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TWO MORE GUNNED DOWN

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were killed in separate incidents just hours apart yesterday.

One victim was shot in the community of Gamble Heights sometime after noon while the second victim was killed in the Joe Farrington Road area shortly before 5pm.

The killings come as police and the Davis administration seek to get a handle on violent crime and after 22 homicides were recorded in March, one of the deadliest months on record in the country.

While police have not officially identified the Gamble Heights victim, loved ones say the deceased is Kevin Andrews. He was 25 years old.

At the scene, police press liaison officer Superintendent Audley Peters said that officers were alerted to the shooting at Sunrise Road and Baillou Hill Road after noon.

Responding officers found a man lying on the ground unresponsive with gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services pronounced him dead at the scene.

SEE PAGE THREE

CAMBRIDGE TO REPLACE HEASTIE IN BPL ROLE?

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Opposition’s leader yesterday charged that there are “real questions” over the energy regulator’s “objectivity” amid suggestions that one of its senior executives is being eyed as Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) new chief executive.

Michael Pintard, branding yesterday’s resignation of incumbent BPL chief executive, Whitney Heastie, as “worrisome” also raised misgivings about growing suggestions that Shevonn Cambridge, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s (URCA) head of electricity supervision, was viewed as the leading candidate to replace him.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

CARBON CREDIT BUYERS HAVE APPROACHED GOVERNMENT

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

BODIES being taken away from the scenes in Baillou Hill Road, top, and the Joe Farrington Road area.

Photos: Donavan McIntosh and Earyel Bowleg/Tribune Staff

...AS THE US WARNS VISITORS OVER VIOLENT CRIME THE US Embassy in Nassau has advised American citizens to “exercise vigilance” in New Providence due to an increase in reported violent crime.

According to a security alert posted to its website on

Wednesday, the embassy said there have been several tourist robberies reported recently while also noting the increase in gangrelated killings in Nassau.

“Over the past month, tourists have reported to the embassy

four armed robberies,” the alert noted. “These armed robberies occurred both in areas frequented by tourists, as well as on site or in the vicinity of short-term vacation rental properties without private security.

“In recent months, there has also been an increase in homicides that are primarily gang-related and affecting the local population in areas of Nassau generally not frequented by tourists.”

SEE PAGE THREE

MONCUR HAS GOVT JOB - AS ‘VIOLENCE INTERRUPTER’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

THE appointment of former senator and talk show host Rodney Moncur as a consultant in the Ministry of National Security was yesterday defended as a key component in the government’s plan to fight crime in inner-city communities.

Communications director Latrae Rahming confirmed Mr Moncur’s consultancy as a “violence interrupter” insisting his appointment

RODNEY Moncur with then Opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis in 2018. brought value in that the controversial talk show host understood the dynamics of those communities and

was trusted by people living there.

Mr Rahming, who works in the Office of the Prime Minister, could not say how much Mr Moncur was being paid, when his role took effect or what perks he would receive.

Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis raised several questions about the issue in the House of Assembly on Wednesday and asked the government to confirm the appointment.

SEE PAGE TEN

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said the government has already been approached by people interested in buying carbon credits.

He said they will be entered into a databank system until the credits are ready to be monetised.

His comment came a day after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis tabled the Climate Change and Carbon Market Incentives Bill, the first step in securing a carbon credit payment system for the country.

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Carbon credit buyers have approached government from page one Mr Pinder said: “We don’t have the regime in place nor are we confident that we have done what we have to do to ensure The Bahamas maximises its position so people will come out the blue all the time, ‘I want to buy your carbon, I’ll buy all the carbon credits you can create and this is the price.’

Well, you know, the fact of the matter is our responsibility is to maximise the benefits for Bahamians, not jump on the first opportunity and so that is the policy decision we have made, anybody who approaches we will just put them in a databank, in the future when we are ready to monetise.”

Rochelle Newbold, a

The Tribune Publishe

ROCHELLE NEWBOLD special advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister on climate and environmental matters, said a carbon credits system would help the planet. She said the project will be based on science and will not amount to “greenwashing” or providing an escape clause for people to continue emitting greenhouse gases.

She said: “When you have industries that are having to make decisions about becoming carbon neutral by 2050 but the technology isn’t there or readily available (for) them etc (to) make that change

immediately, they need to be able to look at ways that will enable them to incrementally meet that 2050 deadline.”

The Bill, which was tabled in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, seeks to give effect to the Paris Agreement to aid in the global response to the threat of climate change and to create and implement initiatives to offset carbon emissions.

Through this framework, the government will be able to create incentives and implement initiatives to support the overall global target of greenhouse gas emissions reduction consistent with its nationally determined contributions; to ensure compliance by The Bahamas of its obligations under the Paris Agreement taking into consideration the

common but differentiated responsibilities, respective capabilities and flexibility provisions acknowledged under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for small island developing states to address climate change; and to enable the establishment of a market in The Bahamas to trade in carbon credits.

The Bill will also create shared ministerial responsibility between the prime minister/minister of finance and the minister responsible for the environment and natural resources; the appointment of a management company, and the appointment and functions of an advisory council, which will have responsibility for serving as a technical advisory body to a management company.

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THE TRIBUNE

Friday, April 22, 2022, PAGE 3

THE SCENE of the fatal shooting on Baillou Hill Road South yesterday.

Two more gunned down from page one

Supt Peters said the man was at a fruit and vegetable stall in the area when he was approached by two men who got out of a small vehicle brandishing firearms.

“Those males discharged those weapons at that victim, fatally injuring him,” he added.

Asked if the matter was possibly connected to another incident or perhaps a gang-involved shooting, Supt Peters said it was possible.

“That is also a possibility we won’t rule that out,

because as we get the information, we correlate that information, a conclusion would be made whether this was gang-related or in connection of some other incident.”

Supt Peters said the victim was not the owner of the stall, but was simply a bystander enjoying the company of the persons in the area.

He said police are now going to designate the community as a crime hotspot following the homicide and a firearm arrest made earlier this week.

“For the moment, based on the signs we’re seeing and the activities in the

area, we’re considering it a hotspot because of the arrest yesterday and other information coming our way,” Supt Peters said.

“I want to say here that yesterday as a result of information that we would have received and gunshots that (were) heard, we arrested two suspects in this general vicinity for being in possession of an AK47.”

A woman who identified herself as the mother of the Gamble Heights victim admitted that the man had some challenges and had been to prison before.

She said he never robbed or killed anyone, but told

KEVIN ANDREWS, who was shot dead in Gamble Heights. reporters the deceased had a scheduled court appearance next month.

Hours later, police were on the scene of the second homicide for the day, this time in the area of Joe Farrington Road and Harp Close.

Supt Peters said first responders found a man slumped between a forklift and a trailer.

His body had wounds consistent with gunshot injuries and he was pronounced dead by EMS.

“Thus far in the investigation the male was on his forklift doing work when he was approached by a lone gunman who discharged several shots at him fatally wounding him,” Supt Peters said.

He added: “He was doing service on behalf of his company for another company when this incident occurred.”

Asked if there was any indication the shooting was connected to yesterday’s earlier incident, Supt

Peters said there was no evidence to suggest this at the moment.

These incidents come after a woman was fatally shot by another woman outside a home on Pinewood Drive on Sunday afternoon.

While police have not officially identified the victim, sources say she is Nicola Cox. Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call police at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers at 328TIPS (8477).

certain people, Mr Rahming reiterated that people with intimate knowledge of the criminal element in the country should not have been moved.

“I am saying that the ones who were moved had an understanding and intelligence of what was happening on the ground, particularly the deputy commissioner who had a very comprehensive understanding of the way the gangs work.

“You operate by intelligence and you operate by persons who have a reputation of understanding the realities of what’s happening on the ground.

When you move these persons from that capacity you allow that void to happen.

“So, I think in any national security apparatus the value of that intelligence is critical to solving crime. So, it is my belief that when we politicise the process of crime there’s an impact.”

He continued: “For example if the government decides they are not going to put funds in Urban Renewal we all know that

Urban Renewal is a community level approach to fighting crime. So, if we continue this approach of ‘I’m going to move John Doe or I’m not going to put funding in a programme’ that’s going to impact community policing that’s going to have some impact.

“Now I think the previous administration takes credit for crime not understanding that for the last two years there was a pandemic and now what we’re seeing is the proliferation of that process.

“I think our point then is if you have senior police officers who understand crime, who understand the dynamics, who’ve been at the forefront of dismantling gangs, that you ought to leave them in place because the country was gaining progress from their work.”

Mr Rahming also responded to criticism about government travel, saying where there is benefit in attending overseas meetings, the government will capitalise on those opportunities to benefit the country.

‘GOVT IS SEEING SUCCESS IN FIGHT TO STEM GANG WAR’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis administration says it is seeing success in its fight to stem a gun war between gangs and this may be the result of the return of senior Royal Bahamas Police Force officers who were sent on leave and then on special assignments under the previous government.

Director of communications in the Office of the Prime Minister Latrae Rahming made the assertion yesterday, saying prior to the reassignment of Clayton Fernander, Leamond Deleveaux, and Kendal Strachan under the Minnis administration, the country was gaining progress from their work.

Following the Progressive Liberal Party’s election win in September 2021, the senior officers were returned to head vital sections of the RBPF in a restructuring exercise of the organisation by Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle.

Assistant Commissioner

US WARNS VISITORS OVER VIOLENT CRIME from page one The embassy advised US citizens to be aware of their surroundings; use caution when walking or driving at night; not to physically resist any robbery attempt; to remove all items of value from plain sight from vehicles and to review personal security plans.

The warning comes after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis called an “urgent” crime conclave in March following a spike of murders.

At a press conference earlier this month, Mr Davis told reporters his government would introduce a number of

Fernander heads the force’s intelligence management portfolio, ACP Deleveaux heads criminal proceedings and prosecutorial control and ACP Strachan heads operations management and tactical support.

“Let me be clear, it is this government’s approach to have a multifaceted approach to crime,” Mr Rahming said in response to claims made by former Prime Minister Dr Hubert

crime-fighting measures which include increased police presence in inner-city communities, the creation of a specialised police task force and focused attention to bettering mental health.

Mr Davis said at the time that evidence suggests that most of the country’s recent murders appeared to be gang-related and added that many retaliation acts were now being carried out after being “postponed” due to COVID-19 lockdowns and curfews, which have since ended.

However, Mr Davis said his administration is taking a “strategic” and “unified” approach to tackling gang violence, with specific focus on hotspot communities.

Minnis in Parliament on Wednesday night.

Dr Minnis said crime in the country had escalated as Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis travelled on expensive trips with large delegations.

“What we can report is that we are seeing success (in) the rapid operation of cease fire with the Royal Bahamas Police Force,” Mr Rahming said at a press conference.

“It was the previous administration’s decision to dismantle senior leadership of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. That decision had an impact on crime particularly on moving persons like the deputy commissioner who has intelligence on understanding the impact of crime on our country.”

Asked if he was suggesting that challenges with crime were directly linked to the reassignment of

POLICE INVESTIGATE RAPE ATTACK

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating an alleged rape and assault that took place off Prince Charles Drive earlier this week.

Police press liaison officer Superintendent Audley Peters said the incident took place on Tuesday before noon.

“We have an idea who the person is,” Supt Peters

said. “Matter of fact as we speak our officers are in the area canvassing for the footage that we’re aware that may be available for us to take the necessary action and bring the assailant to justice.”

The incident was not released by the Royal Bahamas Police Force in its daily crime reports. The matter was first reported by a local media outlet on Wednesday.

When asked to confirm

the report, Supt Peters said yesterday: “Initially that question was asked of me. However, we had to confirm some information in order to verify that.

I can verify today that we are indeed investigating a rape and assault matter and that’s as far as I’m going to go to that information because of some intricacies (of) that, we want to keep anonymous.”

In February, police released statistics which

revealed that there was a seven percent increase in rapes last year, with 48 matters reported in 2021 and 45 the year before. There was a nominal increase in the category of attempted rapes, with six last year and five in 2020, representing an increase of 20.

Unlawful sexual intercourse declined by 23 percent last year with 125 in 2021 compared to the 163 that were reported in 2020.

PAGE 4, Friday, April 22, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Five years on and roaring to success

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net BAHA MAR president Graeme Davis said the resort is marking its fifth year anniversary with record success as the COVID-19 pandemic appears to wane.

“Certainly for us as an investment here in The Bahamas, for our ownership group, we are certainly very pleased with the progress we’re making this year, really one of the first years of really seeing the

financial success start to turn,” he told reporters yesterday.

The resort hosted a cocktail reception last night that attracted some top government officials and others.

Tourists fill the mega property, highlighting how far it has come since the rocky period of uncertainty that preceded its opening in 2017.

“We are seeing the best results that we’ve ever had since we opened in the month of March and certainly the highest occupancy in April that we’ve

ANN Marie Davis and Patricia Minnis, the wives of the current and previous Prime Ministers, at Baha Mar’s fifth anniversary celebration yesterday.

had since we opened as well,” Mr Davis said.

As the tourism rebound continues, Mr Davis said he hopes for additional changes to COVID-19 protocols.

“The next evolution for us would be really to eliminate the testing requirement to enter the country,” he said. “We’re seeing Jamaica and Aruba already removing that mandate of testing into the country and also to see the United States remove the testing requirement to go back to the United States.

That would be for us the ideal evolution of what’s next.”

Mr Davis said Baha Mar employs 5,000 people and is “ninety-nine and a half percent” finished completing its master plan.

Inflation, nonetheless, is affecting the resort as it is everywhere else.

“It is a struggle,” he said.

“And when our guests see the prices that we had to increase, room rates increase based on the supply chain increased, cost of freight coming to The Bahamas, duty is there, VAT is there, it’s so important for our associates and for all of us in the community when we see our tourists and we’re charging them prices that we need to charge in order to make a profit, that we provide exceptional service, that we deliver on that exceptional service and provide them price value experience, that there is a value for price paid. We just announced

BAHA Mar president Graeme Davis yesterday. an increase for all of our eligible associates today.

We’re working on that cost of living allowance for our associates as we speak.”

Asked about national policies in response to inflation, Mr Davis said: “I’ll leave that up to the government. I think you know, look we leverage as best we can our buying power for our suppliers, we’ll do the best that we can, but I think it’s really up to the government to work on solutions that they can have.”

Photos: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and his wife Patricia talking to Baha Mar president Graeme Davis.

MAN KILLED IN ARAWAK CAY TRAFFIC ACCIDENT POLICE were last night on the scene of a traffic fatality on West Bay Street.

The incident took place in the vicinity of Arawak Cay.

Police said that a man had been struck by a vehicle in the incident.

No further details were available at the time of going to press.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, April 22, 2022, PAGE 5

ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder yesterday.

Photo: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

‘We’ll scrap nationality bill and deal with the issues one by one’

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder says the Davis administration plans to scrap the draft 111-page Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill 2018, saying while it addressed a number of different issues, the government is of the view that it was a better approach to tackle matters individually.

However, some of the concepts of the Minnis administration’s draft will be used in a new bill, Mr Pinder said yesterday. He also maintained his view that it was best to bring changes regarding Bahamian citizenship through legislation at Parliament, noting two previously failed referendums to change the

constitution in this regard.

It is the government’s intention to bring legislation to allow both Bahamian men and women to pass on citizenship in any circumstance.

“Well, we have failed twice to change the constitution and it is an important element of equality of our people that they see themselves equal among each other and if that means doing it by legislation then that’s what it means,” Mr Pinder said when asked yesterday to respond to critics who are against changing the law by way of legislation in Parliament.

Mr Pinder further shrugged off the possibility of the government facing legal action from people who may see the changes as unconstitutional.

“If they take us to court,

they take us to court.

Everybody takes the government to court these days. (It) doesn’t mean they’re right. You clearly stated that the constitution provides the avenue to provide citizenship that is not covered within the constitution, which is what this is doing.”

The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill 2018, drafted under former Law Reform Commissioner Dame Anita Allen features expanded grounds for the refusal of citizenship under the constitution, and registration and naturalisation under the law to include terrorism, human and drug trafficking, as well as gangrelated activities. The draft has drawn commentary from both the political and civic arenas.

These issues are derived

primarily from articles 7 and 9 of the constitution; but aren’t addressed therein or by later amendments.

The draft bill would have granted individuals in both these categories — born outside of The Bahamas to a Bahamian mother and born inside The Bahamas to two non-Bahamian parents — the “right of abode” or the right to live in The Bahamas while a minor, up to the age of 18.

Asked if the government intended to keep this draft, amend it or create a new bill, Mr Pinder said: “There’s going to be a new bill.

“Now some of the concepts in that bill will be utilised but if you would have seen that bill I don’t know if you saw it. It was 111 pages long and addressed a number of

different issues and so we think a better approach is to do an issue-by-issue approach rather than what we would have seen in the bill.”

He would not respond to a question on whether he would support a “right to abode” provision for people who are stateless or those born in the country to foreign parents, saying this was a matter for Cabinet.

Currently, a Bahamian woman married to a foreign spouse cannot automatically pass on citizenship to children born abroad, while Bahamian men who have children with foreign women out of marriage cannot automatically pass on citizenship to their children, even if they are born in The Bahamas.

In 2016, a referendum on these issues and others concerning the ability of Bahamians to pass on their citizenship to children and spouses was rejected by voters.

Similarly in 2002, under the Ingraham administration, a referendum of this kind also failed.

The attorney general also suggested a draft bill to regulate the cannabis industry under the former government would be canned.

“If we thought the one presented by the Minnis administration was the right one to present, we would have presented it,” he said when asked to speak on what is proposed to change between the former government’s bill and a new cannabis bill expected from this administration.

LACK OF LAWYER MEANS POLICE INQUESTS STILL AT A HALT

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe confirmed yesterday that police-related Coroner’s inquests have not yet resumed as the director of public prosecutions has yet to appoint a lawyer to marshal the cases.

However, inquests into other matters have started, according to Attorney General Ryan Pinder.

During the Office of the Prime Minister’s weekly press briefing, Mr Pinder said the Davis administration found several challenges with the Coroner’s Court when it took office.

Last year, 21

police-involved shootings were recorded, 13 of which were fatal.

The Tribune had previously reported that The Bahamas has one of the highest per capita rates of police involved killings in the world, with 11 recorded in 2017, 2018 and 2020.

In January, a police officer shot and killed a Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer who allegedly “charged” at him and tried to disarm him.

Earlier this month, a man wearing a bulletproof vest was shot dead by police.

The RBPF said the shooting took place after officers responded to an armed robbery after 1am in the area of Delancy Street. Police said the man produced a firearm, prompting officers

to open fire.

A backlog of Coroner’s Court inquests into police involved shootings has caused concern. The hearings were initially delayed because of COVID-19 in 2020. Later, former Coroner Jeanine Weech-Gomez was sworn in as a Supreme Court justice, causing further delays as officials waited to replace her.

Magistrate Kara TurnquestDeveaux was named acting coroner in September 2021.

“You’ve seen the return of coroner’s inquests,” Mr Pinder said in response to a question yesterday. “Now with respect to the Coroner’s Court, certainly we met a lot of challenges that have been there for a long time and we’re working through those and it’s not

just specific to the Coroner’s Court.

“You would have heard debate on the court bills yesterday and you would have heard a number of the members of the opposition make the point and rightfully so. It’s not a new point. It didn’t just happen overnight, but one, the state of facilities of the courts and, two, if we’re adjusting the thresholds and the jurisdictions between the Supreme Court and the Magistrates Courts. Do we have the capacity to do that and I could assure you that we have been working hand-in-hand with the chief justice and the judiciary of which the courts fall under his mandate in order to ensure both one, the coroner’s court is working

functionally and also that all of the courts are working properly.

“These bIlls yesterday look to cause for the administration of justice in our courts to be more efficient and more effective as best we can and we will continue doing that whether it be modifications to the law or whether we do it as we described a number of times creating specialty courts that would help for the more expedient and proper administration of justice because at the end of the day much of what we do falls on how fast we can get matters to court, trials conducted and decisions handed down and that has a reciprocal affect on a lot of things that we do so we are working hand-in-hand

on that.”

Asked whether it was realistic for the Coroner’s Court to resolve its backlog in a timely fashion, Mr Pinder said he was hopeful, but many factors could impact this.

“I hope (it’s) rather realistic. Now it’s not just a one-issue deal that caused this. So, you have issues such as timely ballistics reports. You have issues such as DNA evidence and getting DNA evidence back in a timely fashion or to run these types of prosecutions and to be able to have the evidence in a frame work and all of those elements, not just the courts add to that and so we’re working on all of those matters simultaneously,” Mr Pinder said yesterday.

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Too soon to declare success in tackling murders MURDER in our country is continuing at a pace – with two men shot dead yesterday, adding to a woman shot dead on Sunday, and following last month which was one of the deadliest months on record in our nation’s history.

Last month, 22 people were killed, and two murders in one day yesterday show that the problem is far from going away.

All the more frustrating then to see a communications director in the Office of the Prime Minister, Latrae Rahming, yesterday claim the government is seeing success in its fight to stem a gang war.

Mr Rahming took the opportunity to criticise the previous administration for sending a number of senior officers on reassignment, a move we ourselves criticised in this column.

In March of last year, after Assistant Commissioners Clayton Fernander, Leamond Deleveaux and Kendal Strachan found themselves reassigned, we wrote that “surely there must be a better way that we can use the talents of those who have given so much – and nearly given everything – for our country”.

We are glad to see such talents being utilised – but as the blood on the streets yesterday showed, it is far too early to be declaring success in the fight against crime.

Mr Rahming complained that “when we politicise the process of crime there’s an impact” as he pointed his finger at the previous administration for its decisions.

He also said the previous administration “takes credit for crime not understanding that for the last two years there was a pandemic and now what we’re seeing is the proliferation of that process” – despite the fact that Police Commissioner Paul Rolle previously claimed that the reduction in crime “has nothing to do with COVID. I never saw COVID gone out and lock nobody up and I ain’t see COVID on patrol. We were out there”.

The Commissioner called claims that the decline in crime was influenced by lockdowns and curfews “nonsense”. Mr Rahming may wish to have a discussion with the Commissioner.

As it happens, we agree with Mr Rahming that lockdowns had an impact, but it is far, far too soon to be declaring success – and to do so smacks of the politicisation of crime that Mr Rahming claims to oppose.

It was just last month that saw 22 people killed, and a gang war rage across our nation. Last month. Mr Rahming may see promising signs but to declare

it on a day when two people were shot dead shows the effort is far from over.

The US has issued a warning to visitors to “exercise vigilance” due to the high levels of violent crime, with four armed robberies reported to the US Embassy in the past month in areas frequented by tourists.

We should all be hoping for success in the fight against crime, and for that success to come as soon as possible – but the deadly day yesterday shows we have a long way still to go.

Rodney Moncur To say Rodney Moncur is outspoken would be an understatement.

In the past, he has threatened the managing editor of the Guardian, insinuating he would expose private details if he were not left alone. He was aggressive towards the Chief Reporter of The Tribune, Khrisna Russell, when she questioned him about his opposition to the 2009 Marital Rape Bill, saying that he could “climb on top” of his wife whenever he pleased.

He has frequently marched calling for the return of the death penalty for the hanging of murderers.

And he has often instructed men on his radio show and social media to send their wives to the straw bed. He has denied he is a misogynist.

Mr Moncur has now been hired as a consultant by the Ministry of National Security as a “violence interrupter”. It has not been revealed how much he is being paid, when he was hired or what benefits he would receive. The taxpayers have not been graced with that information as yet.

The government considers Mr Moncur to be a community leader who will help to solve the issue of crime, because he is familiar with the community and can reach those who cannot ordinarily be reached.

The government has not distanced itself from any of Mr Moncur’s other views, such as those on marital rape, or his view that birth control pills are “evil” and “cancerous”, or that the gender equality referendum was “witchcraft”.

On his Freedom March show yesterday, Mr Moncur said that he was “working with young people. I’m encouraging them not to commit crime”.

He also said he was encouraging the government to bring legislation to hang murderers – will the government now make clear whether it plans to act on that? We wait to see as officials continue to receive Mr Moncur’s counsel.

A CARNIVAL reveler smiles at the camera during an unauthorised carnival block party called “blocos” in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. Some organisers couldn’t care less what Carnival events are authorized; they will turn out anyway — part party, part protest — and the mayor has said he will refrain from deploying the Municipal Guard.

Photo: Bruna Prado/AP

Raising the rates for NIB EDITOR, The Tribune.

SO, PM Davis will not increase the level of NIB Contributions although the experts, the IMO actuaries say NIB must have higher contributions and experts for 10 plus years have been telling Government it is a must..

Lest we forget such a statement of a Prime Minister and Minister of Finance verberated not only here on our 21x7 and our 700 islands and rocks but also in the Board rooms of Moody’s - S&P and the IMF. Since coming to office the interim Budget showed politics as usual where all common sense said for the coming six-eight months go austere DavisCooper team did the opposite... totally unnecessary increase of Civil Service Pensions a good example zero cut back on Capital expending and a lot of talk about collecting the $600 plus million of debt to Government, Auditor General, has too much happened to take the yoke that is burdening the future fiscal financial safety net of our country - sorry little but an assurance of the Minister of Economic

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net Affairs ‘that under his watch devaluation will not happen’. We hope but there are signs and serious signs at the ministry forecasts might have changed especially with the lack of actions and fiscal policy.

The billion-dollar question will Davis-Cooper go after the Tax delinquents?

Their buddies, their financial supporters.

Budget in a few weeks.... did Davis send a encrypted message No new Taxes or Tax increases by his statement on NIB? If that is his plan, we had better start preparing seriously as resulting from incorrect financial and fiscal policy of the Biden Government we will be hit by 10 -18% inflation - gas now $6.00 plus a gallon in the future could head over $8.00 and 8.00 plus then what? Yes, can BPL absorb cost of fuel - my read says that is contestable as all fuel costs under Fuel surcharge are on the consumers - Law. Debt everywhere... what is the BTC Pension debt not included in the privatisation by Ingraham no

accrual, but is on the books uncovered - how much does Government owe NIB? Auditor General says $600m in arrears of unpaid taxes so Davis-Cooper are simply going to let those issues pass like a cloud in the night crossing the full moon whilst the stray potcakes howl?

Yes, at present Tourism is doing exceptionally well, but look at the latest COVID variant and its very high infectious level in the US and Europe - might be only a four-five-day bad flu deal but CDC will quickly raise our COVID level to three-day.

New Day? In certain urban areas of Nassau there is horrific fear of the gun costs rising all around and no relief and no relief in sight - has the New Day syndrome already waned and now might be described differently?

State spending we saw at the opening of the new Parliament the recent HRH Visit nothing left a Camelot atmosphere everything is okay folks believe us.....is it really fool’s hope? Fool’s gold?

J HALL Nassau, April 15, 2022.

Why is a mentor so essential?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE beginning of your career is both thrilling and frightening too. Starting anything new is enticing, but uncertainty of how you will do or how your career will unfold is also daunting.

Whether you have gotten involved in a new career, a new hobby, wood working, gardening or in fact knitting, finding a mentor, someone experienced and trusted, can make the transition more relaxing and rewarding.

Finding a mentor is the first step in establishing a mentor-mentee relationship. Knowing yourself and your environment is essential, knowing what you wish to achieve paramount. A possible plan can be of great assistance to your progress.

Consider an identity based mentor, especially if you need to talk about issues you are facing as an under represented person in your profession or field.

A mentor can be a family member, a friend, teacher, fellow employee or any other professional.

Perhaps it is a person you already trust, who you go to with questions. Asking a person of trust, or an organisation that can lead you to an accepted mentor will help. Remember a mentor is a guide, not a stepping stone. Advice, leadership and enthusiastic direction are a mentor‘s tools.

Being up front, and specific about your needs will help develop this relationship. Such a relationship is very much like a agreed upon bargain between two people. Keep up your end of the bargain. Communication has been and will always be key to the relationship. Sharing your goals with your mentor will keep both of you on track.

Mentors can approach their place in the relationship in many different ways, possibly giving tasks that might help in your progress towards achieving your goals.

Be prepared for criticism.

I know we don’t like to be criticised, but an objective opinion of us, the way we do things and how we think

is essential. An open mind, with an accepting attitude will allow our mentor to feel comfortable in their methods and approach to mentoring us.

Mentoring someone is a demanding responsibility, requiring effort and organisation. It can have big payoffs for everyone involved. A mentee must not be afraid to put themselves out there, obtaining as much knowledge and experience as possible.

Learning valuable lessons and skills from someone you admire and who inspires you is what it is all about.

Soldiers, police, fire fighters, doctors, nurses, teachers, farmers, lumberjacks, miners and students all over this globe need, use and become mentors.

What is the best way of thanking your mentor?

Become a mentor yourself, passing onto someone else all the knowledge gained from your past experience.

STEVEN KASZAB Bradford, Ontario April 21, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, April 22, 2022, PAGE 7

PENTATONIX BRING CROWDS TO ATLANTIS CONCERT THE BAND Pentatonix continued the return to preCOVID activities at Atlantis last weekend, with a concert outside on Saturday. A sizeable crowd watched the five-piece acapella group entertain for more than two hours - avoiding the stormy weather of last weekend at the same time.

Photos: Atlantis

POLICE OFFICER TESTIFIES IN STOLEN GOODS TRIAL

By PAVEL BAILEY

A POLICE officer testified yesterday in a man’s trial for possession of stolen toolboxes.

Dennis Ingraham appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans as Constable Darren Sherman, an investigator into Ingraham’s matter, gave testimony in court.

According to Constable Sherman, on June 3, 2021, officers questioned both Ingraham and another

suspect – Shadrach Gibson – in relation to two stolen toolboxes, one orange and black and the other yellow and black.

During questioning both suspects denied any involvement in the offence.

However, during his police statement, Gibson informed officers that the car the stolen goods were found in belonged to Ingraham.

Gibson further explained to officers that he had borrowed the car from Ingraham that day to get breakfast for his girlfriend and that Ingraham

was present when officers arrested him near the car.

Ingraham then told officers that the car belonged to him, but not the toolboxes which he claimed he did not put in his vehicle.

Still, Ingraham was arrested on charges of unlawful possession.

After Constable Sherman’s testimony Magistrate Vogt-Evans told Ingraham to pray to God to change his ways as she expressed genuine fear for his future.

Ingraham’s case was adjourned to June 20.

MAN FINED OVER FAKE LICENCE PLATE

By PAVEL BAILEY

A MAN was fined in Magistrate’s Court yesterday for deceiving a public officer and driving with a fraudulent licence plate.

Edison Sweeting stood before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans to answer to the charges.

At 11.55pm on February 11, he was stopped for driving his Ford Taurus dangerously on Meadow Street near his home. During the stop, Sweeting lied to an officer. He was further charged with using a fake licence plate and was later arrested at his residence.

During a subsequent police interview, he admitted to the offence.

While Sweeting had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges in his first court appearance in February, he subsequently changed his plea to guilty of both offences.

Sweeting’s attorney, Audrey Bonaby, told the court that her client has been a mechanic since high school alongside his father and had been a model citizen. She went on to say that the accused had no prior charges and had a promising future as he hoped to enlist in the Bahamian armed forces. Ms

Bonaby asked the court to exercise its discretion and grant leniency in this case.

The magistrate then convicted Sweeting for the deceit charge, fining him $800 or two months in prison.

However, Sweeting was granted a conditional discharge on the remaining charge provided he donates $250 to the RBPF’s Widows and Dependents Fund. Failing to do so would result in two months in prison on a sentence that could potentially be served consecutively with the deceit charge.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans informed Sweeting of his right to appeal her ruling.

TWO ACCUSED OF ATTACKS ON WOMEN

By PAVEL BAILEY TWO men were arraigned in Magistrate’s Court yesterday on separate charges of assaulting women.

Jacobee Black, 22, stood before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux on two counts of assault.

One of the alleged assaults took place on

Friday, January 21, in New Providence while the other allegedly took place on Tuesday, April 5.

In court Black pleaded not guilty to the assault charge in connection with the January incident. However, Black had the charge against him for the second assault withdrawn.

He was granted $1,000 bail with one or two

sureties. Black’s case was adjourned to May 26.

Another man, Robin Smith, 22, of Palm Tree Avenue, also appeared before Magistrate Turnquest-Deveaux charged with assault.

On Friday, January 28, Smith allegedly assaulted a woman at his residence.

However, in court he was cautioned by the magistrate and discharged.

MAN ACCUSED OF SEX WITH 12-YEAR-OLD

By PAVEL BAILEY

A MAN accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 12-yearold girl is expected to stand trial in the Supreme Court in three months.

Tracy Neymour, 21, of Anderson Street, was served his voluntary bill of indictment (VBI) in Magistrate’s Court yesterday

by Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on charges of having unlawful sexual intercourse with the child in New Providence on February 9.

After signing his VBI, the accused was informed of his notice of alibi meaning Neymour has 21 days to inform the court or Office of Public Prosecutions of any witnesses he wishes to

speak in his defence during his trial in the Supreme Court.

In discussing the issue of Neymour being unable to pay his $20,000 bail, the magistrate told the accused to seek an amendment to bail through the Supreme Court on the basis of financial hardship.

Neymour is next expected to stand before Justice Bernard Turner on July 29.

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PAGE 8, Friday, April 22, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

A new vision THE Bahamas always benefited from nefarious activities; giving shelter to crooks and shady characters is a historical fact. From 1698-1718, The Bahamas became the world’s capital of piracy. New Providence was sprinkled with whorehouses, motels and shops that catered to pirates. The records will bear witness to corrupt politicians, even governors, of that period, taking bribes and a share of ill-gotten loot.

Woodes Rogers arrived in The Bahamas in 1718 with a mandate to clean up The Bahamas. It was a matter of “setting a thief to catch a thief”. Rogers himself was once a pirate.

He sailed into Nassau harbour on 26th July, 1718, as a hero. He sailed in a convoy with the largest British fleet ever seen in The Bahamas.

Help and hope were on the way.

He declared martial law, attempted to set up a basic judicial system and government and enthusiastically set out to rid The Bahamas of the scourge of piracy. But he accomplished very little in his early attempt. He was a smooth talker but failed to accomplish much. He left The Bahamas in 1721, bankrupt, frustrated, and ill.

He returned in 1729 as governor until his death in 1732. During this term the first slate of permanent laws was introduced, and the motto Expulsis Pirates Restitute Commercia was introduced. But were the pirates ever

By the Rev Canon S Sebastian Campbell, CM expelled and was commerce ever restored? Piracy did decline, but not due to efforts by Woodes Rogers.

The decline was due to the efforts of Governor Phenney, (1721-1729). Check our history it is heavily punctuated with: Pirates, Buccaneers, ship wreckers, rum runners, prostitutes, drug-lords, and drug-peddlers. What a history! These nefarious characters were and are being elevated as heroes in the pages our history.

Isn’t it appalling, hundreds of years later, how little has really changed?

Who punctuates our annals of history today?

The pirates are still with us today. We must struggle with the reality today of drug lords and drug peddlers, child molesters, liquor merchants put on pedestals as heroes, shady characters in high office in all phases of society. The pirates, have they all been expelled? The chicken has come home to roost.

Dr Timothy McCartney and Dr David Allen have been two voices among many of us over the years saying in loud and simple voice: “Wake up, Bahamas.”

The late Prime Minister

Pindling warned in the 1970’s, “Bahamians are playing a dangerous game they don’t understand; in the process many will die...”

We are now in the midst of violence and mayhem in biblical proportions, all before unknown in The Bahamas.

An ever-escalating murder-rate is indicative of a morally starved people. Are we all, especially parents, asleep at the wheel in a ship that is rocking and reeling in the waves of criminality and ethical distress. One thousand teen girls expelled from our schools every year due to pregnancy should have us squealing.

Primary school children engaged in sex on the school grounds is real and a symptom of mental disorder.

Wake up to the fact that as a society we do not cry out for greater academic achievement. Do we realise that many “graduates” from our school system are unemployable? The GPA of some of our children is 0.

The way ahead must be to expel the pirates in home and family life.

Too many of our children never experience childhood; they are yucked up into adulthood all too soon,

pressured by the fact that many have no full-time parents to surround them with love, care, fun and spiritual upbringing.

There is a father hunger.

Many children yearn to know who their fathers are, to be with them and play with them and bond with them.

Far too many times, mothers are the pirates of moral value and standards.

The male element in our society must be rescued and saved from extinction.

How much further can we go without arresting this mud slide? June 23rd, 2011, Omega College graduation class, not one single male included.

In Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, including geriatrics, the mental asylum and the drug unit men outnumber women more than four to one. Her Majesty’s prison men outnumber women probably more than ten to one. Do we go on?

Check again the boys and girls detention centres. I hope my words will not be taken out of context...we have a problem, a big problem, a massive problem.

Woodes Rogers was sent with a clear mandate to expel the pirates so that normalcy could prevail economically in our land.

Today I charge you with the same mandate: expel the pirates in our midst, in our lodge, in our churches, our society, in our home. Work diligently to bring radical change in our midst. The pirates we need to expel is

GN-2702

inside each of us. We need radical change. Ghandi once said, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.”

There must be a paradigm shift from holding crooks and shady characters as heroes. Paul in Galatians 5:19 talks about redeeming debased human nature.

He says, “It shows itself in immoral, filthy and indecent actions... people become enemies and they fight, they become jealous, angry, and ambitious.

They separate into cliques and groups. They are envious and get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: Those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God...” The way forward challenges us to forge a new vision of hope. Bahamians are known for being far less adventurous and far more conservative than our Caribbean neighbours. We are known for defining insanity as, “doing the same thing the same way, over and over again, and expecting different results”. A paradigm shift, a radical overhaul in our value system and our approach to our challenges is necessary if we are to evolve a new vision.

Five suggestions: 1. Expel the pirates: The pirates in us, as we make a radical turn around in our thinking and deal with our own moral and ethical delinquency. In love we challenge the decaying values and standards in our organisation and society.

We must speak truth to power.

2. Home and family life must be redeemed: Most of our problems are domestic in origin. There needs to be training and producing of qualified counselors in this area, even to assist the police force that is ill

equipped in handling the many domestic challenges that come their way from day to day.

3. Organisations must produce surrogate parents to answer the father hunger crisis: We must be willing to invest our time and resources to be there for our maladjusted children, many of whom are parented by the television with the constant diet of sex and violence.

4. Uplift and venerate: role models among us so that generations to come will know our value system and honour us.

5. Speak out against political strangle on our development: Our advancement as a people being strangled because of our petty, small political minds.

The party in power should advance great ideas left in place by the former government, while we the electorate rise above calling right wrong and wrong right.

Today’s challenges call out to us to have a new vision, a vision of help and hope. New horizons beckon us to steer courageously into the chilly teeth of the prevailing winds of change.

Those courageous enough will give us hope for that new vision in which every Bahaman can participate.

This new vision for a new Bahamas, ever evolving to greater heights. A Bahamas, truly free from colonial appendages, a truly Independent Country. We have made advances yet so far from being all we can be. What next?

(Canon S. Sebastian Campbell, CM, hails from Arthur’s Town, Cat Island, and is presently Rector of St. Gregory the Great, Anglican Church, Carmichael Road, New Providence, Bahamas).

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, April 22, 2022, PAGE 9 THE REVIVED property as it is now and, below, as it was before, abandoned and covered with shards of broken glass and smashed bottles.

Transforming an Eleuthera eyesore – a lesson for historic Nassau?

By Diane Phillips

FOR 45 years, the singlestorey stone building stood abandoned. Shards of glass were all that remained of what had been windows.

Once the home of a local family, it slowly sank into a hideaway for rats and rodents, strewn with broken beer bottles and half-pints, blind to nefarious activ- Buccaneer wonders how ity. The structure in total Katherine, Michele and disrepair was not in some the team do what they do remote out of the way - managing the busy restauplace, but in direct view of rant that serves breakfast, hundreds going and coming lunch and dinner six days a daily from Governor’s Har- week without interruption. bour, Eleuthera to Cupid’s In Governor’s Harbour in Cay and beyond.

Central Eleuthera, BuccaThere it sat in its glar- neer is about as perfect a ing, hideous state along a combination of bustling and main thoroughfare on a laidback as you can get so Family Island where prop- you would think Katherine erty values all would have her around it have ‘It has been hands full. Yet been rising there was somefaster than the two years of thing about that temperature hard work, long abandoned runon an August hours, constant down wreck of morning. a homestead But where decisions, from that kept nagothers turned a overseeing the ging at her. blind eye, one “My mother woman had clean-up to start used to give me a vision. Her and re-imagining three loaves of name is Kath- the end product bread on Saterine Johnson, urdays and say the co-owner so as never ‘Carry these to and operator to give up.’

Mrs Graham’ of Buccaneer, and I’d come likely the most beloved res- right here,” says Katherine, taurant in all of Eleuthera. standing in what will be the With her sister Michele display, retail and indoor and a loyal crew, Katherine eating area of the now runs a demanding 14-hour, transformed building into six-day a week business, what will open next month jostling between food and as The Bakery. There will supply pick-up from dock, be seating for up to 90 outstores, nearby farms or fish- doors on a broad verandah ing vessels, and the need with eye-catching stone to keep kitchen flowing, flooring. Inside is an intestaff happy and custom- rior that combines touches ers coming back for more. from the past – a 100-yearEveryone who knows old home sewing machine

KATHERINE JOHNSON

sits atop a wooden shelf still with the thread last used – with a look and feel of smart contemporary. The contrasts work – a sophisticated oversized wine chiller, tables crafted by a local carpenter. In fact, every aspect of the transformation except for appliances has been accomplished with local labour, materials and talent.

It has been two years of hard work, long hours, constant decisions, from overseeing the clean-up to start and re-imagining the end product so as never to give up. There was no detail that escaped the attention of the proprietor who also created a colourful, lively logo that pays homage to the Bahamian woman who with the basket of food on her head fed her family and with leftovers fed whoever needed it in the community.

“We’re still finding empty bottles on the property,” says Katherine, standing in front of a gleaming stainless steel commercial cooler that no doubt cost more than the whole building when it was originally constructed over 100 years ago.

Now it will be the first large bakery serving Eleuthera, likely to make lifestyle and travel magazines for its uniqueness, charm and its before and after wow factor.

Development, or re-development, that is, included creating an adorable shortterm rental upstairs.

It’s a good bet that The Bakery will draw in visitors and locals from north to south who will make the drive for freshly baked breads, pastries and light snacks, cheeses and deli items along with a selection of fine wines, coffees and teas and specialty tastings for those who reserve the private space.

The transformation of one of Eleuthera’s worst eyesores into what is likely to become its newest hotspot need not be an isolated one-off. What happened when vision and determination transformed an abandoned, trashed homestead into a magazineworthy bakery and eatery could happen anywhere.

It is the shining example of what could breathe new life into historic Nassau, especially on Cumberland Street and Bay Street east of East Street. Yes, it took money. There was a silent partner. It took cooperation. The new business is benefitting from the incen-

tives working exactly as they should through the Light Industries Encouragement Act. But mostly it took vision and hard work.

From glaring in ugliness to glowing in island charm, The Bakery shows what is possible when you begin with a dream and refuse to deny the message it delivers.

Memorial Service for Maria Lisa McCollum-Bethel, 60 of Cherokee Sound, Abaco and formerly of West Palm Beach, Florida, died at her home in Cherokee Sound on Friday, March 25, 2022.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Epworth Methodist Chapel, Cherokee Sound, Abaco, Bahamas. Officiating will be Rev. L. Carla R. Culmer, President, Bahamas Conference of The Methodist Church, assisted by Rev. James Neilly and Mr. Hartis Pinder. Interment will be in The Public Cemetery, Cherokee Sound, Abaco, Bahamas.

Maria was predeceased by her Father, Samuel McCollum; Sister, Jeannine McCollum; Brothers, Eric and Robbie McCollum.

She is survived by her, Husband: Michael Bethel; Children: Michael Jr. (Mikey), Erica (Lydell Ferguson) and Cody Bethel; Granddaughter: Melia Ferguson; Mother: Ruth McCollum; Sisters: Marcia (Gerald) Mandello, Anita (Deniz) Pekerol, Michele (Michael) Williams, Yvette (Elliott) Perlman, Kristina (Nick) Ryan; Brothers: Brian (Anne), Nicholas (Suzanne), Anthony McCollum; Mother-in-law: Sharon Bethel; Sisters-in-law: Jennifer (Trevor) Sawyer, Joanna Bethel; Adopted Son & Daughter: Tevon & Dina Strachan; Godchildren: Dakota Albury, Lamanda & Paulette Burrows; Numerous nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

PERSONS ATTENDING THE SERVICE MAY WEAR MARIA’S FAVOURITE COLOURS OF ‘PINK AND BLUE’.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS Donations may be made to ‘Epworth Methodist Chapel’.

Deposit to Commonwealth Bank, Marsh Harbour, Abaco Account No. 4451309 Cheques can be made payable to Epworth Methodist Chapel.

Contact: Mr. Jim Bethel – (242) 359-6698

PAGE 10, Friday, April 22, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

MONCUR HAS GOVT JOB - AS ‘VIOLENCE INTERRUPTER’ from page one

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, who frequented Mr Moncur’s show before being elected to office, could not be contacted yesterday for comment.

Mr Rahming said: “The Ministry of National Security has engaged former (opposition) Senator Rodney Moncur as a consultant on crime. We have said before that crime is a multifaceted problem that must be tackled from a community level and a policing level.

“We have said that

WAYNE MUNROE, whose Ministry of National Security has engaged Rodney Moncur as a consultant. violence interrupters were a key component in solving the issue. We are using community leaders in our approach.

“We believe that in order to solve community crimes you have to use people from the community who understand the dynamics of the community, who understand the gangs in the community and I can certainly say that Mr Moncur has been a proponent and advocate for quite a few years, particularly a proponent of the death penalty.

“It is our hope that individuals like Carlos Reid and Mr Moncur who have an extensive understanding about the inner (city) community could help enhance government, the police force, intelligence on hot spots or possible persons

who could be at risk in the community, young people.

“So, I think we have to have appreciation that crime exceeds policing and the issue of crime means using persons who are familiar with the community who could reach people who ordinarily cannot be reached.

“So, I think Rodney Moncur has that experience.”

Asked whether the appointment could be viewed as a conflict of interest, Mr Rahming said: “I think that you could agree that you have to use key persons in solving crime on the community level, right?

“If there is someone influential in the area, particularly in the Bain Town area or any area that has an impact on crime the police will use them. We’re using Carlos Reid.

“There (are) a number of people who are violence disruptors. This is a key and new initiative the government is rolling out as part of our programme and so I think that in solving crime from a community level you have to use individuals from the community,” Mr Rahming said.

In December 2016, then Official Opposition leader Loretta Butler-Turner appointed Mr Moncur to

the Senate.

The appointment was seen as controversial at the time because Mr Moncur’s conservative opinions diverged from Mrs ButlerTurner’s stated positions.

In the past, Mr Moncur has called birth control pills “evil” and “cancerous” and was also a vocal critic of the June 2016 gender equality referendum, calling the exercise “witchcraft”. He erected a billboard outside his office urging people to vote ‘no’ to all four questions.

The justice of the peace has also frequently marched for convicted murderers to be hanged.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, April 22, 2022, PAGE 11

CLASHES IN JERUSALEM JERUSALEM Associated Press

ISRAELI police move behind riot shields during clashes with Palestinian protesters at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Photo: Mahmoud Illean/AP

ISRAELI police and Palestinian youths clashed again at a major Jerusalem holy site sacred to Jews and Muslims on Friday despite a temporary halt to Jewish visits to the site, which are seen as a provocation by the Palestinians.

Palestinians and Israeli police have regularly clashed at the site for the last week at a time of heightened tensions in the region following a string of deadly attacks inside Israel and arrest raids in the occupied West Bank. Three rockets have been fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel.

Palestinian youths hurled stones toward police at a gate leading into the

compound, according to two Palestinian witnesses who spoke on condition of anonymity out of security concerns. The police, in full riot gear, then entered the compound, firing rubber bullets and stun grenades.

The Palestinian Red Crescent medical service said nine Palestinians were wounded, two of them seriously.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City is the third holiest site in Islam.

The sprawling esplanade on which it is built is the holiest site for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount because it was the location of two Jewish temples in antiquity. It lies at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and clashes there have often ignited violence elsewhere.

THIS satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies yesterday shows an overview of the cemetery in Manhush, west of Mariupol, Ukraine, on April 3. The graves are aligned in four sections of linear rows (measuring approximately 85 meters per section) and contain more than 200 graves.

Possible mass graves shown in satellite image of Ukraine ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine Associated Press NEW satellite images show what appear to be mass graves near Mariupol, and local officials accused Russia of burying up to 9,000 Ukrainian civilians there in an effort to conceal the slaughter taking place in the siege of the port city.

The images emerged yesterday, just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed victory in the battle for Mariupol, despite the presence of an estimated 2,000 Ukrainian fighters who were still holed up at a giant steel mill.

Putin ordered his troops to seal off the stronghold “so that not even a fly comes through” instead of storming it.

Satellite image provider Maxar Technologies released the photos, which it said showed more than 200 mass graves in a town where Ukrainian officials say the Russians have been burying Mariupol residents killed in the fighting. The imagery showed long rows of graves stretching away from an existing cemetery in the town of Manhush, outside Mariupol.

Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boychenko accused the Russians of “hiding their military crimes” by taking the bodies of civilians from the city and burying them in Manhush.

The graves could hold

as many as 9,000 dead, the Mariupol City Council said yesterday in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

Boychenko labeled Russian actions in the city as “the new Babi Yar,” a reference to the site of multiple Nazi massacres in which nearly 34,000 Ukrainian Jews were killed in 1941.

“The bodies of the dead were being brought by the truckload and actually simply being dumped in mounds,” an aide to Boychenko, Piotr Andryushchenko, said on Telegram.

There was no immediate reaction from the Kremlin. When mass graves and hundreds of dead civilians were discovered in Bucha and other towns around Kyiv after Russian troops retreated three weeks ago, Russian officials denied that their soldiers killed any civilians there and accused Ukraine of staging the atrocities.

In a statement, Maxar said a review of previous images indicates that the graves in Manhush were dug in late March and expanded in recent weeks.

After nearly two lethal months of bombardment that largely reduced Mariupol to a smoking ruin, Russian forces appear to control the rest of the strategic southern city, including its vital but now badly damaged port.

But a few thousand Ukrainian troops, by

Moscow’s estimate, have stubbornly held out for weeks at the steel plant, despite a pummeling from Russian forces and repeated demands for their surrender. About 1,000 civilians were also trapped there, according to Ukrainian officials.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly accused Russia of launching attacks to block civilian evacuations from Mariupol.

At least two Russian attacks on Thursday hit the city of Zaporizhzhia, a way station for people fleeing Mariupol. No one was wounded, the regional governor said.

Among those who arrived in Zaporizhzhia after fleeing the city were Yuriy and Polina Lulac, who spent nearly two months living in a basement with at least a dozen other people. There was no running water and little food, Yuriy Lulac said.

“What was happening there was so horrible that you can’t describe it,” said the native Russian speaker who used a derogatory word for the Russian troops, saying they were “killing people for nothing”.

“Mariupol is gone. In the courtyards there are just graves and crosses,” Lulac said.

The Red Cross said it had expected to to evacuate 1,500 people by bus, but that the Russians allowed only a few dozen to leave and pulled some people off

of the buses.

Dmitriy Antipenko said he lived mostly in a basement with his wife and father-in-law amid death and destruction.

“In the courtyard, there was a little cemetery, and we buried seven people there,” Antipenko said, wiping away tears.

Instead of sending troops to finish off the Mariupol defenders inside the steel factory in a potentially bloody frontal assault, Russia apparently intends to maintain the siege and wait for the fighters to surrender when they run out of food or ammunition.

All told, more than 100,000 people were believed trapped with little or no food, water, heat or medicine in Mariupol, which had a prewar population of about 430,000.

Over 20,000 people have been killed in the siege, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The city has seized worldwide attention as the scene of some of the worst suffering of the war, including deadly airstrikes on a maternity hospital and a theater.

Boychenko rejected any notion that Mariupol had fallen into Russian hands.

“The city was, is and remains Ukrainian,” he declared. “Today our brave warriors, our heroes, are defending our city.”

The capture of Mariupol would represent the

Kremlin’s biggest victory yet of the war in Ukraine. It would help Moscow secure more of the coastline, complete a land bridge between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014, and free up more forces to join the larger and potentially more consequential battle now underway for Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland, the Donbas.

At a joint appearance with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, Putin declared, “The completion of combat work to liberate Mariupol is a success,” and he offered congratulations to Shoigu.

Shoigu predicted the Azovstal steel mill could be taken in three to four days. But Putin said that would be “pointless” and expressed concern for the lives of Russian troops in deciding against sending them in to clear out the sprawling plant, where the die-hard defenders were hiding in a maze of underground passageways.

Instead, the Russian leader said, the military should “block off this industrial area so that not even a fly comes through”.

The plant covers four square miles and is threaded with some 15 miles of tunnels and bunkers.

“The Russian agenda now is not to capture these really difficult places where the Ukrainians can hold out in the urban centers,

but to try and capture territory and also to encircle the Ukrainian forces and declare a huge victory,” retired British Rear Adm. Chris Parry said.

Russian officials for weeks have said capturing the mostly Russian-speaking Donbas is the war’s main objective. Moscow’s forces opened the new phase of the fighting this week along a 300-mile front from the northeastern city of Kharkiv to the Azov Sea. While Russia continued heavy air and artillery attacks in those areas, it did not appear to gain any significant ground over the past few days, according to military analysts, who said Moscow’s forces were still ramping up the offensive.

A senior US defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Pentagon’s assessment, said the Ukrainians were hindering the Russian effort to push south from Izyum.

Rockets struck a neighbourhood of Kharkiv on Thursday, and at least two civilians were burned to death in their car. A school and a residential building were also hit, and firefighters tried to put out a blaze and search for anyone trapped.

Elsewhere, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said Russian troops kidnapped a local official heading up a humanitarian convoy in the southern Kherson region.

PHILADELPHIA TO END MASK MANDATE, DAYS AFTER REINSTATING IT PHILADELPHIA is ending its indoor mask mandate, city health officials said last night, abruptly reversing course just days after people in the city had to start wearing masks again amid a sharp increase in infections.

The Board of Health voted yesterday to rescind the mandate, according to the Philadelphia

health department, which released a statement that cited “decreasing hospitalisations and a leveling of case counts”.

The mandate went into effect on Monday. Philadelphia had ended its earlier indoor mask mandate March 2.

The health department did not release data to back up its reversal

on masking, saying more information would be provided today.

But the acting health commissioner, Dr Cheryl Bettigole, told the Board of Health at a public meeting Thursday night that hospitalisations had unexpectedly gone down 25% in a matter of days.

“We’re in a situation that we

really had not anticipated being in this soon but it is good news,” she said, according to a transcript of the meeting. “So I’m really very happy... to say it appears that we no longer need to mandate masks in Philadelphia and that we can actually move to simply a strong recommendation.”

Philadelphia had become the

first major US city to reinstate its indoor mask mandate, but faced fierce blowback as well as a legal effort to get the mandate thrown out. Few masks were worn at the Philadelphia 76ers’ home playoff game on Monday, even though they were required under city rules.

City officials said the mandate would be lifted this morning.

SPORTS Junior rowers make history PAGE 12

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

DELANCY NAMED SIAC PLAYER OF THE YEAR

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN what has been an impressive debut season with the Benedict College Tigers men’s volleyball team, Bahamian Ras Jesse Delancy was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Player of the Year.

The announcement on Tuesday as the SIAC unveiled the Inaugural 2022 Men’s Volleyball All-Conference Teams, featuring 14 first and second-team representatives from the league’s top players.

The all-conference team was voted on by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors and will be recognised at the Inaugural 2022 Men’s Volleyball Championship Tournament.

Rookies dominated the list with 12 of the 14 honourees in their first seasons.

“Honestly, I feel accomplished because it was a goal that I had set before the season,” said Delancy, a 22-year-old graduate of CV Bethel. “Every game, even though I may not have had a good game, I did my best to help my team win.

“I know I’m relatively new to volleyball, but I tried my best to brush off the bad games and in my head, I kept in mind the fact that I wanted to be the Player of the Game or the MVP. That is what kept me going. So I feel accomplished because I achieved a goal I had set for myself.”

After playing the sport for about a year and a half, Delancy, who was voted on the All-American first team, became the first player from Benedict to achieve the Player of the Year award after he racked up a number of Player of the Week and Month honours during the season.

“I caught on rather quickly just playing the game and watching as much volleyball as I could,” said Delancy, who surprised a lot of people with his performances. “I just excelled from there.

“But I owe a lot of my success to my coach and my teammates because they put a lot of trust in me and I put a lot of trust in them. They know that I will be the player to lead them and I have the trust in them that they will be there to back me up.”

The sophomore outside hitter delivered for the Tigers as he led the league in kills per set (3.24), points per set (3.89), and attacks per set (7.04). He is ranked nationally in all three categories.

Delancy also ranked second in hitting percentage (.269) and fifth in aces per set (.345/set) for the league; had a season-high 23 kills against Central State; recorded 15 solo blocks and 12 block assists and he posted 67 digs this season, including season-high 9 digs versus Kentucky State.

His Bahamian Benedict teammates Donovan Wilmott and Cint Forbes also earned all-conference accolades for their regular season performance.

“It feels amazing to have the Bahamians on the team because I never played with them at home, only in pick up volleyball games,” he said.

“It was good that if I used Bahamian slang, they understood what I was saying,” he said.

SEE PAGE 13

Duo land gold and bronze medals in Lima, Peru

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net EXUMA junior rowers Andrew Bowe and Destiny Rolle made history on Thursday when they grabbed gold and bronze medals respectively in the under-19 boys and girls Beach Sprints at the America’s Cup Coastal Rowing Regatta.

The duo, coached by Michael Knowles, are representing the Bahamas Rowing Federation at the inaugural event in Lima, Peru that is sanctioned by the World Rowing and Americas Rowing against competitors competing from South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The beach sprint is an event where the competitors run from the sand to their boat on the water and jump on to row for 500 metres, before hopping off and running back on the sand across the finish line.

Bowe went into the final with the fastest qualifying time before he posted his winning time of two minutes and 50.73 seconds.

Rolle, who had the third fastest qualifying time, clocked 3:09 for her bronze.

Bowe, a 12th grader at Blake Academy, said he was extremely proud of his accomplishment.

“At the end of the race, I felt very dead, but small things . . . winning made up for it,” Bowe said. “We did two races, the open 6K and the junior beach sprint.

The open 6K was extremely competitive, especially at the end. Me and Destiny were fighting to keep up with the competition.

“The beach sprint was a bit competitive, but not as competitive for me. I had a little more experience than the other competitors, so it made it rather easy for me.”

While they won’t receive their medals until Saturday during the closing ceremonies, Bowe said he’s looking forward to returning to Exuma where he hopes to celebrate with his family and friends.

ABOVE: Bahamas Rowing Federation team of Destiny Rolle and Andrew Bowe.

RIGHT: Bahamian team of Andrew Bowe, coach Michael Knowles and Destiny Rolle in Peru.

Although she was disappointed in not winning the gold, Rolle said she will accept the bronze.

“I’m kind of disappointed, but grateful for the SEE PAGE 13

CAMERON RILEY ON COURSE FOR PROFESSIONAL GOLF

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net FOLLOWING an accolade filled collegiate career, Cameron Riley’s transition to professional golf continues on the Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour.

Riley has produced a pair of top 20 finishes on the tour this month - tied for seventh place at TPC Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 12 and tied for 20th at the TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona April 18-19.

“In Las Vegas I was close to the lead for a while but had some bad breaks on the last three holes,” Riley said, “In Scottsdale I shot 74-72 and tried to get something going but the putts weren’t falling.”

Established in 2010, the Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour is a non-profit organisation with the mission to prepare African Americans and other minority golfers to compete and win at the highest level of professional golf, both on tour and in the golf industry.

CAMERON Riley in action.

The APGA hosts professional tournaments, career development and mentoring sessions.

“The tour provides opportunities

that are unmatched by any other developmental tour in the world. It gives us a huge platform to thrive and pursue our dreams and is

backed by the PGA Tour; so they also reward us with incentives for good play (like sponsors exemptions for PGA tour and Kornferry tour events),” Riley said, “The sense of camaraderie and acceptance that I feel playing on the tour has motivated me a lot when the times have been tough out there playing. It is a huge stepping stone for minority golfers chasing their dreams of making it to the PGA tour, through providing great tournaments with good prize money, resources needed to make it to the next level and exposure to potential sponsors and opportunities to propel you through. I am forever indebted to it.”

The APGA Tour includes eight pro tournaments across the United States with over $250,000 in prize money. The Lexus Cup Bonus Pool provides an additional $30,000 for APGA Tour members. The organisation also aims to develop minority college and professional golfers in the APGA Tour Sifford SEE PAGE 13

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, April 22, 2022, PAGE 13

DELANCY NAMED SIAC PLAYER OF THE YEAR FROM PAGE 12

“We have about five Bahamians on the team and we all performed very well. So I’m proud of our achievements, especially for all of us coming from the Bahamas.”

In its inaugural season, the Elite 14 award recognised the student-athlete who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the SIAC championship level in his or her sport while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers, including Clint Forbes, who was the first recipient of this award in his respective sport.

“I knew what our guys are capable of doing and so I tried to push them to reach that standard,” he said. “Whenever they played below that standard, I would get on them.”

Benedict’s Head Coach Gwendolyn Rouse, who recruited the Bahamian players when she was given the new men’s program to go along with her chores as the women’s head coach, was selected as the inaugural SIAC Coach of the Year in her first season leading the men’s team.

“I think her recognition gave us the extra boost that we didn’t have,” Delancy pointed out.

“Whenever we lost, she was right there to lift our spirits up.

“She lived up to the award she got. She really helped the team to get to where we are today.”

Rouse has led Benedict’s women’s volleyball for 35 years and has recently taken the lead over the men’s programme as well.

In her first year with the men’s programme, she led them to a 4-6 conference record and a 6-13 overall

ZION Beckford

TERRAN Walkin

CLINT Forbes

DONOVAN Wilmott

TIGERS’ RUN ENDS IN SEMIFINAL

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

RAS Jesse Delancy

record.

The Tigers’ roster includes Bahamians freshman Terran Walkin, a 6-0 setter from St Augustine’s College; junior Donovan Wilmott, a 6-2 middle blocker/outside hitter from Doris Johnson High School’; freshman Zion Beckford, a 6-4 right side/outside hitter and freshman Clint Forbes, a 5- defensive specialist who also play as the libero.

On Thursday, the Tigers completed their historic season at the SIAC Championships that were played at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

The Tigers however, fell short of advancing to the final on Thursday when they lost 3-0 to Edge Water College 25-19, 25-19, 25 as Delancy led Benedict College with 12 kills. (See story this page) Benedict wraps up the season at 9-15 and

finishes in third place at the championship.

Off the court, Delancy has been just as exceptional in the classroom.

He’s trying to improve on the one B on his report card to enable him to achieve a 4.0 or at least a 3.8 before his final grades for this semester are posted.

“It’s quite easy because I’ve matured a lot in the past two years,” he pointed out. “Volleyball is my passion. That is my love and for me to continue doing what I love, to get to the next level, I have to improve my grades.”

Delancy is the son of Eugene Delancy and Felicity Darville. His grandmother is National Hall of Fame golfer Agatha Delancy and his grandfather is National Hall of Fame football player Allan Ingraham.

“Jesse made history

The Bahamian connection for the Benedict College Tigers men’s volleyball team had their run in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship tournament end in the semifinals.

The Tigers suffered a three set loss to Edward Waters yesterday, 25-19, 25-19, 25-19 at the tournament in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Ras Jesse Delancy led the Tigers with 12 kills while Terran Walkin had 20 assists.

Edward Waters advanced to the championship match against Central State while Benedict concluded the season at 9-15.

Delancy, a sophomore outside hitter, recently was awarded as the SIAC’s first recipient of the men’s volleyball Player of the Year award (See front page story).

The Tigers’ team also includes fellow Bahamian players: Walkin - a freshman setter; Donovan Wilmott - a junior middle blocker/outside hitter; Clint Forbes - a freshman libero; and Zion Beckford, a

in the United States in Intercollegiate volleyball within three months of playing at the college level,” his proud mom said.

“I think he’s in the right place at the right time as the sport of volleyball continues to grow to higher levels in America.

“This was the first Southern Intercollegiate Athletics Conference in volleyball for men in its history, and Jesse won

freshman outside hitter.

The Tigers began their SIAC tournament run with a with a three set win over Kentucky State in the opening match 25-8, 25-22, 25-13.

Wilmott, Delancy and Beckford all had 10 kills. Walkin had 31 assists and Forbes recorded 10 digs.

In their second match they fell to Central State 3-1. Central State took a 25-17, 22-25, 25-16, 27-25 victory.

Delancy led the Tigers with 19 kills and 10 digs.

The following day, the Tigers rebounded with wins over Morehouse and Fort Valley State.

It was a thrilling five-set victory over Fort Valley State: 20-25, 25-20, 28-26, 22-25, 15-11.

Delancy finished with a season and career-high 34 kills, while hitting .329 and adding 10 digs for a double-double.

Walkin had a pair of season-high performances with 44 assists and 21 digs.

The Tigers also added a three-set sweep over Morehouse: 25-15, 25-12, 25-11.

Delancy finished with 16 kills and hit .583 while Beckford had 10 kills.

player of the year. In this way, he also made Benedict College history.”

According to Darville, a journalist, Delancy is a young man who has matured into a determined and focused individual, who always had that star quality and has used his manners and respect to take him around the world.

“He has five siblings in his clan of support, including his eldest brother Ras

Elijah Delancy, who is an avid golfer who has played at collegiate and national levels,” Darville said.

“Jesse left Nassau with goals as he headed for Benedict College at the start of this year.

“The fact that he has achieved them means he has found the right formula that will propel him to success.

“I love my son and I am proud of him. Go, Jesse and go, Tigers.”

JUNIOR ROWERS MAKE HISTORY FROM PAGE 12

opportunity to compete and happy that I placed,” said the LN Coakley High student. “I knew I could have done much better, but my body wasn’t agreeing with me today. The bottom half of my body completely didn’t agree with me.

“The competition was very competitive.

“It was a learning experience.

It was very nice.

“In the girls category, it was really tough, but I’m happy that I was able to perform very well against them.”

Rolle said she’s thrilled that at least one of them secured a gold.

“He did very well. I am so proud of him,” said Rolle of Bowe’s achievement.

On Wednesday, the duo competed in the endurance event where they placed fourth out of seven boats in an adult event.

“I was extremely pleased. I couldn’t be more proud of how they performed,” said Knowles, of the Ferries, Little Exuma, who has been working with Bowe for the past three years and Rolle for a year.

“This makes them the first Bahamians to ever win a medal in rowing an an international event, so this is a humbling experience. It just shows the amount of work that we have put in.”

Federation president Jason Williams, a former national distance runner, was thrilled by the accomplishments of the two junior rowers.

“The federation has fostered the growth of rowing in all forms throughout the Bahamas and Exuma was one of the first ones that got started and Michael Knowles and his club ran with it and put in the work required to

BAHAMAS Rowing Federation team coach Michael Knowles taking a photo with Andrew Bowe and Destiny Rolle.

produce quality athletes,” Williams said.

“We would like to see this growth continue throughout the entire islands because it gives young men and women an avenue to explore new opportunities in our natural surroundings, which is water.”

With the sport of sailing expected to be pegged by the Bahamas Government as the

national sport of the country, Williams is appealing to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to add the sport to the proposed Bahamas Games programme when the event returns in 2023.

“Our hope is to eventually win a medal at the Olympic Games and compete for medals on par with track and field,” Williams proclaimed.

The BRF is hoping to send another national team to compete in October in the United Kingdom for the World’s Beach Rowing Finals with Bowe and Rolle, according to Knowles, as the anchor of the team that should include a few more competitors.

“The competition here was very good,” said Knowles, who will return home with the team

on Sunday. “They had to work for their medals. Andrew dominated his event and Destiny was a little disappointed because she really wanted to win the gold as well.”

Knowles said he will continue to push the pair. He noted that their performances will be an inspiration to the other 10-plus members, who range in ages from 10-16.

CAMERON RILEY ON COURSE FOR PROFESSIONAL GOLF FROM PAGE 12

Development Programme which includes free clinics, mentors, equipment and complimentary entries fees to young golfers. The APGA Tour also partnered with inner city youth organisations and offers Diversity Symposiums where leaders

of the minority golf community gather to discuss ways to best diversify the sport.

Riley made his APGA debut in March 2021 with a 34th place finish. This year, he finished 26th at the TPC Louisiana (March 7-8) and 28th at Queen’s Harbour (March 21-22).

Next up for the Grand

Bahama native will be the APGA Tour Championship Atlanta TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia, August 9-10.

“I’m looking forward to that and am also looking towards playing in qualifying schools for the affiliates of the PGA Tour (Kornferry Tour, PGA Tour

Canada, PGA Tour Latin America) and earning status that way along with finishing the APGA Tour season strong,” Riley added.

As a senior last year with the Florida A and M Rattlers, Riley helped lead the programme to a historic season which included the programme’s first

appearance at the NCAA Regionals.

FAMU was one of 30 automatic qualifiers when they won the first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Golf Championship, another programme first in a series of milestones that season.

Riley’s season was

highlighted in March when he won an individual title, the first of his NCAA career, and his Rattlers team took first place at the Black College Golf Coaches Association (BCGCA) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Invitational for the second consecutive year.

PAGE 14, Friday, April 22, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

FIDELITY BANK HIGH SCHOOL TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS START APRIL 25TH THE Grand Bahama Secondary Schools Athletic Association announced on Thursday that this year’s Track and field Championships will be at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex next week.

The meet will be named the Fidelity Bank High School Track and Field Championships and will be held from April 25-28th for the field events after school and April 29-30th for track events from 10am. The final day of competition will be held on Monday, May 2nd with All the Relays.

The GBSSAA thanked their sponsors Freeport City Council and KFC/ Pizza Hut, Focol, Grand Bahama Port, BTC and the Caribbean Bottling

Company Limited.

During the meet, the GBSSAA will honour former longtime president Kenton Rolle, who has relocated to Exuma, and Stephanie Higgs, a retired physical education teacher and coach for over 40 years.

The championship trophies will be named in honour of the late Anita Doherty, former principal of Bishop Michael Eldon School and a former physical education teacher.

The defending champions are St Mary’s in the junior division an Tabernacle Baptist in the senior division.

Covid-19 protocols will be strictly enforced for everyone attending the meet.

FRONT row from left to right are: Stephanie Higgs (Honouree), Fallon Symonette (Kfc/ Pizza Hut), Derek Wells (GBSSAA president), Carmel Parker-Dean (Fidelity Bank Freeport branch manager), Frazee Gibson (Chief Councilor City of Freeport) and ASP Steven Rolle (Police Press Officer).

BACK row from left to right are: Emmit Higgins (Meet Director). Susan Bain (Chief official), Nikita Johnson (TBCA Track Coach), Stephanie Woodside (SMPR Track coach), Desmond Hall (GBSSAA Treasurer) and Norris Bain (MYSC Deputy Sports Director).

ALISON LEE SHOOTS 66 AT BREEZY WILSHIRE TO TAKE LA OPEN LEAD LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alison Lee shot a 5-under 66 on Thursday afternoon at breezy Wilshire Country Club to take the first-round lead in the DIO Implant LA Open.

The resurgent former UCLA star had the lone bogey-free round of the day in testing conditions with the wind gusting to 25 mph to start the LPGA Tour’s two-week run in the Los Angeles area, with the Palos Verdes Championship next week.

“I feel really comfortable,” Lee said. “I would say it’s not so much the course, but just being in L.A., seeing a bunch of familiar faces out there.

Sometimes when you play week to week it does get pretty lonely out there.

When you come to an event and you see people that you recognise and you know and they’re there to support you and bring up and lift you up.”

Lee birdied the par-4 sixth and par-3 seventh on the front nine, then moved up the leaderboard with birdies on the par-3 12th, par-5 15th and par-4 16th. She saved par on the final two holes, making a 6-footer on the par-4 17th and blasting out of the front bunker for a tap-in on the par-3 18th.

“I wouldn’t say there is any sort of secret weapon or secret that you need to know to play this course,” Lee said.

“I would say it’s a little bit of everything. You are challenged with your tee shots, with your approach shots, even around the greens.

“As it gets in the afternoon it does tend to get a little more bumpy. You just need to stay patient out there.”

The 27-year-old American is trying to win for the first time on the LPGA Tour.

“There was a point in time where I almost wanted to quit,” Lee said.

“Golf was just so frustrating for me.

“I felt lost. I didn’t know what I was doing right. I didn’t know what I was doing wrong. I just felt like golf just to me felt like a big blah. To really see my hard work pay off — because most of it for me was just from a mental perspective, mental side of it.”

Fellow afternoon starter Emma Talley and morning players Nasa Hataoka and Emily Kristine Pedersen were a stroke back.

Talley had the lead at 5 under before dropping back with a bogey on the par-4 eighth, her 17th hole of the day. The 28-year-old from Kentucky is winless on the tour.

She won the 2013 U.S. Women’s Amateur and took the 2015 NCAA individual title at Alabama.

THE FLEET of Class E boats during ‘Day One’ of the National Family Island Regatta Championship Series. (BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)

BTC continues regatta sponsorship FOLLOWING a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, BTC will continue its on-going sponsorship of the National Family Island Regatta that is being held this week in George Town, Exuma.

“BTC has been one of our longest and most outstanding sponsors over the years,” said Danny Strachan, Chairman and Commodore of the National Family Island Regatta.

“We are extremely delighted and grateful that BTC is partnering with us at this first event after the pandemic.”

Originally, Strachan had announced that the regatta was called off because of the lack of funding to stage the country’s oldest and biggest sporting event in the Family Islands.

However, the country is now gradually seeing the return of many events and activities including Family Island regattas and festivals.

Strachan said they are delighted that BTC has agreed to partner with the organising committee.

He said it is expected that there will be a tremendous turnout at this week’s Exuma regatta, and he is elated that BTC is onboard to give its full sponsorship support.

“BTC has always been involved in community affairs, and through their corporate contribution over the years, BTC has been able to help communities grow and develop,” Strachan said.

“The Ministry of Health has relaxed a lot of the restrictions, so we are looking forward to many

‘CAPTAIN PEG’ finished 2nd.

‘ONE BAHAMAS’ won the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources & Family Island Afffairs Cup Race. people coming to the island, but we are also admonishing them to be responsible and to keep themselves safe.”

Andre Foster, BTC’s CEO, noted that having a presence in Exuma will only serve to solidify the strong bond and connection that BTC has with Exuma residents and visitors to the island.

“BTC has always been a premier sponsor of culture and all things Bahamian. When it comes to the Exuma regatta – the largest regatta of them all – we are always excited,” Foster said.

“This is the first regatta out of the

gate since 2019, our team is fired up, we’re here for the entire experience. We’re not just on the island for an event, we’ve been here for years and we’re embedded in the community.”

Foster noted that this week BTC are canvassing communities that have recently been upgraded with fiber services on the island.

“While we’re conducting upgrades, we’re also getting valuable feedback from our customers on how to further improve and enhance our service,” Foster continued: “This is my first Family Island

regatta as CEO of BTC, and I’m happy to be on the ground with the team delivering best in class service to Exuma.”

BTC will have a major presence at the regatta in George Town, with a full promotional booth. The company has also forged partnerships with national broadcaster ZNS TV & Radio, Exuma Blaze Radio and 700 Wines and Spirits.

The BTC marketing team will partake in live radio remotes and daily chit chats with both stations to promote special offers.

The Company is also expected and be a special guest at the Skipper’s Party and Foster will present the BTC trophy at the regatta’s closing ceremony on April 23rd.

The regatta got started on Thursday with the C and E class boats competing in Georgetown, Exuma.

The AB class boats will begin competing today. The competition will wrap up on Sunday.

TWO NEW CERTIFIED BOXING OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED

STACY McPhee

GREGORY McPhee

WHEN he assumed the role of presidency of the Boxing Federation Of Bahamas, Vincent Strachan said there were some important things that needed to be implemented.

One of those things was to have a good platform for technical development.

“To this end I instituted a certification programme for our local referees/ judges,” Strachan said yesterday. “This course was conducted by Mr James Beckles from Trinidad, a 3 star referee/judge.

“Although this was done in November, 2019, due to the pandemic and other problems, hence the delay, today, we are pleased to present the first of two

certified officials with their certificates.”

Gregory McPhee and Stacy McPhee received their certificates and are now a part of 15 Bahamian certified officials who are eligible to officiate in the United States, the Caribbean and Canada.

They are now able to move to the next level of certified officials, according to Strachan. He said this was a requirement for all of the persons who want to be a referee/judge and the certification courses will be an ongoing effort to help our officials to become level one to three, or Internationally certified officials.

“We are preparing for a coach certification

programme to build a team of coaches that would be able to participate at all levels of competition Internationally and locally,” Strachan said.

“While it may appear that nothing is happening with boxing, we are laying the foundation for a better boxing structure in the future for the Bahamas. The road to the next level is not a walk in the park but it is very important for us to get it done correctly the first time.”

The pair of certified officials received their certificates from Strachan and Wellington Miller, a long-time local official and immediate past president and advisor to the federation.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, April 22, 2022, PAGE 15

CANTLAY AND SCHAUFFELE OPEN WITH 59 TO LEAD ZURICH CLASSIC AVONDALE, La. (AP) — Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are a good team even when they’re playing for cash and not just a flag.

Cantlay holed a 25-foot eagle putt early and chipped in from 40 feet for birdie late, while Schauffele contributed six birdies of his own, and their three straight birdies to close gave them a 13-under 59 in fourballs Thursday to lead the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

It set a tournament record since the Zurich Classic switched to team play in 2017, and the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup partners were willing to claim a piece of golf’s magic number.

“I haven’t done it before. I don’t think Pat has, either. I’ll count in my book,” Schauffele said.

They had a one-shot lead over the team of Matthew NeSmith and Taylor Moore. The group at 61 included Robert Garrigus and Tommy Gainey, and Aaron Rai and David Lipsky, two teams that have had their share of activity off the course.

Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and Ryan Palmer were five shots behind at 64.

The second round moves to foursomes, and while alternate is the more difficult of the format, Cantlay and Schauffele have put together a 4-0 mark in their partnerships at the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne and he 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

“It’s just the first quarter.

We’re only one ahead,” Cantlay said. “But we are going into a format on Friday that we really like — I think Xander and I really like alternate shot.

It’s one of our strengths for the week, and we’re really looking forward to it.”

Moore was lucky to have much strength at all He was in the emergency room Wednesday morning from food poisoning, got some fluids and nausea medicine and finally was able to keep some food down Thursday morning.

“Just tried to finish every hole,” Moore said. “That was kind of a win within its own right.”

Lipsky avoided the hospital, though he was involved in a car accident earlier in the week. Turns out there was a car in front of him that had broken down, and as Lipsky went to change lanes he said the driver behind him slammed on the brakes and hit him.

“I’m all right. I think the other two drivers were fine,” Lipsky said.

“Yeah, I was a little bit of a hectic beginning to the week.”

The surprise was Garrigus and Gainey, both sponsor exemptions, joining the group at 61.

Garrigus was in the news earlier in the week when Golfweek reported and Golf Channel confirmed with Garrigus that he is applying for a conflicting event release to play in the first Saudi-funded LIV Golf competition.

The PGA Tour has until May 10 to decide whether to grant him a release to play in London a week before the U.S. Open. The top players — that would not include Garrigus, whose world ranking is at No. 1,043 — have said they are not interested in the Greg Norman-run league offering a $20 million purse and $4 million to the winner.

Garrigus told Golf Channel that he was focused only on the Zurich Classic, and plenty of focus appeared to be in place.

Gainey contributed six birdies, while Garrigus had five.

That was the trick on a windy day at the TPC Louisiana, both players contributing. Cantlay and Schauffele — who have gone on vacations together when they weren’t representing their country in the cups — were extremely effective on the greens.

Only three of their 11 sub-par holes were from putts inside 10 feet.

“We played really well, made a lot of putts today on a day that was a little tricky with the wind and didn’t birdie a lot of the same holes,” Cantlay said.

“When you do that in this format, that’s really the key.”

NOVAK Djokovic of Serbia reacts during the quarter final tennis match of the Serbia Open tennis tournament against Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia, in Belgrade, Serbia, Thursday. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Djokovic digs deep again to reach Serbia Open semifinals BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Top-ranked Novak Djokovic dug deep for the second match in a row to reach the semifinals of the Serbia Open with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 win over Miomir Kecmanovic on Thursday.

Kecmanovic won the opening set without facing a break point, but Djokovic finally showed signs of getting back to his best in

the second and then won the final four games of the decider in what was just his sixth match of the year.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion stretched his winning streak against compatriots to 10 matches going back to a loss to Janko Tipsarevic in Madrid in 2012.

Djokovic next plays thirdseeded Karen Khachanov, who defeated Brazilian

qualifier Thiago Monteiro 7-5, 6-4.

Djokovic also endured a tough game Wednesday when he rallied from a set down to beat compatriot Laslo Djere 2-6, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4).

He joked that he’s happy he would not have to face another Serb in the semifinals.

Djokovic opened his

clay-court season with a surprising loss to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Monte Carlo Masters last week, his first match since being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships in February.

Dubai was his first tournament of the year after he was barred from playing at the Australian Open

because of his unvaccinated status, which also prevented him from playing tournaments in the United States last month.

Earlier Thursday, secondseeded Andrey Rublev defeated Jiri Lehecka 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-2 and Fabio Fognini enjoyed a 6-2, 6-3 win over Aljaz Bedene to reach the quarterfinals.

Emma Raducanu reaches Stuttgart quarterfinals, Swiatek awaits STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu defeated Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch 6-0, 2-6, 6-1 at the Stuttgart Open on Thursday to set up a quarterfinal match against top-ranked Iga Swiatek.

It will be the 19-year-old Raducanu’s first match against a top 10 opponent.

Raducanu, who won at Flushing Meadows as a 150th-ranked qualifier last year, could break into the top 10 herself if she wins the Stuttgart title in what is her first professional tournament on clay.

She’s currently ranked 12th.

Earlier, second-seeded Paula Badosa defeated Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (4) and will face Ons Jabeur in the quarterfinals. Jabeur defeated Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 6-3.

Third-seeded Aryna Sabalenka defeated Canada’s Bianca Andreescu 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 and will face Anett Kontaveit or Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Fouth-seeded Maria Sakkari retired against Laura Siegemund as the German was leading 6-4, 3-1. Siegemund next plays Russian player Liudmila Samsonova, who defeated Karolina Pliskova 6-4, 6-4.

BRITAIN’S Emma Raducanu returns a ball to Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch during the WTA tour women’s singles, round of 16 in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday.

(Christian Kaspar-Bartke/dpa via AP)

PIT CONCERNS DISSIPATE AS INDYCAR DRIVERS CRANK UP SPEED

By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Jimmie Johnson posted the fastest lap of his career Thursday as IndyCar drivers got back to work Thursday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

This time, there were no spins, no crashes and not as much talk about the slick warmup lane.

Instead, drivers raced toward the top of the speed chart on a busy second and final day of testing on the historic 2.5-mile oval. Thirtyone of the 32 drivers entered in the Indianapolis 500 next month participated with speeds topping out above 229 mph.

And once the rain cleared, warm, sunny, calm conditions created a tamer environment than Wednesday as hundreds of fans watched from the mounds near the speedway’s museum.

“Things feel really good on the No. 2 car. It’s not like two steps forward and one back or vice versa,” two-time series champ Josef Newgarden said after posting the best lap at 229.519. “I feel really confident with what we’ve got

and feel good about showing up anywhere.”

He should. Newgarden has won two straight.

Takuma Sato of Japan, a two-time Indy winner, had the second-best lap at 229.427. Tony Kanaan, the Brazilian who won the 500 in 2013, was third at 228.767 and seven-time NASCAR champ. Johnson was eighth at 227.900 as Chip Ganassi Racing claimed five of the top 10 spots.

But the lingering question was never about speed.

Results Everyone wanted to see whether track officials solved the warmup lane problem that caused three race winners to spin and led to two crashes Wednesday. The results kept Kanaan on the phone with speedway president Doug Boles late into Wednesday night, and before the track opened after a four-hour rain delay, Kanaan advised colleagues to take it slowly and use common sense.

Boles said track workers spent five hours dragging tires through the apron in

hopes of providing more grip. An inspection revealed the historic 2.5-mile oval had 25% more grip than the exit to pit road, believed to be at least in part because there was more traffic on the actual course since Rapid Penetrating Emulsion was added to the surface last fall.

The substance helps the track dry quicker, which helped everyone get back to work Thursday, and Kanaan thought the late-night work made a difference.

“It was better in lane one today, but they know they have a lot of work to do,” Kanaan said. “If there’s a track that’s going to get it done, it’s this one.”

Kanaan said he’s been assured track officials will grind the track, if needed, before the May 29 race.

Ideal weather conditions kept most cars on the track for the entire session but even when cars did pit, none spun, a welcome reprieve.

Will Power, the 2018 Indy winner, said it felt like he was driving through water Wednesday when his car did a 360-degree spin that sent him dangerously close to traffic near the first turn.

Power’s car forced promising

22-year-old Colton Herta to take a higher line, which sent Herta into the wall.

Herta’s crash, the second in less than an hour, prompted series officials to end Wednesday’s testing early so a more thorough inspection could be conducted.

“The eye test tells you the grip level will be back up, the tennis shoe test tells you it will be,” Boles said Thursday morning.

It’s not the first time the 113-year-old speedway has faced worries from drivers.

Only six Formula One cars started the 2005 U.S. Grand Prix because of worries over Michelin’s tires lasting no longer than 10 laps. Three years later, NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 was marred by a similar situation with Goodyear tires. Both races were held on the oval.

Last year, Cup drivers used Indy’s road course for the first time and the race was marred by deteriorating curbing that sent some cars airborne and damaged others. NASCAR officials red-flagged the race so track workers could remove the curbing before the 200-mile race was completed.

Then came Wednesday.

Before a single lap was turned, Alexander Rossi, the 2016 Indy winner, spun on the warmup lane. Then with about 80 minutes left in the day’s third and final two-hour test session, Brazil’s Helio Castroneves was sent sliding through a grass strip and hard into the second turn wall.

Castroneves and Herta were both examined at the track’s infield medical centre and released shortly after they hit the wall.

Both were cleared to drive for Thursday, but the damage to Castroneves’ car was too severe.

Boles said he called Castroneves to apologise.

“I take this so personally because you want this to be the most special racetrack in the world,” Boles said. “What I want and, I’m sure we can solve by race day, is to get in and our of the pits as fast as you can go.”

But the biggest winner may have been Johnson.

“It’s a very cool sensation and now I understand why when I ask the guys what it’s like to go fast around here they just smile,” Johnson said. “I’m starting to get that grin and I’m looking forward to having that smile.”

PAGE 16, Friday, April 22, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

BARCELONA WINS, DELAYS MADRID’S LOOMING TITLE CELEBRATION

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer MADRID (AP) — Barcelona defeated Real Sociedad 1-0 on Thursday to make sure Real Madrid will have to wait at least another week to celebrate the Spanish league title.

Barcelona’s away victory reduced its gap to Madrid to 15 points, and it can further cut it to 12 points on Sunday if it defeats Rayo Vallecano at home in a game it has in hand.

Barcelona and Madrid, which won 3-1 at Osasuna on Wednesday, will have five games left. Madrid, trying to clinch its second title in three seasons, doesn’t play this weekend.

“Madrid was lucky that it took a while for us to join the fight,” Barcelona defender Dani Alves said.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored with a close-range header in the 11th minute to give Barcelona its first win after consecutive home losses against Cádiz in the league and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League. The Catalan club had not lost two straight home games since 2003.

The victory against Sociedad left Barcelona tied on points with Sevilla, which defeated Levante earlier Thursday to stay in position to secure a Champions League place next season. Second place also is important as it guarantees a spot in the Spanish Super Cup. “We suffered a lot but in the end we got three golden points and stayed in second place,” Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández said. “It was an important victory even though we didn’t play too well.”

Defending champion Atlético Madrid, which was held to a 0-0 home draw against relegationthreatened Granada on Wednesday, stayed two points behind Barcelona and Sevilla. Fifth-place Real Betis trailed Atlético by four points and was two ahead of Sociedad.

Sociedad has not beaten Barcelona in 12 straight league matches.

The Basque Country club hadn’t lost in seven consecutive league games at home, all of them with clean sheets.

Barcelona extended its unbeaten streak on the road to 13 league matches, having won five in a row.

Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo left injured early in the second half, and the team’s other central defender, Gerard Piqué, appeared to get injured in the first half but stayed until being substituted in the 82nd while being loudly jeered by the Sociedad fans.

Piqué, who also heard some boos every time he touched the ball during the game, has been in the spotlight in recent days after stolen audio leaked to the media exposed a series of conversations between him and Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales talking about behind-the-scenes negotiations on several issues.

SEVILLA RECOVERS Sevilla improved its chances of making it to the Champions League with a 3-2 win at second-to-lastplace Levante.

Jesús “Tecatito” Corona scored two first-half goals and Jules Koundé added another after halftime.

Levante captain José Luis Morales had to be comforted by teammates and opponents after the match because of a missed penalty kick that could have equalised the game at 2-2 in the second half.

Koundé gave Sevilla a 3-1 lead about 10 minutes later before Roberto Soldado pulled the hosts closer again.

Levante stayed tied with last-place Alavés, six points from safety.

CÁDIZ FALLS AGAIN Cádiz followed up its stunning 1-0 win against Barcelona at the Camp Nou Stadium with a 3-2 home loss against Athletic Bilbao.

The result left Cádiz just outside the relegation zone.

Eighth-place Athletic was up 3-0 by the 33rd. It played a man down from the 71st after Mikel Vesga was sent off.

MIAMI Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. falls to the ground as he moves away from a close pitch thrown by St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jordan Hicks during the third inning of a baseball game, Thursday, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Marlins beat Cardinals 5-0 MIAMI (AP) — Pablo López pitched three-hit ball over seven dominant innings days after getting married and the Miami Marlins beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-0 Thursday night.

Jesús Sánchez and Jazz Chisholm Jr. homered for the Marlins, who snapped an eight-game losing skid against St. Louis. The Cardinals swept two series last season and won the first two games in Miami.

López and wife Kaylee were married during Miami’s day off Monday, and López (2-0) celebrated with one of his best starts.

He struck out nine, including Cardinals star Albert Pujols three times.

The right-hander retired his final 11 batters and extended Miami starters’ scoreless innings streak to 15 innings after Sandy Alcantara threw eight shutout innings Wednesday.

“That was really exciting having the opportunity to face him,” López said of

striking out Pujols. “I grew up watching him and all the amazing things he did.”

López lowered his ERA to 0.52 through his first three starts of the season.

“You want to make your pitches and stay ahead,” López said. “Being able to stay ahead today was huge.”

Sánchez raced home from third on Paul DeJong’s throwing error in the second to give the Marlins a 1-0 lead.

Miami increased its advantage in the fourth after St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina’s passed ball from reliever Drew VerHagen’s sinker allowed Sánchez to score again from third.

Sánchez drove reliever Aaron Brooks’ changeup into the seats in rightcenter for his third homer.

Moments after being hurried into the batters’ box by plate umpire Phil Cuzzi, Chisholm hit a two-run shot against Brooks in the seventh.

“When he was trying to rush me in, I said wait, so I had to lock in quick,” Chisholm said.

Tanner Scott pitched a scoreless eighth and Anthony Bass closed.

“To get this win is big because you don’t know where a streak starts,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “You don’t know where you get on that roll where you’re able to win eight out of 10 or 10 out of 15, whatever it is. That has to start somewhere. To be able to stop what was going on the last couple of night, we feel good about ourselves.”

Converted reliever Jordan Hicks (1-1) made his first career start for St. Louis, working three innings on 46 pitches.

Hicks, who has appeared in 114 relief outings with the Cardinals, allowed one run, two hits, struck out two and walked two. He threw 14 pitches at least 100 mph.

“The only thing I would say is different is the

routine before the game,” Hicks said. “Just getting the fluid in, going on the mound and making that walk. But besides that, it’s not too much different. I liked a lot about it, what I didn’t really like were the walks.”

The Cardinals plan to moderately extend Hicks’ workload as he adapts to his new role.

Nolan Arenado had three of St. Louis’ five hits while Tommy Edman went hitless in three at-bats, ending his 12-game hitting streak dating to last season.

“He had a good feel for his changeup, located it all night,” St. Louis manager Oliver Marmol said of López’s outing. “It was a good pitch for him, Made it difficult for us.”

TRAINER’S ROOM Cardinals: OF Lars Nootbaar (left ear abrasion) had minor discomfort after fouling off a pitch in Wednesday’s game but pinch hit Thursday and struck out to end the game.

... Marmol said VerHagen experienced hip discomfort and was removed after working the fourth inning.

Marlins: IF José Devers (right shoulder impingement) extended his throwing to 90 feet and is taking batting practice.

NEW CONTRACT FOR WENDLE Marlins infielder Joey Wendle signed a one-year contract and avoided arbitration. Miami acquired Wendle from Tampa Bay in the offseason. The contract includes a mutual option for 2023.

UP NEXT Cardinals: LHP Steven Matz (1-1, 7.27) will start the opener of a three-game series at Cincinnati on Friday.

Marlins: LHP Trevor Rogers (0-2, 12.15) will attempt to snap a sevendecision losing skid when he starts the opener of Miami’s series at Atlanta on Friday.

WASHINGTON Nationals shortstop Alcides Escobar gets the out on Arizona Diamondbacks’ Pavin Smith at second base, but can’t get the double play on Carson Kelly during the sixth inning of the baseball game at Nationals Park, Thursday, in Washington.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

MELANCON GETS SOTO IN 9TH, DBACKS HOLD OFF NATS 4-3 WASHINGTON (AP) — Arizona closer Mark Melancon retired Juan Soto with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, helping Cooper Hummel’s tiebreaking two-run home run hold up in the Diamondbacks’ 4-3 win over the Washington Nationals on Thursday.

Soto popped up to third base with two outs, ending Melancon’s second save of the season.

Melancon retired the first two hitters before allowing two singles and hitting Cesar Hernandez with a pitch.

Following a mound visit by pitching coach Brent Strom, Melancon retired Soto on an 0-2 cutter.

“I thought it was a great mound visit by (Strom), and Melancon made a quality pitch to their best player, arguably one of the best players in baseball,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said.

Hummel had two hits, Matt Davidson and Jake McCarthy also homered, and Arizona split the four-game series with consecutive wins for the first time this season.

Davidson was called up from

Triple-A Reno on Thursday after hitting eight home runs in 11 games.

He homered in his first at-bat in the majors since Sept. 6, 2020 with the Reds.

“I trust my swing a hundred percent,” Davidson said. “Sometimes you’ll get hits, sometimes you won’t, but obviously it’s good to get off to a good start. I trust it for the long haul and we’ll see what happens.”

Arizona starter Zach Davies (1-1) gave up two runs on two hits in five innings. He struck out seven and walked two. Four Arizona relievers combined to allow a run on three hits, including the two off Melancon in the ninth.

Nelson Cruz homered for Washington and Keibert Ruiz had two hits.

Josh Rogers (1-2) allowed four runs and six hits — three of them home runs — in 4 1/3 innings.

Hummel’s homer off Rogers gave Arizona a 4-2 lead in the fifth.

Washington got within 4-3 in the eighth when Josh Bell reached on a catcher’s interference call against Jose

Herrera with two outs and the bases loaded, but Ruiz popped out to end the threat.

“We had opportunities the last couple of innings to put the game away and we just couldn’t do it,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “But I’ll take my chances with those guys, especially Juan up there in that situation (in the ninth).”

After solo home runs by Davidson and McCarthy made it 2-0, Cruz tied it with a two-run homer after Soto walked leading off the fourth.

season. He has reached base in 18 of his last 33 plate appearances with two doubles, a homer, 11 walks and a hit by pitch.

GLOVE WORK It was the second catcher’s interference of the series for Herrera after having one in a 6-1 loss on Tuesday.

“He’s trying to make a good adjustment to the baseball. Catchers aren’t just catching the ball, there’s a lot of finesse and angles to what they’re doing,” Lovullo said. “Just a quick adjustment and he’ll be fine.”

UP NEXT Diamondbacks: RHP Zac Gallen (0-0, 0.00 ERA) starts the first of a three-game series against the visiting Mets. He pitched four scoreless innings against the Mets while allowing two hits on April 16 in New York.

Nationals: LHP Patrick Corbin (0-2, 7.50) pitches the opener of a threegame series against the San Francisco Giants. Corbin is 9-8 with a 2.95 ERA in 26 games — 24 starts — against the Giants.

WALK THIS WAY Soto’s walk was his 15th of the

TRAINER’S ROOM Nationals: 1B Bell was in the lineup one day after leaving in the third inning with left knee tightness. An MRI on the knee Thursday was clean. ... RHP Hunter Harvey went on the 10-day injured list with a right pronator strain. RHP Erasmo Ramírez was promoted from Triple-A Rochester.

PAGE 18, Friday, April 22, 2022

PINTARD: ‘REAL QUESTIONS’ ON LIKELY NEW BPL CHIEF FROM PAGE 24 allegations that the stateowned energy company may be breaching the law over its fuel charge.

Besides suggestions that BPL and/or the Government may be subsidising the former’s fuel charge, rather than passing it on 100 percent to households and businesses as required by law, Mr Pintard also queried whether the stateowned energy monopoly is violating accompanying regulations that require it to be within a 5 percent margin either side of a facility designed to smooth out its fuel hedging strategy.

This facility is known as an “over and under account”, and the Free National Movement (FNM) leader questioned why URCA had not moved to investigate the situation or issue a written warning to BPL if, in fact, it is in breach.

“The person cannot come from URCA, the energy regulator, given that there’s a clause that requires them to have a 12-month minimum before they can join a company they have been supervising,” Mr Pintard told Tribune Business. “In the event they go to the regulatory agency and get a waiver, that makes very suspect anything being said with regard to that ‘over and under account’.

“In the event the Government goes that route, and requests a waiver

from URCA, it opens up real questions on URCA’s objectivity over what we likely believe to be the Government acting ultra vires of the law on the ‘over and under account’, and URCA not having written or sent any correspondence checking them on not following the law.”

Tribune Business previously reported that BPL received a “warning letter” from URCA in 2018 after it failed to pass on the equivalent of just 0.2 cents per kilowatt hour (KwH) to consumers via its fuel charge. The utility had sought to hold the fuel charge at 19 cents per KwH, but was ultimately made to pass the extra 0.2 cents on

by URCA. The way the “over and under account” operates is set out in the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (Amendment) Regulations 2020. These reforms established BPL’s fuel hedging strategy, which sets a target price that is based on the costs and quantities of the various fuels it expects to use. If it runs its more efficient engines for longer than anticipated, and burns lower volumes of cheaper fuel, then the utility enjoys savings that accumulate as reserves in this account.

The “over and under account” was created to monitor fuel price movements over the hedge’s year-long period. It is allowed to fluctuate by 5 percent either side of the

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ROSEMOND LOUIS of P.O. Box SB-52453, Key West Street, off Robinson Road, Nassau, 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 22nd day of April, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

fixed price at which BPL purchases fuel, and if it exceeds those limits then the fuel charge - presently standing at 10.5 cents per kilowatt hour (KwH) - has to be adjusted.

If BPL’s fuel costs are more than 5 percent below the price it pays for fuel, then the excess savings have to be passed on to the customer. But if fuel costs exceed that purchase price by more than 5 percent, then BPL has to also pass these extra costs on to consumers. There are concerns it may now be in non-compliance with this aspect of the regulations if it (or taxpayers via the Government) are absorbing millions of dollars in increased fuel costs.

Mr Cambridge, a former BEC/BPL generation head for New Providence, did not deny he had been approached over the nowvacant BPL chief executive post when contacted by this newspaper yesterday. “I can’t speak to that. I honestly can’t speak to that,” he replied.

However, he confirmed that the URCA Act does allow the 12-month ‘cooling-off’ period, which is designed to prevent conflicts of interest involving former regulators moving to entities they previously supervised, to be waived.

“The Act does provide for waivers, that’s correct,” Mr Cambridge said. “I don’t have any information I can pass on on that at this point.

If that was a consideration, that would have to be something that they consider.”

Mr Cambridge also confirmed that URCA is not presently investigating whether BPL/the Government are subsidising the fuel charge, or if the “over and under account” margins are being breached.

“URCA is not probing into it,” he said. “If you look at the overall generated fuel charge it allows them to accrue for a period of time to create a dampening effect.

“They’ve set a certain threshold between which they’re allowed to accrue, a certain percentage, plus or minus 5 percent. After that it becomes tricky if they don’t recover it.

URCA does not have any active investigation into that. If there is a complaint made, that may prompt that action.”

Mr Cambridge also denied that URCA receives monthly updates and reports on the status of BPL’s “over and under account”, although several sources - speaking on condition of anonymity - said the utility has to supply it with its monthly fuel billings from Shell so that it can determine the accuracy of the fuel pass-through.

Alfred Sears, minister of works and utilities with responsibility for BPL, could not be reached for comment via phone or message yesterday. Pedro Rolle, BPL’s chairman, last

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ADIRONA BEAN PETIT FRERE of Robinson Road, Nassau, 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 twentyeight days from the 22nd day of April, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

THURSDAY, 21 APRIL 2022

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 6.70 53.00 2.05 2.90 2.60 6.05 10.05 3.55 9.02 3.10 7.20 14.00 2.71 10.25 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 6.96 2.82 4.25 2.27 5.50 9.75 1.99 6.50 10.02 9.00 13.10 3.50 8.00 15.50

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

PREFERENCE SHARES 1.00

1.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

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

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

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00

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

CLOSE

CHANGE

%CHANGE

YTD

YTD%

2276.76

-0.12

-0.01

48.52

2.18

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) 115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.62 100.54 99.98 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.98 100.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.36 100.00 99.98 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 FL BGRS69023 BGRS FL BGRS79026 BGRS FL BGRS78024 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 BSBGRS690231 BSBGRS790262 BSBGRS780248 BSBGR1252380 BSBGR1271398 BSBGR1271497 BSBGR1292493 BSBGR1312499 BSBGR1322498 BSBGR1361504

LAST CLOSE 5.30 39.95 2.04 2.31 2.25 6.05 9.25 3.25 7.60 2.66 7.16 14.00 2.25 10.13 12.65 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 100.00 100.00 107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.62 100.54 99.98 100.00 100.00 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 5.30 39.95 2.04 2.31 2.25 6.05 9.25 3.25 7.60 2.66 7.16 14.00 2.23 10.13 12.52 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 5

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

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.62 100.54 99.98 100.00 100.00 100.00 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 (0.02) 0.00 (0.13) 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% 4.59% 4.53% 4.50% 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 -7.4 54.3 14.5 15.9 19.4 21.9 21.7 19.4 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% 5.14% 19.46% 0.59% 2.62% 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 9-Feb-2023 28-Mar-2026 22-Sep-2024 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

night declined to comment on Mr Heastie’s departure, the search for his replacement and who that might be. He added that any successor would have to go through the regular selection process and be approved by BPL’s Board, saying: “When we’re ready we’ll discuss it and make the necessary release.”

The BPL chair also declined to comment on the utility’s fuel hedging strategy and the status of the “over and under account”, describing this as “internal” information not to be discussed outside the company. “We’ll make the decisions as we go along that we deem to be in the best interests of BPL,” Mr Rolle said. “We need to take a look at what’s in our best interests today and not what was done last year.”

Mr Heastie’s resignation, which was announced yesterday to both BPL staff and the wider public, took effect on the same day. Also departing via a resignation letter the same day was Evis Missick, BPL’s director of human resources, with the move also taking effect from yesterday.

The abrupt nature of these resignations is likely to raise questions about the manner of the duo’s departure, as well as the Government and Board strategic plan for BPL, which remains in a perilous financial position and cashstrapped state as it moves into the peak summer demand months.

Mr Heastie’s departure is likely to come as little surprise to insiders. The now-former BPL chief had come under sustained attack from pro-PLP social media activists and blogs prior to last September’s general election, and the offensive resumed again this week in the wake of

THE TRIBUNE recent New Providence power outages with calls for Mr Sears to fire him, indicating there was a significant faction within the governing party that wanted Mr Heastie gone.

“At some point in time I expected it; I didn’t figure it would come so soon,” one source said. “I have no idea who else is actually qualified to take over Whitney’s job and how it is to be run from a chief executive’s perspective. BPL is extremely complex, there are a lot of moving parts and, on top of all that, it is in financial stress. You need somebody who understands how this works.”

Another BPL insider, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mr Heastie’s departure had been “in the works” for some time. “It’s just the way he ran it. The staff are totally demoralised,” they said. “Morale is through the damn floor.”

Confirming that Mr Cambridge was being viewed as Mr Heastie’s replacement, the source added: “The Prime Minister’s thing is to bring Shevonn in to deal with it. I think that’s his plan and what I believe is going to happen. He’s the only one who can come in and start from day one.

He’s really up to the task of doing what he needs to do.

It’s a bad situation here.”

Mr Pintard, meanwhile, said the timing of Mr Heastie’s departure was “worrisome” as he asserted that many vendors are only conducting business with BPL on “a cash basis” due to fears about its financial position. He also voiced fears that the top management post is vacant at a time when the utility is struggling to finance capital upgrades and maintenance ahead of peak summer demand, and the $535m Rate Reduction Bond (RRB) financing having been placed on hold.

“We need confidence that the expertise is in place to get the job done,” Mr Pintard said.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that JOYCE DAVIS of P.O. Box SS-19422, Fox Hill, Foxdale, Nassau, 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 twentyeight days from the 22nd day of April, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

AG: ‘WE CANNOT BE LEFT OUT ON DIGITAL ASSETS ‘REVOLUTION’ FROM PAGE 24

to protect consumers so we know that getting our policies and regulations right matters enormously to setting ourselves up for success and to protect the jurisdiction. I want to be clear: Our policies are designed to encourage growth while keeping bad actors out.”

Pledging that the Government was focused on ensuring Bahamians participate as entrepreneurs, investors and consumers in the digital assets space, Mr Pinder described blockchain technology as an open ledger that records transactions between two parties.

This creates an encrypted record that cannot be altered, providing the necessary security for crypto currencies.

“Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionise financial markets and be a material player in the evolution of the financial services industry and development of financial technology business solutions,” the attorney general said.

“We didn’t want The Bahamas on the outside of this revolution looking in – we know we can make major contributions to this industry, and we believe we can become a digital assets hub and leader in the international financial technology solutions industry. We consulted extensively with regulators and financial and legal experts, and we believe our White Paper positions us to become a leader.”

The Government’s ‘white paper’ policy position, entitled The Future of Digital Assets in The Bahamas, seeks to balance signalling to crypto, blockchain and non-fungible token (NFT) providers that this nation is ‘open for business’ with the necessary risk-based regulatory approach to protect

the country’s reputation and the interests of investors/ consumers.

Indicating The Bahamas’ eagerness to attract blue-chip operators of the same calibre as FTX Digital Markets, one of the world’s largest crypto currency exchanges, who wish to operate in a compliant environment, the paper lists multiple broad-brush goals and policy objectives that the Government wishes to achieve in building a sustainable digital assets sector.

Pledging to work with the Central Bank and private sector to enable Bahamians to invest in digital assets using Bahamian dollars, and thus overcome a key complaint of many locals, the ‘white paper’ also promised to this year establish a Digital Policy Committee and Digital Advisory Panel to advise the Government on how best it can facilitate the sector’s growth via legislative and policy initiatives.

The Committee will be headed by the Prime Minister, be charged with overseeing the attainment of the Government’s digital policy objectives, while the Panel will feature industry and regulatory executives functioning in a capacity that will see them advise the former.

And, perhaps critically, the ‘white paper’ also focused on enabling Bahamian entrepreneurs and workers to exploit digital assets opportunities by providing them with the necessary skills upgrades.

It calls for a partnership between the University of The Bahamas (UoB), Securities Commission and private sector to develop crypto asset-related courses, certifications and degrees.

To help finance this, the Government says it is mulling whether to impose a “development and training” levy - sum and mechanism

EMERA INCORPORATED

(“Emera”)

Notice to Holders of Depositary Receipts DIVIDEND NOTICE A dividend of CAD $0.165625 per Emera depositary receipt (CAD $0.6625 per common share of Emera) will be payable on and after May 16, 2022 to depositary receipt holders of record as at May 2, 2022.

Dividends will be subject to applicable withholding tax.

not specified - on “the largest digital asset businesses” to ensure The Bahamas can provide the qualified, welltrained workforce that can help attract other operators to domicile in this nation.

The policy also proposes employing blockchain technology to help record the trading of Bahamian carbon assets and the activities of a wider “Caribbean market”. “Sustainability and climate change are global challenges,” the policy document said. “We believe that The Bahamas should play its part in helping address these crucial issues. We will explore ways in which the country can both do good and leverage new opportunities in this field.

“We will consider the feasibility of introducing incentives for digital asset businesses that prioritise more energy efficient digital assets such as those using proof-of-stake mechanisms over those that are less energy efficient, such as those using proof-of-work.”

Friday, April 22, 2022, PAGE 19

PAGE 20, Friday, April 22, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

TAYLOR INDUSTRIES STAFF GAIN 33% OF SEVERANCE

FROM PAGE 24

with economic conditions unfavourable for the retail industry,” Mr Davies wrote in his Supreme Court report.

“The challenge this created was running the liquidation efficiently and cost effectively, while maintaining the necessary levels of independence to ensure asset sales were widely advertised and all realisations were conducted on an arm’s-length basis with the necessary level of transparency the creditors and court reasonably expects.

“Additionally, the statutory requirements involved in running an insolvent liquidation under the Insolvency Act and the auspices of the court can lead to significant costs depending on the complexity of the liquidation and the level of legal advice the liquidator needs to properly carry out their duties,” Mr Davies added.

“In addition to direct guidance they receive from their appointed counsel, the liquidator has at times needed to apply to the court for specific direction and approval in matters relevant to the liquidation, which has added to the overall costs.

These costs are unavoidable as they are a requirement when acting in the capacity of official liquidator.

“The harsh economic reality for many insolvent liquidations is that often only the secured creditors receive a return from the winding-up process. Companies that find themselves under serious economic stress will typically exhaust their asset base to stay afloat in order to buy time to try and restructure their affairs. In circumstances when these efforts are unsuccessful, and the company can no longer continue to trade, there can be relatively few assets left to meet the debts owed to unsecured creditors.”

Having explained how Taylor Industries’ liquidation reached the end-point, Mr Davies concluded: “In light of this, a dividend of 32.9 cents on the dollar for unsecured preferential creditors should be considered a relatively positive outcome.” Besides the former staff, the Government’s Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) is the only other creditor to recover anything from the Taylor Industries’ liquidation.

CALL 502-2394 TO ADVERTISE TODAY!

It will receive just over $6,034 of the $18,327 it was owed in unpaid VAT from Taylor Industries’ December 2018 filing. Kelly’s Home Centre, which was owed $11,895, and Florida-based Peninsula Electric Distribution’s, which claimed $134,750, will receive nothing due to their status as unsecured creditors.

The “33 cents on the dollar recovery” means that four long-serving Taylor Industries managerial staff, who were owed between $68,000 to just over $71,000, will enjoy recoveries of between $22,500-$23,500.

However, more junior staff with few years’ service will receive as low as $356.

Calculations by Tribune Business show that the Government and Taylor Industries’ ex-staff would have received just 11. 6 percent, or $81,865, of the $704,157 collectively owed to them if the company’s former owners, the Taylor and Mabon families, had not contributed $150,000 to boost the liquidation estate to $231,865 - a payment they were under no obligation to make. These funds were received in November 2021.

This was acknowledged

by Mr Davies in his report, where he attributed his ability to pay a dividend to preferred creditors to “receiving a contribution to the liquidation estate from the Taylor/Mabon family”.

Other factors that enabled

him to recover some of what was owed included collecting accounts receivables due to Taylor Industries via salary deductions from government workers, as well as finding “a single buyer” for the company’s remaining inventory.

The latter, Mr Davies said, had generated “a reasonable return” at the top-end of his expectations.

Initially estimating that Taylor Industries’ remaining inventory was worth between $100,000-$125,000, he was able to sell it at the latter price.

The report to the Supreme Court, which has been obtained by Tribune Business, asserts that Mr Davies’ asset recovery efforts yielded returns above expectations. The sell-off of company vehicles raised $43,600 as opposed to the projected $40,000, while furniture and fixtures disposals yielded $15,800 as opposed to the forecast $5,000. Staff pension fund asset recoveries also exceeded forecast by $8,123, while accounts receivables collections totalled $72,793.

“The liquidator was fortunate these accounts receivables balances were collectable under binding salary deduction agreements that the various government payroll departments honoured,” Mr Davies informed the Supreme Court. “As of the date of this report there are no remaining payment obligations from these salary deductions.

“The liquidator has had to spend additional time dealing with these salary deductions whereby a government payroll department did not stop the payments after being sent

the instruction to do so.

The liquidator then had to refund these incorrectly received amounts. The refunds to the Government payroll department since the third interim report amounted to $1,290, which reduced total accounts receivables collections to $72,793.”

Mr Davies said there were no further accounts receivables balances to be realised. Any remaining sums were too small, and the costs of trying to collect would far outweigh any gains. The Crowe Bahamas accountant added that he was also unwilling to delay payment to former staff and the Government any longer while he waited for the Taylor/Mabon families to sell Taylor Industries’ former warehouse on Dunmore Lane.

This property, valued at around $200,000, was owned by a separate company, Rolyat Ltd, in which Taylor Industries itself held a 1.09 percent stake worth around $2,180. “In early 2022, the liquidator received a communication from the Taylor/Mabon family that they were expecting an offer for the warehouse and thus any proceeds from this potential sale may still be realised for the benefit of the liquidation estate,” Mr Davies said.

“The liquidator received no further communication that the sale of the warehouse would occur, and so by the middle of February the liquidator decided the optimum course of action was to finalise the liquidation by starting the process of declaring and paying the first and final dividend.”

Any recovery from the warehouse sale, he added,

would not be a material outcome for the liquidation.

A total $523,093 was recovered as receipts by Mr Davies in his capacity as liquidator, of which 28.7 percent represented the $150,000 injected by the Taylor and Mabon families.

However, his work incurred some $258,395 in expenses, thus reducing the net recovery to $264,697 as at March 1, 2022.

The liquidator also took a near-$33,000 provision to cover remaining estimated expenses involved in winding-up Taylor Industries, thus reducing the final payout to just over $231,000. Of the $258,395 in total expenses to March 1, 2022, almost $218,000 - more than 84 percent represented the combined fees charged by Mr Davies and his attorneys, Lennox Paton.

The fees charged by liquidators and attorneys in Supreme Court-supervised liquidations have become increasingly controversial and contested in recent years, with some creditors charging that they are milking the remaining assets at the expense of recoveries due to them.

However, liquidators and their counsel are acting as court officers, and all fee payments have to be approved by the Supreme Court and presiding judge who effectively acts as a ‘check’ on such costs. And, as Mr Davies pointed out, court-supervised liquidations can be expensive due to the need for legal advice and having to make applications to the court for guidance.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, April 22, 2022, PAGE 21

ARAWAK HOMES ‘UMBRAGE’ ON FORMER-PM’S CRITICISM FROM PAGE 24

have that may make him revisit his statements in certain aspects. He said a lot, he said a lot.” Executives involved in Pinecrest’s design, engineering and construction will be available to talk to Dr Minnis during his visit, Sir Franklyn added.

Pinecrest represents the Davis administration’s first housing venture since it took office. Some 47 homes are due to be built in the first phase, and construction on all is being targeted for an October completion.

However, Dr Minnis, during his Wednesday address in Parliament, argued that the Government had failed to follow the statutory processes and obtain the necessary approvals before construction began.

“Madame Speaker, the Government should lead by example. The Government should follow the law,” Dr Minnis asserted. “How is it, Madame Speaker, that so many houses - and I agree that we need houses for people, I do not object, I do not object to building and ensuring that people have accommodation and housing, but how is it that homes could have been constructed so that the roof levels in the south......

prime minister in Parliament yesterday,” Sir Franklyn said. “We take serious umbrage with certain aspects of that, but we have no desire to get into a public dispute with the former prime minister.

“We are pleased he has accepted an invitation from us to visit the property at a time to be mutually agreed such that he will have a better understanding of the facts, and we look forward to hosting the former prime minister at an early date.”

Asked which particular aspect Arawak Homes was taking “umbrage” with, Sir Franklyn replied: “I have promised the former prime minister to have that discussion with him void of the press, so I ask you please to respect that. We will explain to the former prime minister information which we believe would be useful to him in terms of ascertaining the facts on key aspects of this matter and look forward to meeting him very shortly.

“He made a whole series of statements, a series of allegations. We have no desire to focus in on one aspect of it. We wish to show him information we

“You don’t know yet; you’re hearing this one for the first time. Pinecrest area, yet there was no approval from Town Planning. Does the law not require approval? Houses have been constructed. Is that the new norm? We build without approval or we build and then approve later?

Now Madame Speaker, no approval.

Approval has since been submitted, but I won’t go into any detail at this particular point in time. I will elaborate at a later time.”

Explaining that he was familiar with Pinecrest and the surrounding south New Providence area because his sister lives there, he added: “I would have hoped that Housing would have asked people in that community about the given properties. It’s a flood zone.

I spend a lot of time there.

It’s a flood zone. Heavy rains, and I passed through there during the last rain, and water was already settling between the houses.”

Disclosing that he conducted his own personal inspection of these conditions, Dr Minnis alleged that there were several design and construction flaws. “The houses, the blocks were laid like bow,

COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS IN THE SUPREME COURT

but when you put the roughing on it you camouflage the bow,” he added.

“There were no columns.

Blocks were inter-connected, no columns. There were no belt courses.”

Belt courses are a continuous row or layer of stones and brick set in a wall, running horizontally across the face of a building.

“Madame Speaker, it’s a set up for disaster, flood and hurricane. Those homes are problematic,” the former prime minister alleged.

“I would ask, I would urge the minister that there were plans drawn up for that entire area by one of the former prime ministers under the FNM government. I would ask them to

review such plans so they have a better idea of what was planned for the area, some of the problems they may have encountered, and seek again what was the opinion of the architect at that particular time.”

Dr Minnis said the Davis administration was “falling into the same trap” it encountered when developing the Carmichael subdivision. He added that his administration had to fill-in three to four feet because the area, and its then-four homes, had been constructed in a flood zone that was below sea level.

The four homes already built had to be demolished as a result.

“Pinecrest, I have no objection, but at least we have to set an example. We cannot build houses without approval. Town Planning has a system,” Dr Minnis said. “We cannot build houses without putting in the necessary infrastructure knowing that the area floods. Let’s do it right, and put in the necessary drains so that people stand a better chance. Let’s do belt courses, let’s do columns so houses can withstand hurricanes. Don’t go back to the three little pigs.”

CALL 502-2394 TO ADVERTISE IN THE TRIBUNE TODAY!

2022 CLE/qui/No.

Common Law and Equity Division BETWEEN IN THE MATTER OF THE QUIETING TITLES ACT 1959 AND IN THE MATTER of Petition of ALSET TE DELEVEAUX of the Island of Crooked Island,

The Bahamas

ALL THAT parcel or lot of land being of Admeasurements 42,104 sq ft and situate at Major's Cay, Crooked Island and bounded Eastwardly by Queens Highway and running thereon 292.03 feet Westwardly by vacant land and running thereon 301.47 feet Southwardly by vacant and running thereon 138.19 feet and Northwardly by vacant land and running thereon 147.67 feet NOTICE

TAKE NOTICE that Alsette Deleveaux claims to be the owner in

fee simple in possession of the said land and has made application of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Under Section 3 of the Quieting Title Act, 1959 to have his title to the said land investigated and the nature and extent thereof determined and declared in a Certificate of Title to be granted by the Court in accordance with the provision of the said Act. A Plan of the same may be inspected during normal working hour at: (a) The Registry of the Supreme Court New Providence in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Chambers ofV. Alfred Gray & Company, Dowdeswell House, Dowdeswell and Armstrong Street, New Providence NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that any person having dower or rights of dower

or an Adverse Claim of Claim not recognized in the Petition shall on or before the 10th day of May, A.O., 2022 file in the Supreme Court in New Providence aforesaid and serve on the Petitioner or the undersigned a Statement of their claim aforesaid on or before the 10th day of May A.O., 2022 or it will operate as a bar to such claim Dated this 5th day of April, A.O., 2022

V. ALFRED GRAY & CO.

Chamber Dowdeswell House Dowdeswell & Armstrong Street Nassau. Bahamas Attorneys for the Petitioner

PAGE 22, Friday, April 22, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

US TO FREEZE PI ‘RAIDER’S’ $21M FROM PAGE 24

One, in his personal name, was said to be held at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas), while the remaining two are shared between that bank and Scotiabank (Bahamas) in the name of a corporate entity, Trojan Technologies International.

The US regulator, alleging that Calabrigo and his circle made millions in illicit profits, claimed: “It appears from the evidence presented that defendant Calabrigo has obtained up to $21.1m in ill-gotten gains derived from his unlawful conduct.”

It is aiming to freeze up to $39.6m worth of assets collectively in the possession of the Paradise Island resident and three fellow accused

- Curtis Lehner, Hasan Sario and Courtney Vasseur.

“Pump and dump” schemes involve the perpetrators secretly obtaining control of a large block of shares in a public company, usually one that is a thinlytraded microcap on the so-called “pink sheets” or over-the-counter market.

Using a variety of nominee entities to conceal their identity and ownership, they then “pump” or inflate the stock price via series of glowing promotions and press releases about the company’s performance and future stocks.

Then, when the time is right and share price sufficiently prices, the sell or “dump” their holdings on the market, running off with the profits and leaving other

investors holding dead or worthless stock. The SEC is alleging that Calabrigo financed misleading and fraudulent promotions for four separate microcap stocks through an entity called Antevorta Capital Partners, which is domiciled in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

“Calabrigo’s participation generally related to promotions, specifically for Blake Therapeutics; Drone Guarder, Vilacto Bio and Zenosense. Calabrigo was also associated with Antevorta, a group working through a British Virgin Island entity that also engaged in the manipulation of microcap stocks, often in concert with the defendants,” the SEC alleged.

promote VIBI stock using landing page websites, promotional e-mails and other internet advertising campaigns between October 2017 and December 2018.”

A similar strategy was employed for Zenosense (ZENO). “Based on documents I reviewed and witness interviews, it is my understanding that defendants Lehner, Vasseur and Calabrigo were part of the group that controlled ZENO,{“ Mr Donelan alleged.

“Bank records and records from Stock Promotion Firm B show that the firm commenced a promotional campaign touting ZENO stock beginning in mid-February 2017, and that this campaign was funded by Antevorta, which witnesses and documents confirm is associated with Calabrigo.

“These records reflect Antevorta paid over

“In May 2017, Calabrigo, through an associate, paid for a different stock promoter to promote Blake Therapeutics through Facebook and Google ads.” This activity was said to have netted the four accused some $5m in profits from selling 5.5m shares.

As for Vilacto Bio (VIBI), Trevor Donelan, an SEC investigator, alleged: “Bank records and records from Stock Promotion Firm B show that the firm commenced a promotional campaign touting VIBI stock beginning on October 30, 2017, and that this campaign was funded by Antevorta, which witnesses and documents confirm is associated with Calabrigo.

“These records reflect Antevorta paid over $1m to

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 67° F/19° C

TAMPA

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Partly sunny, a thun‑ derstorm; windy

Winds subsiding; an evening shower

Partly sunny and windy

Winds subsiding with a thunderstorm

Mostly sunny with winds subsiding

A t‑storm; breezy in the morning

High: 80°

Low: 73°

High: 82° Low: 72°

High: 83° Low: 71°

High: 80° Low: 70°

High: 82° Low: 71°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

85° F

70° F

85°-70° F

86°-70° F

85°-66° F

88°-71° F

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 72° F/22° C

12‑25 knots

S

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 73° F/23° C

12‑25 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 74° F/23° C

E

W S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

N

| Go to AccuWeather.com

TONIGHT

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 67° F/19° C

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 70° F/21° C

MIAMI

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 74° F/23° C

8‑16 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 81° F/27° C Low .................................................... 73° F/23° C Normal high ....................................... 82° F/28° C Normal low ........................................ 69° F/21° C Last year’s high ................................. 90° F/32° C Last year’s low ................................... 74° F/23° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday .................................. trace Year to date ................................................. 7.32” Normal year to date ..................................... 5.73”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 73° 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: 82° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

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

tiDes For nassau High

E

W

10‑20 knots

S

10‑20 knots

Low

Ht.(ft.)

3.0 2.2

7:28 a.m.

7:26 p.m.

0.0 0.0

1:57 a.m.

2:30 p.m.

2.9 2.2

8:34 a.m.

8:37 p.m.

0.1 0.1

Sunday

3:04 a.m.

3:41 p.m.

2.8 2.3

9:41 a.m.

9:50 p.m.

0.2 0.2

Monday

4:10 a.m.

4:47 p.m.

2.8 2.4

10:42 a.m. 0.1 10:58 p.m. 0.2

Tuesday

5:11 a.m.

5:45 p.m.

2.7 2.6

11:37 a.m. 0.0 11:59 p.m. 0.1

Wednesday 6:05 a.m.

6:36 p.m.

2.7 2.8

12:25 p.m. ‑0.1 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Thursday

2.7 2.9

12:53 a.m. 0.0 1:08 p.m. ‑0.2

12:52 a.m.

1:20 p.m.

Saturday

6:53 a.m.

7:22 p.m.

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:41 a.m.

7:36 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

1:13 a.m.

11:50 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Apr. 23

Apr. 30

May 8

May 16

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 72° F/22° C

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

N

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 72° F/22° C

S

LONG ISLAND High: 81° F/27° C Low: 74° F/23° C

L

E

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tracking map H

Ht.(ft.)

Today

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 72° F/22° C

N

S

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

uV inDex toDay

CAT ISLAND

E

W

$311,000 to promote ZENO stock using landing page websites, promotional e-mails and other Internet advertising campaigns between February 2017 and May 2017.” This continued with the final company, Drone Guarder.

“Bank records and records from Stock Promotion Firm B showed the firm commenced a promotional campaign touting Drone Guarder stock beginning on September 5, 2017, and that this campaign was funded by Antevorta, which witnesses and documents confirm is associated with Calabrigo,” Mr Donelan added.

“These records reflect Antevorta paid over $456,000 to promote Drone Guarder stock using landing page websites, promotional e-mails and other Internet advertising campaigns between September 2017 and March 2018.”

10‑20 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 83° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 81° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 74° F/23° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 83° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

10‑20 knots

10‑20 knots

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

Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday:

WINDS NE at 12‑25 Knots NE at 10‑20 Knots NE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots NE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots NE at 12‑25 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots NE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots NE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots NE at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots NE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots NE at 10‑20 Knots ENE at 10‑20 Knots

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

VISIBILITY 6 Miles 5 Miles 7 Miles 8 Miles 4 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 8 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 9 Miles 8 Miles 6 Miles 5 Miles 7 Miles 8 Miles 9 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 9 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 76° F 76° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 80° F 80° F 77° F 77° F 77° F 76° F 78° F 78° F 81° F 81° F 80° F 79° F 79° F 79° F 77° F 77° F 80° F 80° F 78° F 78° F

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, April 22, 2022, PAGE 23

HOW TO HANDLE OFFICE ROMANCE M

any people meet their lifelong partners at work, yet dating someone in the office is often frowned upon.

Most companies even have explicit policies - either documented or understood - against it. So, what should happen between two flirting colleagues who might want to explore a relationship? Should they steer clear? Should what is right from a professional perspective override what is best for your personal life? Is it even possible to separate the two?

There are perfectly good reasons why co-workers fall for one another. With the amount of time team

members spend at work in close proximity, working together and having open, vulnerable conversations, there is a good chance there are going to be romantic relationships. Before a person acts on their feelings, though, it is important to think through the risks, the major one being what happens if the relationship does not work out and there are hurt feelings on both sides.

This week, we provide managers and company leaders with some quick tips on how to manage office love.

Know policies

your

company’s

The rules are the rules.

While they can be amended, try to understand the reason and history behind why the romantic rules were put in place.

Discourage boss and direct report dating No matter what your intentions are, it is usually a terrible idea for people to date their managers or subordinates.

Do not encourage secrecy It is probably not a good thing to carry on a secret love arrangement with a team member. If there is a loophole for dating a team member, make sure to inform team members to

be as transparent about it as possible.

Set boundaries Consider having rules about when, and how, dating employees should behave and conduct themselves. Public affection may be offensive to other team members and stir unnecessary strife, especially if it is being done by the office flirt who has gone through a high percentage of the team.

Accept it People meet romantic partners at work every day, and rather than rant or fume about it, a smart manager will accept that reality.

You cannot stop people

from being attracted to one another, so keep a level head and sense of humour about the whole thing. Just be sure to establish those boundaries.

Do not snoop or pry Your team members are entitled to their privacy.

Do not go into the business of private investigator on the job. Somethings you can openly confront, but some things you simply do not need to know unless it adversely impacts the work space.

• NB: Ian R Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with

GB LAW FIRM HAILS ITS MARITIME RECOGNITION

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A GRAND Bahama law firm says it has been recognised as a shipping and maritime law specialist by a major global referral network for legal services.

A. Kenra ParrisWhittaker, partner at ParrisWhittaker, said in a statement: “We’ve always enjoyed a fantastic relationship with the Global Law Experts (GLE), and we have so much respect for them as an organisation.

They do incredible work in helping to connect law firms

to the people that need specialised services.”

GLE is a 13-year referral service for domestic and international lawyers.

It currently profiles more than 2,000 attorneys, ranging from large international law firms to specialised boutique companies. ParrisWhittaker said GLE’s

website now averages more than 32,000 views per month, and expects an additional 5 to 10 percent increase in visits throughout 2022.

“We were fortunate enough to be named the Commercial Litigation Law Firm of the Year in The Bahamas by The GLE

three years in a row. Things like this are really a credit to our entire team and how hard they work for our clients every single day,” said Jacy Whittaker, founding partner of ParrisWhittaker.

“We always take this as a signal that we’re doing all the right things, and it motivates us to work even

Coding workshop kickstarts GB tech workforce initiative THE GRAND Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) teamed with the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) and Aliv to host a pilot coding workshop as part of plans to develop a skilled technology workforce on the island.

The GBPA, in a statement, said the workshop was part of its SEED (STEM Empowerment and Educational Development) initiative to enhance STEM - science, technology, engineering, and maths - development in local high schools. The aim is to advance Freeport as a technology hub, and developing enough support to sustain a robust industrial sector.

The one-day pilot event on April 2 gave 50 Grand Bahama students (grades 7 to 9) interactive, handson lessons on the basics of coding. Using STEM Lingo coding kits, students learned to create a sensor commonly used in autonomous vehicles such as Tesla.

GBPA’s pilot workshop is the initial phase of the SEED programme, and enabled a broader understanding of the resources and partnerships required.

Derek Newbold, the

GBPA’s chief investment officer, said it aims to implement the programme within all high schools and adult learning institutions in Grand Bahama.

“SEED is a major initiative of the REEF collaborative vision to cultivate strong STEM skills on Grand Bahama as part of its strategic plan towards becoming the technology hub of The Bahamas. We are working in alignment with the REEF plan to realise a set of collective goals,” Mr Newbold said.

Through collaboration with BTVI, there is now a pipeline transitioning students from the SEED initiative into BTVI’s dual enrollment for information and communications technology (ICT) programme.

Mr Newbold added: “This translates into students receiving STEM education and exposure throughout their high school lives (grades 7 to 12), and earning college credits from as early as the ninth grade.

“Further, BTVI was also able to establish an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Bowie State University, a SEED programme facilitator, that would allow students to

complete two years at BTVI and transfer to Bowie State University to complete their Bachelor’s Degree.”

Dr Lethia Jackson, Bowie State University’s department chair for technology and security, said: “I think the students here have beautiful manners; they want to learn and they’re hungry to learn. They have many wonderful role models right here for them to see that this is possible, and this can be done.

“Numbers can’t measure this type of investment in community growth by GBPA; it represents livelihoods and generational wealth. It would be a whole different look for the community.”

“As a result of SEED, we were able to begin engaging with a senior security engineer at IBM, discussing opportunities to implement IBM’s P-Tech and SkillBuilds programmes here on Grand Bahama, which could include adult education as well,” said Trevor Simmons, GBPA business development and marketing officer.

“We plan to grow and develop a curriculum that educates students on various STEM subjects such as

IAN FERGUSON regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@ coralwave.com.

harder. We’ve added two new offices over the last year, so we’re poised to do even more.”

The Global Law Experts accreditation process is by invitation only. Its members are nominated for inclusion on the GLE website, either from a research panel, 2,000-plus active members, 340,000 mail subscribers or externally from businesses using the GLE service worldwide.

PARTNERS and facilitators of the SEED initiative gathered to officially announce the programme on Friday, April 1. Pictured from L to R: LaToy Williams, guidance counsellor at BMES; Aisha Bowe, president and chief executive of STEMBoard (programme facilitators); Derek Newbold, Dr Linda Davis, vice-president of academic affairs at Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute; and Dominic Petty, Aliv general manager of consumer sales for the Family Islands.

artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, agri-tech, cyber security, biometrics and much more. GBPA envisions a year-round programme that provides

continuous education and puts students in the best position to jump-start their pursuit of a STEM-related career path.”

Partners in the SEED initiative are now mapping the framework for upcoming STEM training in the 2022 third quarter, with plans to add additional schools.

The Board of Directors, management, and staff of Family Guardian are deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague and friend Charlotte Pyfrom who served as a director for twenty-three years and was a member of the Board’s Human Resource and Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance and Conduct Review Committee.

While Charlotte’s formal relationship with the company commenced in 1999 with her appointment as a director, her association with Family Guardian began at its inception in 1965. As the eldest daughter of the company’s first President and co-founder, the late Roscow Pyfrom, she was aware from an early age of her father’s vision for the new Bahamian insurance enterprise. Following Mr. Pyfrom’s untimely death in 1998, Charlotte became a member of the Board of Directors of Family Guardian and its publicly traded holding company FamGuard Corporation. She brought to both entities an unwavering commitment to help fulfil her father’s dreams for the further growth and success of the companies he co-created.

Charlotte contributed greatly to youth development in The Bahamas as a physical education instructor at St. Augustine’s College for seventeen years and as Head Coach of the Sea Bees Swim Club in Nassau and Head Coach of the YMCA Wave Runners Swim Club in Freeport where she worked until she retired. Her professional career earned the admiration of her students, fellow teachers, and the national swim community. Her contributions as a member of our Board of Directors gained respect from her colleagues and the management and staff of Family Guardian.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Pyfrom family and the many friends here and abroad whose lives Charlotte enriched through her warmth and generosity.

She will be missed by her Family Guardian family.

business@tribunemedia.net

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

$6.15

$6.25

$6.16

Taylor Industries staff gain 33% of severance

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

- the Government and the staff. Besides “the relatively low value” of the company’s remaining assets and unfavourable economic conditions created by COVID-19, he also cited the “significant costs” associated with courtsupervised liquidations.

Asserting that the liquidation had been run “efficiently and cost effectively”, Mr Davies asserted that “the harsh economic reality” for creditors of insolvent companies was that only those with security - namely the banks and other major lenders - gained what he described as “a return” from formal winding-ups.

“The liquidator is satisfied at the overall outcome of the liquidation process given the nature and relatively low value of the assets the company owned, and the difficulties of finding qualifying buyers in a small market

FORTY-ONE former staff of now-defunct Taylor Industries will receive just 33 percent of the total termination pay and benefits owed to them in what the company’s liquidator defended as “a relatively positive outcome”.

Tribune Business understands that payments worth a collective $225,000 will be made to ex-employees of the insolvent electrical retailer and contractor next week, representing just one-third of the total $685,000 due when the Shirley Street-based company collapsed and closed just over three years ago in January 2019.

Andrew Davies, the Crowe Bahamas accountant, in his fourth and final report to the Supreme Court, detailed several barriers to generating a greater recovery for Taylor Industries’ preferred creditors

SEE PAGE 20

TAYLOR INDUSTRIES

• Liquidator defends ‘relatively positive outcome’ • Two-thirds from Taylor/ Mabon $150k donation • Exposes ‘harsh economic reality’ for creditors

Arawak Homes ‘umbrage’ on former-PM’s criticism

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net SIR Franklyn Wilson yesterday said Arawak Homes “takes serious umbrage” with Dr Hubert Minnis’ assertion that a southern New Providence community it is developing is “set up for disaster” and was started without the necessary permits.

The Arawak Homes chairman told Tribune Business that the ex-prime minister had now “accepted an invitation” to tour the Pinecrest subdivision so he could obtain “a better understanding of the facts on key aspects of this matter”.

He hit back after Dr Minnis, during his House of Assembly address on Wednesday, asserted that the subdivision Arawak Homes is constructing

in a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Government’s Ministry of Housing is situated “in a flood zone” and was begun without the required Town Planning Committee approvals. He also questioned the construction methods being employed on the homes.

“We are aware of the remarks made by the former

SEE PAGE 21

US to freeze PI ‘Raider’s’ $21m

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net US regulators have moved to freeze three Bahamian bank accounts owned by the Paradise Island “Raider” as they bid to seize $21.1m in “ill-gotten gains” generated by a $100m multinational securities fraud ring.

“Raider” was allegedly the code-name for Domenic Calabrigo, 29, a Canadian permanent resident of The Bahamas who resided in Paradise Island’s One Ocean condominium complex, and who is accused of issuing false and misleading promotions to fraudulently inflate the value of stocks employed in a “pump and dump” market manipulation.

Calabrigo, who was arrested last week and brought before the Magistrate’s Court, has already waived his right to fight extradition to the US and southern New York federal court where the charges have been laid. He is facing both criminal charges brought by the federal authorities and a civil lawsuit filed by the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), the US capital markets regulator.

The SEC, whose action provides more details, on April 15 obtained a restraining Order and asset freeze against three Bahamian bank accounts alleged to be controlled by Calabrigo.

SEE PAGE 22

AG: ‘We cannot be left out on digital assets ‘revolution’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas cannot afford to be “on the outside of this digital assets revolution looking in”, the attorney general asserted yesterday, adding that the Government’s just-released policy paper positions the country to be “a leader”.

Senator Ryan Pinder, addressing the weekly media briefing by the Prime Minister’s Office, reiterated the Davis administration’s objective of facilitating growth in the crypto currency, blockchain and non-fungible token (NFT) sector “while keeping bad actors out”.

Describing the possibilities from the $3trn-and-growing global digital assets industry as “enormous”, he said: “We feel strongly that we can leverage our expertise and successes in financial services to create a digital assets hub here in The Bahamas. From the first week of this administration, we have been determined to build a framework that would allow us not just to participate but to lead in this innovative industry.

“At the same time, and as with any new industry, particularly one that’s changing so quickly, it’s important to protect our reputation and

SEE PAGE 19

SIR FRANKLYN WILSON

$6.19

BAHAMAS POWER & LIGHT (BPL)

Pintard: ‘Real questions’ on likely new BPL chief • ‘Objectivity’ concern if top regulator named • Heastie resignation takes effect immediately • No URCA probe presently into fuel worries

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE OPPOSITION’S leader yesterday charged that there are “real questions” over the energy regulator’s “objectivity” amid suggestions that one of its senior executives is being eyed as Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) new chief executive.

Michael Pintard, branding yesterday’s resignation of incumbent BPL chief executive, Whitney Heastie, as “worrisome” also raised misgivings about growing suggestions that Shevonn Cambridge, the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s (URCA) head of electricity supervision, was viewed as the leading candidate to replace him.

The Marco City MP said the URCA Act, the regulator’s governing legislation, stipulates that its executives must undergo a year-long ‘cooling-off’ period upon leaving the agency before they can take up a post with any private sector entity they once were responsible for supervising. However, this condition can be waived if approved by URCA’s Board, which is appointed by the Government.

Should such a waiver be exercised, and Mr Cambridge become BPL chief executive, Mr Pintard said it would raise “serious doubts” over URCA’s approach to dealing with

SEE PAGE 18