas is the consumer; we don’t produce anything, and the consumer is paying more for the same amount of product.”

Asked how much construction material prices might further increase, Mr Sands said: “I don’t know.

I would be guessing, but an

intelligent guess would be as high as 20 percent; 20 percent higher than what it is now is a fair estimate.”

Pointing out that such increases for a multi-million dollar project were significant, and could deter investors from proceeding with the full extent of their plans, the BCA interim president added that the residential housing market will be equally affected.

“You’re shrinking the pool of customers that qualify for a mortgage at the bank even further,” he explained of the increased construction costs. “We’ve already seen a shrinking of that number because of the construction costs post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. A house that cost $250,000 is now at $300,000, and there’s only

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that all persons having any claims or demands against the above-named Estate are requested to send the same duly certified to the undersigned on or before the 21st day of April A.D. 2022.

Notice is hereby also given that at the expiration of the time above mentioned the assets of the deceased will be distributed among the persons entitled thereto having regard only to the claims of which the Personal Representative shall then have had notice.

Holowesko Pyfrom Fletcher Attorneys for the Personal Representative Chambers Templeton Building, Lyford Cay Nassau, Bahamas In the Estate of Blake Ward Morgan

Share your news The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighbourhoods.

Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 322-1986 and share your story.

NOTICE is hereby given that KENVA BRITNEY PAUL of Bacardi Road, New Providence, The 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 30th day of March, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P. O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

TUESDAY, 29 MARCH 2022

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 6.70 40.50 2.05 2.90 2.60 6.05 10.05 2.56 9.02 3.10 7.20 13.00 2.71 10.15 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

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)

late of the City of Langley in the Province of British Columbia one of the Provinces of Canada

Mr Sands said Bahamian contractors were also “scaling back” the warranties given to customers for job estimates, reducing the validity of quotes from the previous 60-90 days to between seven to 21 days to minimise their exposure to construction material volatility.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that WIDSLAND MYRTIL ST.JEAN of Nassau Village, Stack Avenue, 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 23rd day of March, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

1.00 10.00 1.00

IN THE ESTATE OF BLAKE WARD MORGAN

a small pool that can afford $300,000 and above.

“Now you have higher oil prices that increase the cost of everything, particularly for construction, so that home worth $300,000 is now worth maybe $320,000 or $340,000. That squeezes the pool of mortgage buyers even further. We have to watch what the next six months will look like in construction, but we will not have a lot more residential, customer-funded projects.

“It’s going to scale back.

Our customers are not going to be there. We have a debt-laden society. Where are you going to find that customer? Where are they coming from? Contractors are complaining already.

They are asking where the work is.”

could not go into specifics on whether contractors have been fully paid for works that were supposed to have been completed.

He added: “But moving forward, we have in place protocols and mechanisms that would be more detailed and that would be more transparent, so the Bahamian people would know exactly how their funds have been spent.”

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%

2229.34

0.27

0.01

1.10

0.05

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 2.66 7.16 13.00 2.08 10.10 11.84 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 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 2.66 7.16 13.00 2.14 10.13 11.94 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

1,900

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 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.03 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 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 14.5 15.9 18.0 21.0 21.7 18.5 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% 4.51% 3.07% 5.54% 20.28% 0.59% 2.75% 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 22, Wednesday, March 30, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

THE IMF’S ‘INCONCLUSIVE’ CONCLUDING STATEMENTS T

his article concludes my assessment of The Bad points in the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recent Article IV statement on The Bahamas, starting with the recommendation for increased interest rates and then considering The Concerning issues.

The Bad Increasing interest rates tends to have some other interesting impacts on a country. Starting with the obvious increase in borrowing costs and mortgage payments through to a reduction in investments and consumption, which all leads to less economic growth. Given where the economy is today, why would the authorities place the fledgling economic recovery at risk?

Why would the Central Bank seek to dampen consumption in a largely mercantile-driven environment? The effect that increased interest rates, as a monetary policy, may have on inflation is not much of a factor here in The Bahamas. Indeed, it is almost a non-factor, so why point us in that direction?

While correctly pointing out the need to focus on vulnerable segments of the population, the IMF statement seems to ignore the negative impact an interest rate hike would have on investor and consumer confidence. From a national perspective, government costs would increase on domestic floating rate debt, making an already bad situation worse. Just emerging from a significant financial crisis, the alreadyhigh unemployment rate could be exacerbated with an increase in interest rates.

On this basis, I believe that the IMF recommendation begs for greater assessment.

From a macroeconomic perspective, taking into account all the nuances of the Bahamian economy, what would be the most likely outcome of an interest rate increase?

Reduced consumption. Is it therefore reasonable to speculate that the IMF is, given its concern about the risk to economic recovery, harbouring concerns regarding the robustness of the country’s reserves and balance of payments? Is the IMF, in a back-handed

Hubert Edwards By

way, suggesting that The Bahamas should cool-off the demand for import dollars as it keeps an eye on the improving - but “not yet there” - export-related foreign currency inflows”?

On the other hand, maybe the IMF did in fact say that when it stated: “If the market environment were to deteriorate markedly, consideration may need to be given to a temporary tightening of capital flow management measures.” It said this after stating very early in its statement: “The tourism recovery is projected to narrow external imbalances over the medium term, and thereby keep international reserves at adequate levels.” I take the view that the IMF’s concluding statement seemed to say much less than intended. What is clear is that when we move around and examine statements, as we are doing here, they seems to take on less of a cryptic nature but are still very indirect.

Policymakers are unlikely to act on the increased interest rate recommendation.

However, the warnings stated or implied should not be ignored.

The desire for fast fiscal consolidation should not drive over-optimism. Plans and projections should be balanced, making clear allowances for downside impacts. Attendant or supporting strategies should be clearly communicated early to facilitate private sector adjustments. All this should be done without leaning towards introducing unnecessary pessimism, or taking action that might “shock” the market, disrupting existing value propositions or harming long-term potential.

The Concerning As policymakers work hard to reposition The Bahamas, they are caught in a web of tensions. The fight for progress is between pursuing increased revenues and how to respond to the braking effect of the current debt burden, which is driving the need for increased revenue. It is not an argument many will have openly, but the implications are many. The recent mid-year Budget presentation give us glimpses of this. The projections through to the fiscal year 2024-2025 are clearly indicative of the administration’s desire to move the country along. The efficacy of the plans, though, is tied to the ability to finance current and expected deficits, manage the increasing level of interest payments and contend with the coming pressures as a resulting of debt maturities. According to the IMF: “The pandemic has deepened the country’s medium-term growth challenges and public finances have deteriorated.” The main concern is the extent of the weakened state, and therefore the significant narrowing of the margin for error when it comes to policy decisions and the execution of reforms.

When the IMF declares: “The Bahamas would benefit from a more robust multi-year debt management strategy”, one gets the clear impression they may not deem the current strategy effective. Bearing in mind that the IMF is highly focused on influencing policy, it is always likely to have an interest in what the current position is, and the migrating factors moving forward, if the circumstances are not highly favourable. Therefore, the statement: “Even with significant fiscal consolidation, financing needs will decline only gradually over the medium-term.

This creates elevated risks of the country finding itself in debt distress. Mitigating these risks will require careful planning” suggests the extent to which fiscal consolidation is central to existing strategies. Maybe a more tempered approach should be taken.

Why would one conclude this?

Consider your impressions when a policy-centric institution says: “The new debt

management committee should systematically track performance of the recently published multi-year government financing strategy and undertake contingency planning to ensure the strategy is robust in a less favourable market environment.” Then ask what could constitute less favourable market conditions. An inflationary environment?

An environment where it might be difficult to secure debt or, if so, at increased costs? An environment where the effects of a pandemic on education and employment cause pressure on a country’s social cohesion, resulting in the need for increased social support?

What about imbalances in our tourist market from rising COVID cases, or pressure on disposable income as a result of global inflationary pressures?

Consider your impression when the IMF cautions: “The Government should avoid undertaking strategies that may appear to reduce costs in the short-term but potentially exacerbate debt distress in certain circumstances.”

What might the administration have done or be contemplating? Relating to debt, what would have prompted such a remark?

As an observer, nothing readily comes to mind, but it is a rather intriguing statement.

There is no doubt that, at this point, debt represents the “Achilles heel” with respect to The Bahamas’ economic recovery. The actions taken by the Government, and conveyed by influential organisations such as the IMF, will have serious implications. It is imperative policymakers take the necessary actions that will generate confidence that the most practical, strategic and complete steps are being taken.

Statements such as “The Bahamas would benefit from a more robust multiyear debt management strategy” carry a potentially negative message to the financial markets, which are already showing a negative outlook towards the country’s sovereign bonds, as these are trading at relatively high yields. The realities are such that whatever mechanism is in place for debt management, it

must be clinical, effective and consistently sending the right message. Anything less carries potentially high costs through higher interest rates on new debt issues, an increased roll-over risk, an inability to finance projected deficit spending over the next two years, and increased likelihood of austere measures.

The Conclusion The following statements from the IMF readily contextualise the level of uncertainty that The Bahamas faces. “Higher food and oil prices, including because of the effects of the war in Ukraine, could erode consumer demand and impose a particularly heavy burden on the vulnerable,” it said.

This is an apt reminder of the adverse global influences facing those who are already challenged with economic distress. It continues: “In addition, a sharp rise in global risk premia could limit the ability to place new debt and further strain public and private balance sheets”, pointing to the risk of fall-out for both private and public sector.

Fortunately, the Bahamas financial system has high liquidity levels, and therefore private debt might not be at the same level of risk as the public variety, which is already faced with significant yields in the international market. On one hand, there is the inescapable challenge of rising costs, and on the other there is the possibility for even greater pressures on the national debt. This will create even greater challenges for policymakers as they manage The Bahamas’ finances while searching for sustainable growth and greater resiliency.

Certain matters have become thematic in discussions surrounding the country’s economics, and the IMF raised spectres of doubt when it came to growth and the targeted allocation of resources. “A reprioritisation of public spending is also needed to promote better social and economic outcomes.” This effectively points to the fact that it believes government spending is not as productive as it could or ought to be. “While tourism will remain systemically important, the authorities have long recognised the need to diversify toward

a more knowledge-based economy. A greater emphasis on energy reforms and educational programmes to improve the inclusion of young workers and the underemployed will raise growth potential.” The economy is in dire need of diversification and growth.

Certain social underpinnings and broader growth reforms need urgent attention. No one should pretend that these are easy, but we also cannot afford to continue to act as if they are impossible either. A way must be found to move the needle forward on growth. A rearrangement of the IMF’s statement above makes the point: The Government should avoid undertaking strategies that may appear to be viable in the short-term but potentially exacerbate the economic distress of the country in the long-term.

Regardless of the nature or tone of the commentary, it is critical that where the suggestions make sense there should be wise movement in those directions.

Given where The Bahamas is economically, it is important that we draw on all available sources in a serious and practical manner.

This must be done with a view of solving the problems that currently ail us, and positions us for a more vibrant and resilient future - a future where we are able to better cope with the shocks, internal and external, that will continue to assail us. The IMF report, despite its seemingly paradoxical state, is one such important source.

NB: Hubert Edwards is the principal of Next Level Solutions (NLS), a management consultancy firm. He can be reached at info@ nlsolustionsbahamas.com.

He specialises in governance, risk and compliance (GRC), accounting and finance.

NLS provides services in the areas of enterprise risk management, internal audit and policy and procedures development, regulatory consulting, anti-money laundering, accounting and strategic planning. Hubert also chairs the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) Economic Development Committee.

This and other articles are available at www.nlsolutionsbahamas.com.

MARINAS: ‘MAJOR CONCERN’ OVER OIL PRICING VOLATILITY NOTICE International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000)

BAYARD LTD. Registration No. IBC 176603 B Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000 notice is hereby given that BAYARD LTD. has been dissolved and struck off the Register of Companies with effect from the 4th day of February, 2022.

Galnom Ltd. Liquidator

LEGAL NOTICE

FROM PAGE 24

more weeks to Easter, so obviously this is a crucial period for us. The summer is really when the families, the gas guzzlers, the south Florida visitors come.

“A lot of the big yachts move north and we get more of the south Florida boaters. They’re not going to move all the way through.

They will find themselves in Grand Bahama and Bimini.

They will not make it this

TO ADVERTISE TODAY IN THE TRIBUNE CALL @ 502-2394

far. It’s not good. That’s a major concern. We were really hoping for a strong summer but it doesn’t look like we’re going to get there with these fuel prices. It’s not what we wanted but it is what it is. We’re just hoping for the best.’

“I think the impact could be considerable. Obviously if fuel increases, inflation on everything increases, and you add the COVID test, the Health Travel Visa and the cost of the visa, we’re not as attractive.”

Mr Maury said higher, more volatile fuel prices had yet to impact Bahamian marinas as bookings from now through to Easter had already been made with boaters having planned their trips in advance. He added that occupancy at his Bay Street Marina was likely to be in the mid-70

percent range through Easter.

“I think everybody is kind of wondering: ‘Where do we go from here?’,” he added. “It’s hard to say to be honest. We’re all looking at bookings for the next couple of weeks. Nobody is really taking on bookings for summer yet. Once we get through this, we will start to see bookings for late May and early June, and hopefully they will go through July 4 and beyond depending on hurricane season.

“There’s a lo of interest in the industry, but at the same time everybody is asking: What is the cost of fuel in The Bahamas? Our summer travellers tend to be a bit more concerned about that.”

NOTICE

NOTICE

International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000)

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act (as amended), NOTICE is hereby given that Corona Capital Associates Corp. has been dissolved and has been struck from the Register with effect from 19th November, 2021.

Registration Number: 177061 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)

Maria-Clara Polidura and Joycelyn Curry LIQUIDATORS c/o EFG Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Ltd Goodman’s Bay Corporate Centre 3rd Floor, West Bay Street and Sea View Drive P.O. Box CB 10956 Nassau, Bahamas

JJ Home Management Ltd.

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000) JJ Home Management Ltd., commenced voluntary liquidation on the 30th day of March, 2022.

Any person having any claim against JJ Home Management Ltd., is required on or before the 29th day of April, 2022 to send their name, address and particulars of the debt or claim to the Liquidator of the company, or in default thereof they may have excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is approved.

GSO Corporate Services Ltd., of 303 Shirley Street, Nassau, The Bahamas is the Liquidator of JJ Home Management Ltd. GSO Corporate Services Ltd. Liquidator

business@tribunemedia.net

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2022

$5.50

$6.16

$5.50

$6.19

Airport in $8.1m operating loss before Gov’t purchase

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama International Airport suffered an $8.129m operating loss in the two-and-a-half years leading up to its 2021 purchase by the Government, which is aiming to select the preferred bidder to redevelop this asset by August 2022.

Documents released on Monday to potential bidders, and which have been seen

by Tribune Business, provide further insight into why the airport’s previous owners Hutchison Whampoa and the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) - were seemingly so eager to offload the loss-making asset on to the Government and Bahamian taxpayers after the devastating damage inflicted by Hurricane Dorian’s storm surge.

The brief financial details provided in the pre-qualification round, which mandates that all initial offers be submitted within 30 days on April 29, 2022, reveal that Grand Bahama International Airport was plunged into consistent

• Gov’t targets winning GB airport bidder

by August • Setting investment at $150m-$200m on high-end • Hotelier: Hawksbill Creek ‘not working any more’ losses, with operating expenses exceeding revenue income, immediately following the Category Five storm.

For 2019, Grand Bahama’s major aviation gateway suffered a $1.826m operational loss, with total revenues of $9.608m exceeded by $11.435m worth of expenses. This contrasted with both 2018 and 2017, when the airport earned

WATER & SEWERAGE CORPORATION HQ

Water Corp’s record $26.4m debt set to become ‘current’ GRAND Bahama International Airport post Hurricane Dorian’s storm surge. operating income of $2.61m and $1.208m, respectively.

COVID-19, though, took Grand Bahama International Airport’s operational losses to a new low. That was achieved in 2020 with a $5.451m operating loss based on total expenses worth $8.497m far exceeding revenues of $3.036m, with the latter depressed by the lack of air traffic and passenger volumes due to the double blow inflicted by the pandemic’s travel restrictions and Dorian’s

impact on the tourism and hotel plant.

The operating losses continued into the first four months of 2021, hitting $851,000 for the period between January and April 2021, with $945,000 in revenues once more exceeded by some $1.796m in operating expenses. That further ‘red ink’ was incurred just before the Government acquired the airport from Hutchison-controlled Freeport Harbour Company,

SEE PAGE 20

asphalt, the equipment.

Ninety-eight percent of road construction will cost them more, and the contractor has to pass those costs on to the Government or whoever is the client.

“Pass the costs on or give you less production.

The Government may have to revisit how many roads it intends to move on, and either scale back or increase the budget.

The problem with increasing the budget is the debt-reducing situation.

The problem is that we’re seeking to pay down debt,

SEE PAGE 21

SEE PAGE 19

High oil prices may force Gov’t roads ‘scale back’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMIAN Contractors Association’s (BCA) interim president yesterday said high oil and construction material prices may force the Government to “scale back” on its capital works budget for this and the upcoming fiscal year.

Leonard Sands told Tribune Business that road construction, in particular, could be impacted by oil price volatility given that it was a key component in products such as asphalt and other materials. With the cost of road development and repairs increasing, he suggested that that the Davis administration may have to “revisit” the $20.831m allocated to such works for the year to end-June 2022 to determine what this budget can still accomplish.

“I think the Government of The Bahamas will need to revisit the amount of capital works that have

THE Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president yesterday confirmed the industry has “a major concern” that higher fuel prices will dampen boating/yachting demand over the “crucial” summer months.

Peter Maury told Tribune Business that global oil market volatility, which has been worsened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was “a big problem” as evidenced by the frequency with which the issue was discussed at last weekend’s West Palm Beach Boat Show.

“We were talking about it all weekend,” he disclosed. “There were at least a dozen Bahamas marinas there, and all were talking about the same thing. Everybody was very concerned about it. We heard a lot of people saying they’d be better off visiting the [Florida] cays.

“Everybody was asking about the clearance process, what the cost of fuel is.

Do we still have to get a [COVID] test?

Do we still have to do the Health Travel Visa? It all adds up. The big problem is if the fuel prices change people are a little stretched. It’s going to make it tough for travel.”

Based on present gasoline prices in Nassau, Mr Maury said it was likely Family Island prices are now over $7 per gallon with diesel and commercial fuel the types used by boaters - usually not too far behind, with the difference typically being less than $1 per gallon between the two.

Global oil prices currently appear to have stabilised, having come down from recent peaks. The US West Texas Intermediate benchmark last night had oil priced at $105.1 per barrel, a modest 0.81 percent increase on the day, while Brent Crude was trading at $111.2 per barrel having risen just 0.91 percent.

However, the ABM president said marinas in the central and southern Bahamas were fretting that boaters will elect to conserve costs by remaining in the northern Bahamas - around Grand Bahama, Bimini and the Abacos - this summer, thus limiting the impact of spending by the sector’s high-yielding customers and concentrating it in just a few islands.

“That’s what we’re worried about to be honest,” Mr Maury said. “To be honest, it just seems like it’s hard to figure out exactly what we can expect. We have two

SEE PAGE 22

• Acting BCA chief suggests capital works ‘revisit’ • Says oil volatility hits all building material costs • Will ‘further squeeze’ mortgage qualifier pool

LEONARD SANDS been budgeted and see what the increase in the oil price means for the construction of roads,” the BCA chief explained. “It is a direct relationship; the

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE GOVERNMENT has pledged to bring the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s record $26.4m debt owed to its main BISX-listed supplier “current”, it was revealed last night.

Consolidated Water, which is the sole potable water supplier for the Corporation’s New Providence customers, disclosed it had been informed by the Ministry of Finance in late February 2022 that the Davis administration this year plans to steadily reduce the delinquent payments that make up more than 75 percent of the debts owed to it.

Of the $21.5m due to Consolidated Water at year-end 2021, some $16.34m representing more than three-quarters of the total - was delinquent or more than 90 days past due for payment. And the total sum owed increased by almost $5m, or 22.8 percent, over the following two months to hit the record $26.4m at endFebruary 2022.

The latter figure has now been reduced by $7.6m, dropping the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s debt to around $18.8m, after the Government (Bahamian taxpayers) made a series of payments during the first three weeks of March. There was no explanation for why the water utility’s debt to Consolidated Water soared so high, although it likely reflects the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastating impact on the ability of customers to pay for the water they receive.

“In February 2022, we received correspondence from the Ministry of Finance of the Government of the Bahamas that set forth a payment schedule providing for the gradual reduction over the course of 2022 of the Consolidated Water (Bahamas) delinquent accounts receivable due from the Water & Sewerage Corporation,” Consolidated Water said in its 10-K annual report filing with the US Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC).

Marinas: ‘Major concern’ over oil pricing volatility

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

• Gov’t pledge to main BISX-listed supplier • Over 75% of amount owed ‘delinquent’ • Some $7.6m repaid during early March

AML shrugs off inflation, ‘out-of-stocks’ concerns

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net EXCLUDING one-off Dorian gains, AML Foods generated a 3.8 percent net profit increase for its 2022 third quarter despite grappling with inflation and supply chain issues that produced “high levels of out-of-stock” products.

Gavin Watchorn, the BISX-listed food retail and franchise group’s chief executive, disclosed that the group’s inventory levels had reduced by $600,000 year-over-year despite the acquisition of the former Exuma Markets store.

The results for the three months to end-January 2022 showed that, excluding the prior year’s $2.35m Dorian

GAVIN WATCHORN insurance recovery, AML Foods’ net profits had risen slightly to $1.521m compared to $1.475m in the year-before period.

“Sales for the period were $46.9m, an increase of $2.2m or 4.9 percent compared to the same period in the previous year, and $3.9m or 9.2 percent to two years prior.

Net profit for the quarter was $1.5m compared to $3.8m for the same period last year,” Mr Watchorn said in his message to shareholders.

“During the quarter, increases in supplier costs continued to have an impact on gross margin. As a percentage of sales, expenses were flat to prior year but were up $625,000 compared to the same period last year. The addition of our Exuma store contributed approximately $350,000 to the overall increase. With continued focus, shrink expenses have now begun to show signs of improving.”

Confirming that the company has not been immune from the global supply chain woes, Mr Watchorn added: “Compared to the same period last year, inventory levels are down $0.6m despite the addition of our Exuma location. Due to the global supply chain challenge, we are experiencing high levels of out of stocks from vendors. However, our entire merchandising team is working to mitigate the impact of this, as well as the effects of inflation as best as we can....

“As we look to the future, we are leveraging the strength of our core assets and differentiating attributes to capitalise on the structural changes coming out of the pandemic, turning them into long-term

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