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Govt opens up vaccine rollout from TODAY for anyone aged 18 or over By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net ALL people 18 and older in The Bahamas are eligible, starting today, to receive the COVID19 vaccine, the National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee announced yesterday. Those who have received their first dose, meanwhile, can expect to be alerted via email within the next two weeks about when they should book their second appointment. The issuance of the second doses will begin on Monday, May 10. To date, 25,692 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine have been
administered on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera and Abaco, the government said in a statement. The vaccines will be rolled out today in Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins and Andros; tomorrow in Exuma, Cat Island, San Salvador and the Berry Islands; Wednesday in Long Island and Rum Cay; and Friday in Bimini. “To make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine please visit vax.gov.bs. To view the full Family Island schedule, including vaccination site locations and times, visit opm.gov.bs,” the government said. SEE PAGE FOUR
HUMAN Rights Bahamas is calling for a “full and independent investigation” of an allegation of sexual assault by a male officer against a female migrant who was detained at the Department of Immigration’s safe house. Meanwhile Callendars & Co, the law firm representing the female migrant in an upcoming court action, is arguing that the Department of Immigration has unlawfully detained their client at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre
since August of last year, despite the fact that she has yet to be charged with any immigration offence. Fred Smith, QC, has filed a certificate of urgency in an attempt to expedite the hearing of the matter since he claimed his client was in the care of the Immigration Department under whose custody she was allegedly raped and assaulted and was being denied the right to have access to her attorney. If successful, the habeas corpus application will ban the department from deporting the female SEE PAGE THREE
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
MEDITERRANEAN Shipping Company Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line are eyeing Nassau for home porting as the country readies to “make sure we beat expectations”. Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar said an agreement with MSC Cruises was likely “imminent” while more work remained to be done to convert Norwegian’s interest. “It’s very encouraging they’re considering The Bahamas for home porting,” he said, “and that they have confidence in their determination to use The Bahamas to commence in some limited way their operations.” FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
CROWN LAND AUDIT HASN’T BEEN DONE SINCE 1999
ACTIVISTS QUERY VALIDITY OF ‘RAPE’ INVESTIGATION By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
TWO CRUISE LINES EYEING UP NASSAU HOME PORT
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
TARGET TOKYO BAHAMIAN athlete Shaunae Miller-Uibo had another record-breaking performance, beating the stadium record for the 400m in Eugene, Oregon, as her countdown to the Tokyo Olympics continues. See Sports for the full story.
MEDICAL SCHOOL GIVES FREEPORT HUGE BOOST By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A MEDICAL school investment will be “the catalyst for Freeport’s renaissance” through injecting $200m into the city’s economy during its first decade, its principals have told Tribune Business. Western Atlantic University Medical School, in e-mailed replies to this newspaper’s questions, said “almost nothing brings
THE CAMPUS site for the Western Atlantic University Medical School. more life and vibrancy to a small city than a university” with each student and
faculty member expected to respectively generate average per capita spending of $25,000 and $35,000 annually. With the medical school aiming for a 1,000-strong student population by 2030, based on Western Atlantic’s projections this group could alone account for $25m in collective annual spending on housing/ rent, food, transport and entertainment. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
THE Government has likely “not fully accounted” for a key asset after failing to conduct an inventory of Crown Land holdings during the 21st century, it has been revealed. An Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) paper, obtained by Tribune Business, said the amount of Crown Land detailed in the last audit - which took place in 1999 - “seems rather small at 3 percent” of the entire Bahamas even though the Government is widely recognised as the country’s largest landowner. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
INSIGHT A JEWEL LEFT TO FALL APART
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Monday, April 26, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
PM hails Rand redevelopment - and promises $18m to come By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Minister of Health Renward Wells were in Grand Bahama on Friday for the official recommissioning of the $21m first phase redevelopment of the Rand Memorial Hospital. Dr Minnis said an additional $18m will be disbursed shortly from the Hurricane Dorian Fund to begin the next phase of redevelopment for a “climate-resilient hospital,” with a four-story level addition for in-patient services and care. After almost 18 months of major construction at the hospital, Dr Minnis and Mr Wells toured the completed pharmacy, the Lula Knowles Paediatrics Ward, the Maternal and Child Health Block, the Medical/
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis at the recommissioning of the redevelopment of Rand Memorial Hospital and, right, touring the hospital. Photos: Lisa Davis/BIS Surgical Block, the Critical of the first phase, Hospi- a four-level tower will soon Care Block, Operating The- tal Administrator Sharon be awarded to allow inpaatre, chapel, healing garden Williams indicated that offi- tient services to be removed cials will begin the return of from the ground floor level and Medical/Surgical Ward to the second, third and patients to the hospital. Three. “What you see here rep- fourth story levels. With the completion resents the indomitable “In the event of another spirit of Grand Bahami- major disaster, healthcare ans, and the tireless efforts services will not have to of health planners, health be displaced, as was the executives, skilled labour- case following Hurricane ers and tradesmen, and Dorian,” he said. “For this dedicated health workers,” purpose, the Ministry of Finance is to disburse the Dr Minnis said. “They have gone above allocated $18m from the and beyond to restore this Hurricane Dorian Fund.” He recalled how Dorian essential institution vital to the health care needs destroyed or severely damof the people of Grand aged critical elements of the Bahama and the Northern public health infrastructure here on Grand Bahama. Bahamas.” “The floodwaters swept Dr Minnis noted that for the next phase of the rede- through the corridors of the velopment of the Rand, Rand Memorial Hospital the Cabinet granted the and into the wards, putting Public Hospitals Author- at risk staff and patients as ity approval to engage the storm winds battered an architectural firm to the 50-year-old institution. He noted that 80 percent develop detailed architectural and engineering plans of the Rand was inundated for a new climate-resilient with flood damage, which hospital and clinic facility resulted in catastrophic for Grand Bahama and the loss of medical and surgiNorthern Bahamas, with cal equipment, as well as major roof damage, heatthe requisite funding. He said that a contract for ing, ventilation, and air conditioning damage, and major damage to the warehouse and morgue. He said rust and mould presented serious hazards in areas affected by flooding. He also noted that four of the ten public health clinics were rendered nonoperational due to damage and flooding, and two other clinics were destroyed. The prime minister said in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, his government allocated $21m to the restoration of the Rand Memorial Hospital. Last August, he said PHA secured a consulting services agreement proposal with the BECK Group, a government approved healthcare planning, architectural, and
engineering firm. Dr Minnis noted that work associated with the master planning, programming, and design for this redevelopment project is scheduled to commence in early May 2021. “This further development of healthcare supports the continued investment this government is making to restore the infrastructure, economy, and the communities of Grand Bahama. “Today we pause and recognise how very far we have come while acknowledging that there is still work to be done.” Dr Minnis said his government knows some challenges remain that must be addressed in the weeks, and months ahead. He stressed that Grand Bahama and the nation continue the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Minnis believes that vaccinations along with masking, hand washing, and social distancing remain the surest route to the other side of the pandemic and a return to normalcy for the country. “The Bahamian people have risen to meet these challenges, as we have done so many times before as
one people united in love and service,” he said. Mr Wells said he is pleased to witness the completion of the capital works and restoration and recommissioning of key areas of RMH. “The occasion marks a very significant accomplishment in the restoration of the public health platform in Grand Bahama,” he said. “This recommissioning serves as a very special milestone for the men and woman of the Grand Bahama Health Services and local and international partners who have worked tirelessly to make today a reality.” Mr Wells also commended the health staff for their “sacrificial service” during the height of Hurricane Dorian and through the challenging weeks and months that followed. “I could not be more proud of you and all you have done collectively and individually to ensure the delivery of essential health care services to the people of Grand Bahama in the wake of one of the world’s most horrific natural disasters. Your service reinforces the view that we are a nation of people with an indomitable spirit,” he said.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, April 26, 2021, PAGE 3
Activists query validity of ‘rape’ investigation from page one migrant before the matter is fully ventilated in the courts. Last Wednesday, The Tribune reported that a high-ranking government official confirmed there was an investigation underway into an allegation that a Surinamese woman had been allegedly raped by an officer stationed at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre. A day later, the Department of Immigration issued a press release stating an investigation by its Corruption, Complaints and Intelligence Unit, along with the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Sexual Offences Unit, revealed there was “no substance” to the rape allegation. At the time, immigration officials also said the woman denied there was any inappropriate conduct toward her and demanded her immediate repatriation.
THE CARMICHAEL Road Detention Centre. In a statement yesterday, However, they did not say when the woman would be Human Rights Bahamas called on the Royal Bahareleased to return home. On Friday lawyers rep- mas Police Force to conduct resenting the woman made an independent probe into repeat efforts to contain the matter after arguing the senior immigration officials Immigration Department to secure access to see her was not “qualified or in any at the Carmichael Deten- way lawfully empowered to tion Centre but were met investigate sexual crimes”. “In dealing with the with a wall of silence. Because of this they have very serious allegations of now taken the matter to the rape of a detainee by an courts to force the Immi- officer, it should go without gration department to grant saying that the Immigration Department cannot them access.
credibly investigate itself,” the statement read. “Not only does this represent a glaring conflict of interest, it also reveals a total lack of transparency and disrespect for the laws of The Bahamas.” The human rights watchdog said it was imperative for the police to launch a “full and impartial investigation” inclusive of all the “relevant facts and circumstances” whenever a serious offence is alleged to have
been committed. The group also insisted immigration officers were “not above the law” and did “not enjoy some special dispensation” that exempted them from being brought before the courts or being held liable for their actions in the event that they were found guilty. “The department’s recent statement absolving the accused officer of ‘inappropriate conduct’ is barely worth the paper it is written on,” the statement continued. “The same can be said of any statement they claim to have extracted from the victim, who is detained, under duress, and totally in their control. “Human Rights Bahamas (HRB) demands that a full and independent investigation of these allegations be conducted by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, overseen by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Legal representation has now been secured for the victim by her family and
habeas corpus application will be made demanding her immediate release. As always, HRB will be reporting this matter, and the department’s attempt to circumvent a proper police investigation, to the InterAmerican Commission on Human rights (IACHR) and our various partner agencies in the international community.” Yesterday The Tribune also reached out to police press liaison ASP Audley Peters, to find out what role the RBPF played in the Immigration Department’s initial investigation. When asked, he said he could not speak to the matter at the moment. “I’d have to speak with, (Chief Superintendent Shanta Knowles), the officer in charge at the Central Detective Unit to find out what the situation is before we can make a comment with respect to that,” he stated. Attempts to reach CSP Knowles directly were unsuccessful up to press time.
AG: REPLACEMENT FOR EMERGENCY ORDERS STILL IN CONSULTATION By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
A DRAFT of a postEmergency Orders Bill that will replace current COVID-19 restrictions is still in the “consultation phase”, Attorney General Carl Bethel said. It is not clear when the legislation will be completed or if the Minnis administration plans to have the bill tabled in Parliament before the current emergency orders are set to end next month.
Mr Bethel did not respond to additional questions sent by the Tribune. He only said: “The draft bill is still only in the consultation phase.” However, speaking in the Senate in February, Senator Bethel said his office was close to completing the bill, which he said was difficult to draft. According to Mr Bethel, the bill will create an advisory committee to suggest protocols that fall in line with the constitution and suggested the move will ensure society returns to
normal following the expiration of the COVID-19 restrictions. “On the issue of the emergency orders, the government is and my drafts person has been working very hard on crafting a bill that will fill the void, if you will, between the Health Services Bill and the need for this constitutional order,” Mr Bethel said at the time. “The idea is that the bill, and we are in the very final stages of it, is going to be carefully crafted. “Anything that is done must be reasonably
justifiable, which is the constitutional standard for ordinary everyday conduct legislation, government actions, etcetera. He continued: “So, everything is being based and premised on the phrase that it is ‘reasonably justifiable’ in the circumstance so we are very very close to having a post-Emergency Orders Bill and that will allow the Prime Minister to have an advisory committee (with) opposition members, government members, medical professionals on it, to advise the minister so
that in a sense the political directorate on both sides would have a say at the advisory committee level and of course there would be parliamentary oversight. “So, we’re trying to craft a house firmly under the jurisdiction of normality that is guided by ordinary constitutional principles of being reasonably justifiable and that has input on all sides at every stage. That should be forthcoming. As soon as it is completed of course it goes to Cabinet. Cabinet will have to approve it, but we’re trying
to come up with a new framework,” he said in February. When asked by The Tribune last month whether the government plans to end the state of emergency when the emergency orders expire in May, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis only said: “That would be my greatest and happiest moment to release the Emergency Orders. I would be elated and in fact on that particular day, you would probably see me jumping and kicking my two feet together.”
FNM DECLINES UNIVERSITY DEBATE THE Free National Movement has explained why it will not take part in a series of political debates organised by University of The Bahamas and a private media group. In a statement issued yesterday, FNM chairman Carl Culmer said after making a preliminary agreement to have a party member take part in the debate, he was advised by the FNM’s Campaign Committee that the event had a “number of critical defects” and “departed from the standards” set in other jurisdictions. Mr Culmer’s statement noted that on April 18, the FNM — in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis — was invited by UB in association with Verizon Media to participate in a series of debates, starting with a debate on youth issues. Mr Culmer said Dr Minnis did not respond to the said letter and subsequently he was approached directly on the issue. “The chairman made a preliminary engagement and submitted the name of a proposed debater to represent the party,” Mr Culmer’s statement noted.
“Upon closer scrutiny of documentation and written proposals submitted by the proposers of the debate, a number of critical defects in the proposed format of debates were identified by the FNM Campaign Committee, who so advised the chairman. “Among the defects was, firstly, the fact that only one, for profit, media house would be involved in producing the event, which was immediately considered to be unfair to other for profit media houses. Secondly, upon review of the practices both in our Caribbean region and in Canada and the United Kingdom, it also became clear that the proposed format of the debates was a great departure from the standards set in other jurisdictions, each of which hails from the Westminster system.” He noted that in Jamaica, for instance, there is an independent commission formed by the equal participation of the Media Association of Jamaica and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. He added that in that country, the participants in the debate are limited to registered political parties who have obtained either one
member in the House of Representatives, not less than five percent of the votes in the last elections; or not less than eight percent approval ratings in an independent national poll by a reputable polling agency approved in advance by the commission. “Having regard to these precedents... the FNM Campaign Committee strongly advised against participation, which advice was accepted by the national chairman. Further, it is important to note that electoral debates in Jamaica and Canada only occur after Parliament has been dissolved and elections have been called. “Any debate process should ensure both the dignity and fairness of any electoral debates, as well as providing a level playing field to each and every media house, so as to ensure a high quality and informative series of debates for the benefit of every Bahamian, once the House of Assembly has been dissolved and general elections called,” Mr Culmer noted. The debate series is slated to take place between May 4 and June 15, according to organisers.
GRAND BAHAMA ENGINEER DIES BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net WELL-KNOWN Grand Bahama engineer and contractor Philip T English died this weekend while in hospital. Mr English, a British native, was a long-time resident of Freeport and a “key figure” in the construction and engineering industry. He was the owner of Qualfast Construction, in operation since September 1987, and provided all types of construction plus civil and structural engineering and geotechnical surveys. Mr English, PE C Eng, MICE, MASCE, is survived by his wife, Gina, and their children. She and her husband,also owned
PHILIP ENGLISH the Q Lounge, a recently established restaurant and nightspot in Freeport. Consultant Peter Adderley, of Creative Works, said Mr English will be missed. “He followed his heart and made Grand Bahama his home. He was a talented contractor, and his work remains a fixture throughout the Freeport area,”
he said. “He bore a warm spirit and contributed much to a once booming Grand Bahama economy.” Mr Adderley said his partnership with his wife, Gina English, was something to behold. “They worked magic and added a touch of elegance and class to Freeport’s growth. He loved his Anglican Church and Gina, his children, and his family meant everything to him. “The Grand Bahama community has lost a key figure and dear friend. Phil English defied the odds and proved impressively that white boys can in fact jump. Heartfelt condolences are extended to his loving wife, children, entire family, colleagues, and friends,” Mr Adderley said.
Valda Helen Mosko
We are sad to announce the death of Valda Helen Mosko, who after a long illness passed peacefully at home on April 23rd 2021 at age 76. Valda was born on August 15th 1944 and is pre-deceased by her father and mother, Michael and Molly Summers and her father-in-law and mother-in-law Nick and Helen Mosko. She is survived by her husband of 53 years Terry Mosko, three sons: Nicholas “Niko”, Constantine “Dino” and Christopher “Chris”; three daughters-in-law: Jeanette, Tania and Samantha; eight grandchildren: Paige, Terry Joseph, Gracyn, Constantine, Callie, Brandon, Tristan and Mayson. Sisters and brothers-in-law: Sharon and Bruce Robertson, Delma and Roy Sumja, Leslie and Ed White. Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law: Emmanuel and Tina Mosko, Michael and Mary Mosko, Katina and Jan Mezulanik. Nieces and Nephews: Michael and Tanya Robertson, Kim and Mike Cross, Andrew Robertson, Tim Sumja, Jennifer and Scott Gray, Marlene and Dax Bumper, Nicolette Mosko, Nicolas Mosko, Andrew Mosko, Deanna and Luca Battello, Eleni and Alexandra Mezulanik. Great Nieces and Nephews: Leila Robertson, Matthew and Molley Cross, Ava Sumja, Joel, Karli and Kyndel Gray, Peyton and Tristan Bumper, Frederik, Karina and Olympia Horn, Ashley Mosko, Emmanuel and Sophia Mosko, Alessio and Nicolas Battello. Extended Mosko family: James and Patty Mosko, Milton Mosko, Mary and Dean Tseretopolous and family, Alex and Peter Attaloglou and Alexandra Mosko and family. Special thanks to Dr. Dean Tseretopolous for his care; also to the doctors and nurses at Doctors Hospital. A very special thank you to her caregiver Diane Benson, housekeeper Pauline Thompson and therapist Opal Stubbs who all lovingly took care of her during her illness. Numerous other family in Leicester, England and Greece. Arrangements by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited
PAGE 4, Monday, April 26, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
‘INCREASE IN CASES COULD HAVE IMPACT ON PATIENTS AND STAFF AT HOSPITAL’ By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
PARCEL POST SECTION CLOSED THE Parcel Post Section of the General Post Office in Town Centre Mall will be closed for two weeks due to a staff member testing positive for COVID-19. “Out of an abundance of caution, the entire section will be closed to allow the staff to quarantine,” a press release issued on Friday noted. “The postmaster general wishes to apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused due to this sudden closure.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also advised that the Consular Division at Charlotte House on Shirley Street was closed on Friday for cleaning after a positive COVID-19 case at the office. Full COVID-19 mitigation protocols in accordance with the Ministry of Health have been implemented, the ministry said. The office is expected to reopen today.
DR DUANE SANDS “Bear in mind that The Bahamas suffers from a health demographic which is most unfortunate (with) a lot of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and we are the poster child for ill health. So, when you have a chronically ill society and you now add an additional challenge, the health system has difficulty meeting that challenge.” For most of last week, the country recorded more than 50 new cases a day, which Dr Sands said is “unsustainable in terms of the impact”. According to the latest information from the Ministry of Health, there were 49 cases in hospital. Of this figure, 15 were at PMH, 18 were at Doctors Hospital,
the public as a collective does not appear to be “as concerned as they needed to be” with curbing the spread of the virus since there were still many people violating the health and safety protocols. “I just drove by several places and saw many, many people congregating without masks right up on top of each other, ‘tight up’ as we say, and the implications for that, particularly
reported. It is not clear when the samples in those cases were collected. Those previously undisclosed cases include 32 in New Providence and 54 in Grand Bahama. Three new deaths have also been reported: a 55-year-old New Providence man who died on April 17; a 37-year-old New Providence woman who died on April 21 and a 91-year-old Grand Bahama man who died on April 20. These cases pushed the COVID-19 death count to 197 while 31 deaths remain under investigation, including two that were reported on Saturday. Forty-nine people remain hospitalised with COVID19, including four who are being treated in the intensive care unit at Doctors Hospital. The sustained increase in cases comes as evidence suggests a variant of concern is in The Bahamas. Health officials are still awaiting lab results to confirm this and to identify the particular variant. An official yesterday said the results could be in as early as this week.
During a press conference last week, National COVID-19 Vaccine Consultative Committee Chairperson Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis said “the emergence of variant strains of COVID-19 is of significant concern.” “New strains have been identified from the UK, Brazil and South Africa, and more recently, from India. These variants spread more easily and are infecting younger age groups,” she said. “The cases may be more severe and some countries are reporting more deaths.” Dr Dahl Regis said genetic testing between March 13 and April 17 showed an upward trend in the detection of deletion in samples, which means there are likely variant strains in the country. She said a breakdown by islands shows New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Long Island, Exuma and Eleuthera could have variant strains present. The country now has 10,165 confirmed coronavirus cases, of which 594 are active.
TOTAL CASES
TOTAL DEATHS
NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES SATURDAY 86 CASES
NEWLY CONFIRMED CASES THURSDAY 50 CASES
GRAND BAHAMA NEW PROVIDENCE
NEW PROVIDENCE GRAND BAHAMA EXUMA BERRY ISLANDS
10,165 197 54 32
FRIDAY
74 CASES
NEW PROVIDENCE GRAND BAHAMA ANDROS ELEUTHERA PENDING
TOTAL TESTS
85,055
60 10 2 1 1
HOSPITALISED
49
41 5 3 1
RECENTLY CONFIRMED DEATHS • A 55-YEAR-OLD NEW PROVIDENCE MAN WHO DIED ON APRIL 17. • 37-YEAR-OLD NEW PROVIDENCE WOMAN ON APRIL 21. •A 91-YEAR-OLD MAN FROM GRAND BAHAMA ON APRIL 20.
CASES IN ICU
4
RECOVERED
9,298
with a surge in COVID, will unfortunately be devastating and deadly... I hope and pray that (things) don’t get worse, but looking at the trend this is a horribly worrisome trend and I fear that things might indeed get worse before they get better and considerably worse.” Dr Sands said in view of this fact, it was “critically important” for everyone to understand they needed to abide by the Emergency
Orders by wearing their masks, sanitising their hands and practising social distancing in their interactions regardless of whether they received the vaccine or not. He said it was also crucial to be mindful of the new strains of the virus since some of the COVID-19 variants recently discovered have “wreaked havoc around the world”. “Just look at what’s happening in India, what happened in the UK, what’s happening in the United States and so any country that is looking at any surge in its COVID cases, has to be concerned about variants because the variants now may elude, to some degree, even the vaccinations that are available,” Dr Sands explained. “While that is not an absolute phenomenon it’s a relative phenomenon and so we have to move very aggressively, we can’t’ let our guard down, we cannot take our eyes off the prize and that is that even though we may be tired of COVID, sick and tired of wearing masks, sick and tired of not being able to interact freely, this surge is not going anywhere and as a matter of fact, it’s back.”
D’AGUILAR: FOLLOW THE RULES Govt opens up AS WE FACE THE THIRD WAVE vaccine rollout By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net
TOURISM Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar made a plea to businesses yesterday, urging them to follow COVID-19 restrictions and prevent large gatherings amid the country’s third wave of the virus. “I am deeply concerned by the rising numbers,” he said yesterday. “Persons have to take the necessary steps to prevent community spread. Businesses must ensure that large groups do not congregate and that parties at their places of business are appropriately distanced.” The Bahamas recorded 103 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Friday and Saturday: 74 were in Friday’s COVID-19 report and 24 were in Saturday’s report. Eighty of the newly confirmed cases were in New Providence. In Saturday’s data, the Ministry of Health also highlighted 86 cases that were not previously
FOR SALE
FORMER Health Minister Dr Duane Sands says while Princess Margaret Hospital is capable of handling the recent increase of COVID cases, the situation could potentially cause “implications and repercussions” for patients and staff of the medical facility. With the total number of COVID-19 cases now exceeding the 10,000 mark, health officials say the country is now facing its third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. When The Tribune spoke to Dr Sands yesterday about the impact the most recent surge could have on the country’s public health facility, he admitted it was a “challenge for any health system to cope with the current issues of COVID,” but said he still believed PMH could handle the uptick in newly confirmed cases. “Yes, it can handle it, but it will handle it with implications and repercussions,” he said. “So, there will probably be a reduction in non-emergency cases and there will probably be no room in the inn for certain types of cases.
six were at the South Beach Acute Care and Referral Centre, and 10 were at Grand Bahama Health Services. Dr Sands said since those patients “have to be cared for”, it means the people treating them “are not available to take care of other people”. When asked how close he believed the healthcare institution was to being overwhelmed, Dr Sands said that health officials were “starting from a baseline of a nursing shortage” due to nurses retiring and transferring out of the system. “We have lost an incredible number of nurses over the last 12 months who have gone on to other posts in developed countries and that has exacerbated the nursing shortage in The Bahamas,” he said. “And when you add to that nurses that have had to leave work because they are quarantined (and) physicians that have had to leave work because they’re quarantined, we’ve seen this movie before and I’m afraid we didn’t learn all that we ought to have learned from it.” He said despite the increase of COVID cases,
from today for anyone aged 18 or over from page one
“On-site appointments are available at the Church of God of Prophecy, East St and St Anselm’s Catholic Church Hall, Bernard Road on New Providence; the Susan J Wallace Community Centre on Grand Bahama and at all Family Island vaccination sites. “A Bahamas government issued ID is required at check-in at the vaccination site.” The expansion of vaccine accessibility comes as the country experiences an uptick in COVID-19 cases, and as evidence mounts around the world about the privileges fully vaccinated people will enjoy. The head of the European Union said yesterday that fully vaccinated American tourists will be able to visit Europe this summer
GLENISTON GARDENS LOT NO: #10, Block #2
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after more than a year in which nonessential travel has been shut down. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced last week that fully vaccinated people can travel to The Bahamas without a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test come May 1, while travellers within the country will also be exempt from test requirements when travelling to and from New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera. “Once individuals are fully vaccinated,” he said, “individuals can participate in a closed environment, once all within that closed environment are fully vaccinated. The mask would not be necessary and they can participate within that environment. “That means indoor dining can resume for those individuals who are completely vaccinated. It also means from a cultural perspective that those like myself who participate in Junkanoo, once we are all vaccinated, we can work within the Junkanoo shacks among us all vaccinated individuals. “This is important because it allows within an enclosed restaurant or wedding facility, once all are vaccinated, it also means that the cultural events that we had yesterday where individuals in restaurants and weddings would have Junkanoo rushing through the environment, that can occur once all, including the Junkanooers, are vaccinated and therefore we can commence some form of normal life,” Dr Minnis said.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, April 26, 2021, PAGE 5
GRAND BAHAMA AIRPORT TAKEOVER EXPECTED ‘IN WEEKS’ By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THE signing for the government’s takeover of the Grand Bahama International Airport is expected in “a matter of weeks,” with the sale of the Grand Lucayan Resort to come soon after, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis revealed on Friday while in Grand Bahama. His comments came during the recommissioning of the first phase redevelopment of the Rand Memorial Hospital, which is undergoing renovation following major flood
damage during Hurricane Dorian. Dr Minnis indicated his anticipation of returning to Grand Bahama to sign the deals for the airport and the hotel in Lucaya. He said: “I look forward to seeing you very soon as I return in a matter of weeks to sign and take over the airport services here in Grand Bahama. And shortly after that, I hope to return very soon where we will sign the hotel, Our Lucaya, over to the new official owners.” In March 2020, the government signed a heads of agreement with Royal Caribbean International
and the ITM Group for the purchase and redevelopment of the three hotels at Grand Lucayan and Freeport Harbour. Holistica Destinations, the joint venture group formed between RCI and ITM, proposed to transform the Grand Lucayan into a world-class destination with water-based entertainment, including a massive water and adventure theme park. Other amenities proposed included a shopping village that will feature a variety of activities and family entertainment, and a 40,000 sq ft convention centre. The second component
SCENES from the Ministry of Education’s 23rd annual national debate championship finals at the Geoffrey Brown Auditorium at Queen’s College on Thursday. Photos: Kristaan Ingraham/BIS
SAC TRIUMPH IN DEBATE
SAINT Augustine’s College was the overall winner of the Ministry of Education’s annual national debate championship finals. The debate was held at the Geoffrey Brown Auditorium at Queen’s College on Thursday April 22. Chief judge Joy Goffe called the debate historic since for the first time in the history of the event, there was a three-way debate. St Augustine’s College (SAC) brought forward the proposition while CI Gibson Senior High and Kingsway Academy brought forward the opposition. Debaters argued on the topic, “Be it resolved that the government alone should have the right to make decisions for The Bahamas during a pandemic.” The annual debating championship was established by the Ministry of Education for all senior high schools during the 1998-1999 academic year, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Chaguramas which established the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Common Market. The debating championship is open to secondary students from both government and independent schools, grades 10 to 12. CI Gibson came second in the event while Kingsway Academy placed third.
MINISTER of Education Jeffrey Lloyd receiving the computers yesterday. Photo: Donovan McIntosh/Tribune Staff
COMPUTERS DONATED BY US SCHOOLS FIVE Virginia based high schools have donated 119 Dell touchscreen notebook computers along with power supplies to the Ministry of Education. The US schools which made the donation are Chesterfield Academy, Clarke County, Deep Run, Forest Park and Northumberland. The Ministry of Education received the computers along with power supplies, valued at approximately $30,000, during a handover ceremony at Lynden Pindling International Airport on Thursday. Ministry of officials including Ministry of Education Jeffrey Lloyd; Lorraine Armbrister, permanent secretary and Dr Marcellus Taylor, director, were on hand to receive the donation. Usha Pitts, US Embassy in Nassau charge d’affaires, was also in attendance. Mr Lloyd said the gift is
an outpouring of benevolence that demonstrates evidence of a vast level of social responsibility. The computers have all been earmarked to assist students at the A F Adderley Junior High School in New Providence, he said. The donation was a part of the Virginia Student Training and Refurbishment Programme, a state-wide initiative which teaches students to recondition surplus computers. The computers are subsequently donated to families, organisations and school districts. Meanwhile on Friday, the ministry expressed gratitude to local public/private partners who participated in a national initiative for the provision of devices and data plans for public school students. In September 2020, with an initial contribution of $60,000, Leno Corporate
Services Limited launched a campaign in conjunction with the ministry, to put a learning device in the hands of students who were in need of a laptop or computer. Since then, numerous businesses, service clubs, individuals and other entities have contributed to the drive resulting in more than $500,000 in donations and financial contributions. At a ceremony to mark the final presentation of tablets through the Leno Learning Link partnership on Friday, Mr Lloyd thanked founder and CEO of Leno, Sean K Longley for his vision and generosity in helping the Ministry and country put a device in the hands of every public school student who needed one. He also recognised the partners, corporate sponsors, individual donors, organisations and NGOs who contributed.
will involve the redevelopment of the harbour into a new cruise facility, with three new additional berths capable of accommodating the largest cruise ships in the world. There will be a harbour village, comprising shopping outlets, restaurants, beach and wellness areas, and a multi-modern transportation hub, with infrastructure for water ferries and ground transportation. The Grand Bahama International Airport, which sustained severe damage during Dorian, is also in need of major redevelopment.
The government has agreed to acquire the airport for $1 from the Grand Bahama Port Authority and Hutchison Whampoa. The asset will be transferred to the Airport Authority, which will also assume a portion of staff related costs which are not expected to exceed $1m. Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar indicated that once the transaction is completed, the airport will be owned by the AA and redeveloped and managed by the SPV, similar in concept to the Nassau Airport Development Company Ltd. That SPV will be charged with
redevelopment, rebuilding, and making the new airport in Freeport, far more resilient against significant weather events such as hurricanes. Minister of State for Finance Kwasi Thompson has indicated that several investors are interested in entering into a publicprivate partnership with the government to redevelop the airport in Grand Bahama. The redevelopment and reopening of both the airport and hotel will revive the island’s tourism sector, which has been significantly affected over the past 18 months.
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
and the local business community. “While this might only be a six-month initial programme, the 26 visits to Grand Bahama for them to supply three and a half to 4,000 passengers and crew is a huge opportunity,” he said. “At the webinar, there will be representatives from the Chamber, Port Authority, government representatives, but more importantly, the people from Royal Caribbean who will (share) what they are looking for and how businesses can apply to become suppliers to Royal Caribbean,” Mr Holding said. Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas will begin sailing in June. According to Mr Holding, all passengers and crew must be vaccinated and will have COVID-19 tests on arrival in The Bahamas. He said: “In terms of The Bahamas, yes, people will be allowed off the vessel and they will be allowed to visit facilities here whether they be tours, or kayaking, or zipline, or whatever activities they wish to participate in – they will able to do that.”
Grand Bahama Port Authority President Ian Rolle also thinks that RCCL homeporting will significantly stimulate the local economy. He indicated that all the entities involved in the event are working together to ensure the island and its people can benefit from the many opportunities that exist. “We believe that together we can make it better for the people in Grand Bahama – the government, the Chamber, and the GB Port Authority felt that way, and what we want is for that same spirit of working together to flow down into licensees because this is so big that it is important to know that one entity may not be able to meet the capacity of this vessel. “We are talking about a seven-day type cruise. Although they are coming here once a week, that ship has to make access over to provisions every single day. It has to feed persons every single day, and it has put certain artefacts or gifts in the shops every single day. So, this is a tremendous opportunity for us to work together,” Mr Rolle said.
HOME PORT WEBINAR TODAY all hands will be on deck to ensure the Grand Bahama economy benefits from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s homeporting initiative during scheduled stops to Freeport. A Homeport Procurement Workshop — an informational webinar — is set for 1pm today by the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce, Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Royal Caribbean Group, along with government officials. During the event, business licensees will learn how they can become suppliers for the ship. Royal Caribbean plans to make 26 scheduled visits to Freeport over six months. During those stops, the ship will need to refuel, as well as procure provisions to feed its passengers and crew, and to restock the gift stores onboard the vessel. Mick Holding of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce believes this would be a tremendous benefit to Grand Bahama
PAGE 6, Monday, April 26, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
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All adults eligible for vaccine - now’s the time IF you’ve been waiting and waiting to get your COVID-19 vaccine, now is the time. All adults are now eligible for the vaccine, starting from today. Book your jab and get it done. For those who have had their first jab and have not already received an appointment for your second inoculation, you should start hearing in the next two weeks about when to book your appointment. So far, 25,692 doses of the vaccine have been administered. So, while it is good news that any adult can now sign up for the jab, we still have a very long way to go to reach the levels of vaccination needed to reach herd immunity and push back this virus. Getting vaccinated is a boost not just for your health, but for the economy. You only have to look over at Europe to see how they are opening their doors this summer to American tourists who are fully vaccinated. The implication is clear – if you’re fully vaccinated, you’ll be able to travel again. And for an economy such as ours, which makes a large chunk of its money out of tourism, that means people will be wanting to come here too. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis already announced last week that fully vaccinated people can travel to The Bahamas without the need for a negative COVID test from the start of May. As for us, we’ll be able to travel around the islands without a test once we’re fully vaccinated. We should not get ahead of ourselves – that is still a small fraction of our nation that has been vaccinated so far, and perhaps we might worry about how many people have come forward for vaccinations if it is now being made available to everyone. The time has not yet passed, however. Get signed up, get your vaccine. If you have difficulty going to one of the sites because of disability or being stuck at home, reach out to the vaccination sites and see how they can help. Don’t delay and then find out you’ve missed your chance in this first allocation of vaccines. That permission to travel is likely going to apply to us too
when we want to go abroad. Want that Florida trip? Well, be prepared, get your jab.
Fading La Playa
The whole story surrounding the La Playa property seems to be such a mess. We bought it. That’s our money that was used to buy it for $3.5m. Did we buy it just to let it rot away? Regardless of which government bought it, shouldn’t there be some regard for our investment? Whether it’s Paul Wynn that it’s sold to, or another developer - or used by our cash-strapped government itself, we should do something with it rather than just let it get overgrown and broken down. At this rate, it’s going to end up the grandest mansion for homeless people on the island. It’s a sad sign of the decay along that whole stretch of seafront. Further along is Fairview, another abandoned building but which thankfully is being kept up with impeccable grounds. When that gets sold or developed, it’ll look a lot more enticing than La Playa. Further on again, there’s the miserable old Gaming Board building, and then the abandoned Bahamas Development Bank building. Abandoned. Decaying. Unloved. Untouched. Those properties have value, the land has value, and that value belongs to us, the people, and their stewards, the government, ought to do something rather than nothing. There’s a reason taxis take tourists - when we had them - as far as they could before taking roads which brought them down town. It’s a disgrace. A decades-long eyesore which nobody in authority has really grabbed hold of. This one building is a perfect example worse still, the government owns it, has no plan for it, no money to do anything with it and yet we have a developer right next door ready to take it off our hands. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? We’d love to know. Prime Minister, we’ve asked you three times for a comment on La Playa. Don’t be so coy. Let us know what you’re going to do with it.
Concern over vaccinations EDITOR, The Tribune. AS A concerned citizen of The Bahamas, I am disturbed by recent events regarding the issue of vaccinations. I understand that the Prime Minister made a statement where he declared that persons who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be exempted from PCR testing when travelling domestically. He also stated that indoor dining can resume for those who have been fully vaccinated, and that fully vaccinated individuals can interact in closed environments once all individuals in that group have been fully vaccinated. I find this to be troubling because not only have the health experts said that the COVID-19 vaccines do not prevent one from contracting the virus or spreading it to others, but also this same Prime Minister, along with the Minister of Health, have both stated that the COVID-19 vaccines will not be mandatory. This is sending conflicting messages. In addition to this, the Prime Minister and his
Cabinet appear to be creating a new caste system where one group of persons (those who have been fully vaccinated) will be given privileges and benefits that will be denied to another group (the unvaccinated). The Constitution of the Bahamas states clearly that this is unlawful according to Article 26. However, I am not surprised at all, since about a year ago, the Prime Minister stood in the House of Assembly and made this chilling statement: “What that demonstrates, Mr Speaker, that governments will be placed in situations where at some point in time they will have to make what they call discriminatory or unconstitutional decisions against their people in the interest of the advancement of their nation.” We, the Bahamian public, seem to have paid little attention to what the Prime Minister said at that time, as it appeared that he was implying that the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution are just mere “conveniences” that can be tossed aside and trampled
underfoot, depending on the prevailing circumstances. I guess that is why not even a whisper has been uttered by any Government leader in response to some employers who are attempting to mandate that their employees either get vaccinated or face termination. What I wish to know is this: 1. Exactly where is the Prime Minister and his Government taking this country? 2. When do they plan to bring an end to the state of emergency? 3. Does the Prime Minister have any intention of giving up the emergency powers? 4. Do they plan to continue using the COVID-19 pandemic to promote fear and as an excuse to trample on the Constitution? These are questions that I am quite sure that every concerned citizen and resident of the Bahamas want answered. STEWART COURTNEY Nassau, April 24, 2021.
Tourism chief miscalculated EDITOR, The Tribune. I READ with amazement in The Tribune that your Tourism Minister is lamenting the fact that Air Canada will not be resuming service to Nassau next month. This route is longstanding having begun in 1947. I have operated a travel agency in the Toronto area for fifty years and have been regularly sending clients to Nassau for all that time. Our family are also of Bahamian ancestry. It would appear that your Minister and staff did little research of the Canadian market or consultation before imposing very harsh entry requirements when the borders were opened last summer. As a result our bookings to The Bahamas nearly disappeared. We went from Nassau being our prime southern destination to the bottom. We ended up sending even our longtime Bahamas bound clients elsewhere chiefly to Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. We only had a few bookings for Nassau! Working couples did not have the time to wait in long queues at hospitals to get the required COVID-19 PCR test. No private healthcare is allowed
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net in Canada. They would wait two to three days for the results and then be forced to take more time to scan the result and other forms to Nassau for the bureaucratic Health Visa. The return time for permission to travel was uncertain and flights to Nassau reduced from daily to once weekly. Clients had to be there in the ridiculously short five day time span from testing. Clients simply could not be bothered to go through all these hassles so they travelled to destinations with more realistic entry rules. How could the Tourism Minister ever think people would be willing to go through all those roadblocks? It was unbelievable. Despite many complaints he refused to ease the rules. Now we see the results. The tourism industry in The Bahamas has nearly collapsed. How does he realistically think when flights eventually resume that Air Canada and other airlines can fill the flights to Nassau if all these rules remain? Sadly there is no longer much interest in The
Bahamas. I could also not believe that Nassau health care workers are urging the rules be kept even if visitors have both vaccines. The rollout of vaccines in Canada is slow but steady. It will be a long time before Canadians receive both vaccines. After speaking with other travel agents in this area we believe that unless you drastically ease the restrictions and make it far easier to enter there will be little interest in coming to The Bahamas. So much of this could have been prevented if you had just allowed visitors to bring the test result with them for an extended seven day time period. Your Tourism Minister and staff have seriously miscalculated the results of their poorly conceived policies and the country is now reaping the whirlwind to the devastating effect on your economy. He can lament all he wants. He must accept blame for the policies of his Ministry. I never thought that this situation could ever arise for the beautiful Bahamas. GEORGE HITCHCOCK Toronto, Canada. April 24, 2021.
Travel restrictions EDITOR, The Tribune.
YET again the Tourism Minister has given rosy predictions about the revival of tourism. His previous pronouncements have not happened. His imposition of some of the harshest entry rules in the whole world have helped bring the major economic activity of The Bahamas to a state of near collapse. Even ardent supporters of The Bahamas such as our family who own a holiday property have not been able to visit for more than a year. We have been unable to complete all the onerous rules of tests, waiting for results, scanning the information for the Health Visa and finding flights that would take us there within the tight five day rule from the test. Most people cannot comply and are unwilling to endure the
hassles. Our travel agent who was formerly a great booster for your country is sending people elsewhere. The health professionals who want to clamp down on tourists have apparently won the argument over the financial people who look in great dismay at the near destruction of the main economic activity. Obviously this situation cannot go on for much longer. Yet the health people now want even people with both vaccine shots to endure restrictions. It should be remembered that it was not the tourists for the most part last summer who brought the virus as they all had to have tests. It was the Bahamians themselves whom the Government allowed to travel overseas for three days and not have to be tested to return home
who brought the virus. If the new revised rules are not far easier and without hassles there will be little revival of tourism. Most cruise passengers would also not want to be bothered with the expensive and time consuming process. Many flights will not resume. Lost in all of these travel rules has been any common sense. The mass unemployment which has been caused is destroying the future for Bahamians. Health professionals who are secure in their jobs need not worry. However the average Bahamian family continues to suffer hardship and the worst may be yet to come if things are not changed quickly. DAVID CUNNINGHAM USA April 23, 2021.
THE TRIBUNE
Monday, April 26, 2021, PAGE 7
RF ECONOMIC OUTLOOK EVENT GOES VIRTUAL THE annual RF Economic Outlook will be going fully virtual this year - reflecting not only the new normal after COVID-19 but also the conference’s 2021 theme. RF Bank and Trust president and CEO Michael A Anderson said that the theme was Global Digital Disruption: Threat or Opportunity? “Over the past few years, we’ve seen exponential growth in technology that has dramatically changed the global business landscape,” Mr Anderson said. “Caribbean developing nations share many of the same challenges. Chief among them is finding innovative ways to drive
economic growth while keeping pace with rapid technology developments that have as much potential to develop new revenue sources as to threaten existing revenues. “The 2021 event theme is designed to help leaders chart a path through global disruption and find
the opportunities to build sustainable growth in the region. “We hope that our expansion to a wider Caribbean audience will serve as a catalyst for conversations and collaborations across borders.” The issues addressed at this year’s conference
include the growing threats associated with China’s technological developments, the rapid technology-driven improvements in healthcare, using technology to drive growth in tourism, the development of more sustainable energy solutions for our markets and the massive expected growth and opportunities in digital assets and currencies. All sessions will be available on demand after the event for a limited time. This year, the event will expand into Barbados and take the form of one regional event across the Caribbean. More 900 delegates from The Bahamas, Cayman and Barbados and are expected to attend.
Man guilty over $26k drugs find By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net CHIEF Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt will on Tuesday determine the fate of a 32-year-old man who on Friday confessed to being in possession of $26,000 worth of marijuana and cocaine. Christopher Cartwright was charged with two counts of possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to supply after officers seized nine pounds of Indian hemp along with a pound of cocaine when they raided his residence on April 21. According to the prosecution, the marijuana is worth $13,500 while the cocaine has a street value of $12,500. Police said that on the same day 10 unfired rounds of .9mm ammunition and another round
of .45 ammunition were also found at Cartwright’s residence. When the accused appeared before the Chief Magistrate on Friday, he owned up to the offences. However, his co-accused, Aniqueker Astwood, who was arraigned with him, denied the allegations. The court was told that around 6.35am that day, a team of officers, along with a dog from the K-9 unit, proceeded to Cartwright’s apartment complex. Upon their arrival they identified themselves, showed the accused their warrant and informed him of their search. Upon entering the residence, the officers deployed the police dog who gave indications to a lower cabinet in the kitchen. When they searched it, they found three black plastic wraps that all contained a quantity of marijuana. The prosecution said the
service dog then went to a bedroom where he made indications to a closet. There, officers found another black plastic wrap with marijuana as well as a plastic bag containing a quantity of cocaine that was stashed in a tan Tommy Hilfiger jacket. This time, the dog made indications underneath the bed of another room. There, officers found a pair of Nike sneakers, which when examined, contained $1,500 cash in one foot, and a bag with another quantity of cocaine in the other foot. A further search of a drawer in the bedroom also led to the discovery of another plastic bag filled with cocaine. The police dog then went to the bathroom where another plastic wrap with marijuana and two plastic bags filled with several foil wraps were discovered. During their
PAIR FINED $5,000 EACH FOR FAKE TEST RESULTS By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net TWO women who attempted to travel to Eleuthera with falsified COVID-19 test results were each fined $5,000 on Friday. Anthonique Mackey, 31, and Miquel Sturrup, 28, were arrested after they presented fraudulent Doctors Hospital COVID-19 RT-PCR negative tests to a COVID-19 ambassador at Lynden Pindling International airport on April 16. They both pleaded guilty to possessing and uttering a forged document
when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt. The prosecution said when the women presented the fake tests to the official at the airport that day, she noticed that the electronic documents did not have the specifications that they had on file for Doctors Hospital. After she reported the matter to police, the women were arrested. When questioned in custody, Sturrup said she went to Doctors Hospital but could not find the email they sent her. Mackey on the other hand, said she bought a fake test from a woman for $70. The
court was told that further checks revealed that neither accused ever visited one of Doctors Hospital’s labs. After accepting their guilty pleas, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt told the accused that their behaviour was unacceptable and could not be justified. As a result, she fined them $2,500 for having the fake tests and another $2,500 for presenting them to the COVID ambassador at the airport. She said if Mackey and Sturrup failed to pay the fines, they would each be sentenced to three months behind bars.
MAN ACCUSED OF INDECENT ASSAULT ON GIRL, 15 By FARRAH JOHNSON Tribune Staff Reporter fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
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A 60-YEAR-OLD man was charged in the Magistrate’s Court on Friday with indecent assault. Police alleged that Vernal Munnings kissed a 15-yearold girl on her lips before telling her he liked her on April 19. He pleaded not guilty the allegation during his hearing before Chief Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt;
however, before the magistrate could consider the issue of bail, the prosecution requested an adjournment to review the antecedents
of the accused. As a result, the case was adjourned to April 26 for a bail hearing. Munnings was remanded in custody in the interim.
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investigation, officers also found a small black box with 10 live rounds of .9mm ammunition as well as one unfired round of .45mm ammunition on top of the accused’s kitchen cabinets. Cartwright was subsequently arrested and taken to the Drug Enforcement Unit. During his interview, he took ownership of the drugs, but declined to comment on the ammunition that was found in his home. After listening to the prosecution’s facts, Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt said she would adjourn the matter to consider her position properly. She is scheduled to deliver her sentence on April 27. Both Cartwright and Astwood were remanded into custody until that time.
In addition, RF has made 300+ complimentary passes available to university students in the three host countries. “One of our key goals is to inspire and equip the next generation with the tools to support continued growth in our region. We hope that by providing them with the opportunity to connect with and learn from international experts and local business leaders, we will be closer to achieving this goal,” Mr Anderson said. Speaker include Amy Zegart, co-director of the Centre for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University; Chip Conley, American Hotelier and Airbnb Strategic
Advisor; John Kiff, former senior financial sector expert at the IMF; Daniel Kraft MD, Stanford and Harvard trained physicianscientist; Ugwem Eneyo, engineer and co-founder of SHYFT Power Solutions; and Matt McFadyen, extreme adventurer and motivational speaker. The conference is sponsored by RF Bank & Trust, Aliv, Doctors Hospital Health System, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) Limited, Glinton Sweeting O’Brien Counsel and Attorneys-atLaw, JS Johnson Insurance Agents & Brokers, PricewaterhouseCoopers, REV and The Tribune Media Group. For details and to register, visit www.rfeoc.com.
WOMAN ADMITS FAKE MARRIAGE A BAHAMIAN woman pleaded guilty to entering into a fraudulent marriage during her arraignment in a Grand Bahama courtroom on Friday. Nadacate Outten, a 41-year-old mother of eight, went before Magistrate Debbye Ferguson to face two counts of entering into a fraudulent marriage. According to a release from the Department of Immigration, the accused pleaded guilty but told the court she was down on her luck and needed the funds offered in exchange for both marriages. Taking into consideration that she is the primary caregiver for her children with no assistance, the prosecution requested no custodial sentence. Magistrate Ferguson ruled that Outten pay a fine of $1,500 for each count or in default of payment, serve one year for each count at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
The charges would run consecutively. Outten was released and given until June 1 to pay the fines. Her two co-accused, Jamaican national Oral Anthony White, and Haitian national Moseles Monneus, both stated that they were unaware of Outten’s marriage to the other; however, they pleaded guilty to the charge of entering into a fraudulent marriage as the arrangement was made to ensure they received legal status to only live and work in The Bahamas, the Department of Immigration noted. The two were ordered to be deported. Haitian Monique Pierre was also arraigned on charges of overstaying. He pleaded guilty to the charge and was ordered to pay a fine of $2,000 or in default of payment serve two years at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021
THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS
Why on Earth is this jewel being allowed to fall into ruin? By TANYA SMITHCARTWRIGHT tsmith-cartwright@ tribunemedia.net THE government is being accused of ignoring all efforts made by developer Paul Wynn to take the $3.5m “La Playa” off its hands. Meanwhile the once regal building continues to deteriorate and is now an eyesore of West Bay Street. Insight gave you the back story of “La Playa” last week – a building purchased by the Christie administration for $3.5m as a Protocol House using funding from the National Insurance Board. Prior to being voted out of office, the Christie Administration tried to strike a deal with Mr Wynn – who is building a resort just yards away – to have him lease the building to house his resort’s high-end guests. In that deal, Mr Wynn was to give the government reasonable access to the building to host events involving its foreign dignitaries. The Tribune spoke with Mr Wynn, president, Wynn Group, last week who told of his countless efforts to meet with the Minnis Administration to try and resolve the future of the decaying “La Playa”. But first, he gave us his take on why he was unable to seal an agreement with the Christie administration. “Nothing was concrete,” Mr Wynn said. “I met with the Prime Minister Christie, Sir Baltron, Shane Gibson; quite a bit of them. I physically went in there two or three times to look at it. I don’t know if high-end guests would want to come in and be next to a park. How was I to share that building with the government? So it never progressed beyond a notional conversation. “With this (current) government, I spoke with the former Finance Minister Peter Turnquest and I thought I was going to be able to deal with Dr Minnis directly on it and then it got shot over to several other
Ministers in bureaucracy, then nothing.” Mr Wynn indicated that although he continuously tried to organise a meeting to move things forward, he felt he was being “ignored” by this government. “We need to see if we can come to a conclusion, there,” he continued. “But to just ignore it and not deal with it and let this thing deteriorate is not good... Just package the property and sell it to a developer. Just don’t let it sit and deteriorate because it will get like Freeport. “I’m not going to use it for commercial activity. I want to make it into something that cleans up the
place. It will satisfy everyone. I mean, it gets rid of an eyesore for the government and it sets up better facilities for the park. I will fix up the park, too.” Mr Wynn was emphatic about keeping whatever dealings he might have with the government transparent and above the table, so as not to cause a doubt in anyone’s mind. He said he is willing to negotiate with the government for “La Playa” and is confident what he has to offer cannot be matched. “I will make a proposal, here’s the benefits to the community, to the country, to myself… I’m not going to deny it,” he said. “I just want to be able to present
this problem’. They have got someone who is willing to put up the money; not earn any money because of it and I don’t think they will have that opportunity again.” GoldWynn, the development by the Wynn group, is currently being built directly opposite the Office of the Prime Minister on West Bay Street. It is currently valued at some $140m. Sadly, GoldWynn is surrounded by abandoned buildings on the West Bay strip which includes “Fairview”, a home owned by a private bank situated on the western side of the resort. Thankfully, “Fairview’s” owner is invested in the something to the govern- upkeep of that property – ment and instead of the grounds and building are government ignoring me, impeccable. There are also send something back. Let’s signs declaring it to be prigo back and forth on paper, vate property and ordering one or two times, and then the public not to trespass have a meeting at the Office there. Next to “Fairview” is of the Prime Minister. the once magnificent “La “I would like Playa” which to see a govbears no sigernment show ‘I would like to that it cares see a government nage to ward anyone. and to make show that it cares off Then just past direct contact Goodman’s with us, with and to make Bay is the just one minis- direct contact ter and Prime with us, with just mould-infested former Minister who Gaming Board can actually one minister and building and make a deci- Prime Minister sion. Let it be who can actually just west of that buildknown and let ing is the now it be transpar- make a decision. abandoned ent. I don’t Let it be known Bahamas want to see an and let it be Development article in the Bank building. paper that it transparent.’ All buildings was done in secret. I think it would be are unoccupied. All buildthe best presentation they ings are unmentioned and can ever hope for as we are un-actioned by The Bahadoing it through a charita- mas’ government. The Tribune asked Mr ble foundation.” Wynn how these abanAsked if he was hopeful that he would soon get doned buildings will affect a meeting with the gov- his business. His response ernment he said, “No, I was grim. “It’s bad for business!” he am not hopeful! I’d like to be pleasantly surprised. said. “What will happen is Exceed my expectations! I don’t make sales because Dealing with the govern- of this and a whole lot of ment on ‘La Playa’, I am people have asked what not hopeful. I would love is going to happen with to exceed my expectations the abandoned buildings by the government coming next to the park. No one back and saying ‘Let’s fix is buying a house next to a park for land value,” the developer continued. “It’s just not worth it. With ‘Fairview’, the bank doesn’t want to sell it right now. They told us they will come back to us in a couple of years. “In any event, I would not buy both properties. I would buy one or other. It’s like a dog’s breakfast. We’re starting with ‘La Playa’ and going nowhere, then we want ‘Fairview’ and going nowhere there. “No one really measures it, but when you go to Freeport and you see all those abandoned buildings. I had Our Lucayan on contract for close to a year. I came to the conclusion that even if they gave it to me for free I can’t make it work. I
have hotels so I really know about that business. “The Bahamas has to be a higher brand. A former Tourism Minister said, ‘In The Bahamas we can’t race to the bottom we have to keep our brand because we can’t compete at the bottom’.” A government contact told The Tribune that perhaps Mr Wynn’s hoped-for meeting is being “delayed” because the government was left holding the bag when he walked away from the $300m deal involving Our Lucaya. The Tribune also learned that “La Playa” is not alone in its disrepair. There are many homes in the treasury of The Bahamas that are in a state of serious disrepair. In 2019, there was a committee formed to list and make recommendations on these homes which are mostly situated in western New Providence. The committee did a full assessment of all the properties and turned over its report to Minister Brensil Rolle to present to Cabinet. Nothing has been heard about it since then. “I know as a fact that Peter Turnquest tried relentlessly to get a meeting between Wynn and the Prime Minister, but I guess his fate with the government was already sealed because the Prime Minister would not budge,” said the government source. “The Prime Minister was not listening to him. Turnquest was being ignored just like the developer. “The government should really treasure the few foreign developers that we have, because they have not attracted any new developers since they came to power in 2017. Let’s not talk about the Oban deal because I think the world saw what happened there.” For the past two weeks, three requests have been made to the Office of the Prime Minister for commentary on the matter of “La Playa”, but we have received no response. The story on “La Playa” has caused quite a stir and to that end someone anonymously gifted The Tribune with photos of the current state of its interior. The Tribune shared the photos with a prominent architect whose thoughts differed from those of Mr Wynn’s. After assessing and itemising material and costs, he feels “La Playa” can be salvaged for under $2.5m and would be worth it because of the quality of the building and its intended purpose. Restoration, he said, requires the use of original material. All it takes is for someone in government to cut this knot. What should be a gem on the New Providence shoreline surely can’t be allowed to fall further into ruin.
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
INSIGHT
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 PAGE 9
Has the government jumped the gun in easing travel restrictions? By MALCOLM STRACHAN THE landscape of COVID-19 is ever-changing, as science continues to uncover more about the virus. Now, it seems, there are indications vaccinated people who do contract the virus have a much slimmer chance of transmitting it to others than earlier projected – another boon for global confidence. While there are still circumstances where infections occur, mostly found in people over 60, this has supposedly given the competent authority enough confidence to announce the ease of restrictions for vaccinated people. The announcement came after two consecutive weeks of rising cases in the country, leaving no doubt we are in the feared third wave. This wave is proving to be the most threatening thus far. Looking outward, the US, which has about a third of its adults fully vaccinated and 40 percent of its total population receiving at least one dose of a vaccine, is still not out of the woods. However, some states are averaging higher case counts than ever – 7,000 new cases a day in Michigan, for example. Provinces across Canada Ontario in particular - are experiencing the worst of the pandemic as the struggle to vaccinate the population collides with the limited supply of vaccines, and their population’s fatigue with COVID-19 restrictions. India, Thailand, Brazil, Peru and South Korea are all facing troubling times where less than five percent of their populations are vaccinated and infections are spreading like wildfire. It is no secret that countries like the US, which secured for themselves the vast majority of vaccines on the market, are the ones setting the gold standard. Even though reports from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed t he UK variant is now the most prevalent in the country, confidence seems to only increase as President Biden just lauded his administration’s success in hitting 200 million vaccinations in their first 100 days. This is an incredible feat - but for many countries, including The Bahamas, the picture looks a bit different. COVID-19 has battered
our economy, sucking the life out of our tourism industry. I would imagine any positive sign that may increase American travellers’ confidence could be seen as an opportunity for us. But it might not be as black and white as them being ready to travel and us being open to receive them – even with eased restrictions. While it may increase our attractiveness as a destination, we are still very much in the heat of a battle with COVID-19. As a result, many have found the May 1 date for removing RT-PCR testing as a prerequisite for visitors who have proof of full vaccination as a gamble. Certainly, there are some who view this as a practical step to pump life back into a limp economy. Certainly, one cannot argue the need for something to take place in that regard. However, there is also the contingent of Bahamians who remember what felt like a rushed opening on July 1 of last year, which many believe plunged the country into a second wave. And while this has never been acknowledged by the government, those opinions have not gone away. Simultaneously, we are struggling to get our people vaccinated fast enough due to limiting circumstances
such as a lack of supply of the vaccines and manpower. Juxtaposed with cases surging and Princess Margaret Hospital becoming overwhelmed once again due to the number of individuals needing to be admitted, one could conclude that we have some pressing matters to consider before we ease restrictions. Also, we should consider that despite America’s good standing as far as it relates to vaccinations, the CDC is not budging on its requirements stipulating even those who are fully vaccinated must be tested. Their website reads: “All air passengers coming to the United States, including US citizens and fully vaccinated people, are required to have a negative COVID19 test result no more than three days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past three months before they board a flight to the United States.” Yet, we are willing to take such a risk so soon. It honestly seems too rushed, and we can only hope this doesn’t lead to more problems in an already challenging situation being faced by Bahamians. To date, just over 21,000 people have been given
their first shot of the vaccine – around five percent of our total population. Although we are scheduled to receive an additional 67,200 vaccines through the COVAX facility next month, at the rate vaccinations are moving, Health Minister Renward Wells’ notion of achieving herd immunity by the summer has already evaporated into thin air. With no idea where the next set of vaccines are coming from, as small as chances are for infection to spread from fully
vaccinated people, the risk may still be too great for us if we have no guarantees about how we are going to vaccinate an additional 100,000 to 150,000 people. That is an additional 200,000 to 300,000 doses of the vaccine. This has yet to receive a definitive answer from the government. And if we are being fair about it, they are probably scratching their heads just like many other governments are. But if they are unable to answer such important question, perhaps
they can answer another. With all things considered, is May 1 the best time to stop testing vaccinated visitors coming in with more infectious and deadlier variants hopping around the globe? Just last week, Dr Merceline Dahl-Regis warned of the concern about strains identified from the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa and India. With the US rampant with the UK variant, it’s only a matter of time before it arrives here in strength if we open the doors too soon.
PAGE 10 MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021
World View
By SIR RONALD SANDERS IN Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados there is outrage in some quarters that the US Embassy, accredited to these countries, has listed them as “Level 4 – very high” for risk of infection with the coronavirus. Under this categorisation, the US Embassy cautions their citizens and residents not to travel to these countries. Even though it may be based on misunderstandings of the criteria being applied by the US Embassy, the outrage is understandable for two reasons. First, Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados rank at 26 and 33 respectively of the countries that have inoculated a high percentage of their population with at least one dose of a vaccine. Antigua and Barbuda has vaccinated 29.4 percent of their inhabitants and Barbados 24.75 per cent as of April 22. Second, the numbers of infected persons are declining in both countries. These factual situations suggest the two countries should not be on the highest level of caution to US residents who comprise a significant number of the tourists to the Caribbean. However, to be fair to the US Embassy, its travel advisories have been issued in accordance with new measurements issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
in the US. Under those new yardsticks, Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados join eight other Caribbean countries at “Level 4”. These eight countries are among the main Caribbean competitors for US tourism. They are: The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, US Virgin Islands and Saint Martin. Furthermore, much larger, and richer countries are also on the current “Level 4” list, including Canada, the UK, Germany, Switzerland and Sweden. Therefore, the “Level 4” categorisation should not be regarded as an attempt to disadvantage Antigua and Barbuda or Barbados. Through no fault of the governments or the health authorities of the two countries and, despite the herculean efforts that both have made amid gravely declining revenues, the single event that ran afoul of the new CDC criteria is the spike in the number of infected persons over the 28-day cycle, preceding the travel advisory. These spikes took Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados over the threshold set for infected cases per 100 persons of the population. Regrettably, what this boils down to is the refusal
INSIGHT
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LESS OUTRAGE AT US CAUTION ON TRAVEL - MORE ACTION TO OPEN ECONOMIES of some sections of the population to follow the rules set down for masking and physical distancing. Those who have ignored safety rules contributed to spikes in the number of infected cases. Those, who now refuse to be vaccinated, are ready hosts for the virus to infect. They, too, are contributing to the likelihood of increasing cases. Governments understand both the frustration that people feel from living in the restrictions, caused by COVID-19, over the past year, as well as the fear that has been generated about being inoculated. Therefore, they have been systematically trying to ease restrictions, recognising that no country in the world
can eliminate them while the pandemic prevails. Indeed, until at least 70 to 80 percent of any country’s population is vaccinated, the removal of restrictions, that everyone craves, will not happen. This is why everyone should be willing to endure the restrictions until inoculation reaches herd immunity. If the spikes in infection continue because of disregard for safety rules and refusal to be vaccinated, then the US and other countries will be constrained, in their own interest, to recommend that their people do not visit. What all this says is that people in the Caribbean can influence the level of caution at which their countries are placed by the CDC in the US and by agencies in other countries. Those who choose to ignore the safety rules are endangering their own health and the persons with whom they are in most contact. They are also imperilling the livelihoods of everyone else in their countries by delaying the time when the economies can open, bringing back jobs; generating income and savings; and restoring freedom. An observation of Dominican-born, Dr Carissa Etienne, the indefatigable Director of the Pan American Health Organisation, is worth recalling: “Every person that is hesitant to get the vaccine can become part of the sad statistics – one of the thousands of deaths that occur daily due to COVID-19.” Given the current dire circumstances of most Caribbean economies, particularly the ones highly dependent on tourism, they need to open soon to have any chance of shortening a painful period to recovery. Conversations will be held with the CDC in the coming days by diplomatic representatives like me and agents of health authorities – as has happened in the past – to review the level at which Caribbean countries
‘Every person that is hesitant to get the vaccine can become part of the sad statistics – one of the thousands of deaths that occur daily due to COVID-19.’ Dr Carissa Etienne are listed. The CDC has no interest in harming Caribbean countries. Once the rate of infection is reduced and testing and inoculations continue, the agency will adjust the level. How soon Caribbean countries get to levels 2 and 1, removing travel cautions, is dependent on how committed Caribbean people are to making themselves as free as possible of the coronavirus. This is not a time to be outraged at the efforts of others to protect their own; it is a time for Caribbean
people do everything necessary to protect themselves. • Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com. The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own.
EMAIL: insight@tribunemedia.net
INSIGHT
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 PAGE 11
Supermoon’s hiding a risk we can’t ignore
By BRIAN MCNOLDY Senior Research Associate, University of Miami A “SUPER full moon” is coming tomorrow and coastal cities like Miami know that means one thing: a heightened risk of tidal flooding. Exceptionally high tides are common when the moon is closest to the Earth, known as perigee, and when it’s either full or new. In the case of what’s informally known as a super full moon, it’s both full and at perigee. But something else is going on with the way the moon orbits the Earth that people should be aware of. It’s called the lunar nodal cycle, and it’s presently hiding a looming risk that can’t be ignored. Right now, we’re in the phase of an 18.6-year lunar cycle that lessens the moon’s influence on the oceans. The result can make it seem like the coastal flooding risk has levelled off, and that can make sea level rise less obvious. But communities shouldn’t get complacent. Global sea level is still rising with the warming planet, and that 18.6-year cycle will soon be working against us. I am an atmospheric scientist at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science who keeps a close eye on sea level rise in Miami. Here’s what you need to know.
WHAT THE MOON HAS TO DO WITH COASTAL FLOODING
The moon’s gravitational pull is the dominant reason we have tides on Earth. More specifically, Earth rotating beneath the moon once per day and the moon orbiting around Earth once per month are the big
reasons that the ocean is constantly sloshing around. In the simplest terms, the moon’s gravitational pull creates a bulge in the ocean water that is closest to it. There’s a similar bulge on the opposite side of the planet due to inertia of the water. As Earth rotates through these bulges, high tides appear in each coastal area every 12 hours and 25 minutes. Some tides are higher than others, depending on geography. The sun plays a role too: Earth’s rotation, as well as its elliptic orbit around the sun, generates tides that vary throughout the day and the year. But that impact is less than half of what the moon contributes. This gravitational tugof-war on our water was discovered nearly 450 years ago, though it’s been happening for nearly four billion years. In short, the moon has very strong control over how we experience sea level. It doesn’t affect sea level rise, but it can hide or exaggerate it.
SO, WHAT IS THE LUNAR NODAL CYCLE?
To begin, we need to think about orbits. Earth orbits the sun in a certain plane – it’s called the ecliptic plane. Let’s imagine that plane being level for simplicity. Now picture the moon orbiting Earth. That orbit also lies on a plane, but it’s slightly tilted, about five degrees relative to the ecliptic plane. That means that the moon’s orbital plane intersects Earth’s orbital plane at two points, called nodes. The Moon’s orbital plane precesses, or wobbles, to a maximum and minimum of +/- 5 degrees over a period of about 18.6 years. This natural cycle of orbits is called the Lunar Nodal Cycle. When the lunar plane is more closely aligned with the plane of Earth’s equator, tides on Earth are
exaggerated. Conversely, when the lunar plane tilts further away from the equatorial plane, tides on Earth are muted, relatively. The lunar nodal cycle was first formally documented in 1728 but has been known to keen astronomical observers for thousands of years.
WHAT EFFECT DOES THAT HAVE ON SEA LEVEL?
The effect of the nodal cycle is gradual – it’s not
anything that people would notice unless they pay ridiculously close attention to the precise movement of the moon and the tides for decades. But when it comes to predictions of tides, dozens of astronomical factors are accounted for, including the lunar nodal cycle. It’s worth being aware of this influence, and even taking advantage of it. During the most rapid downward phase of the lunar nodal cycle – like we’re in right now – we
have a bit of a reprieve in the observed rate of sea level rise, all other things being equal. These are the years to implement infrastructure plans to protect coastal areas against sea level rise. Once we reach the bottom of the cycle around 2025 and start the upward phase, the lunar nodal cycle begins to contribute more and more to the perceived rate of sea level rise. During those years, the rate of sea level rise is effectively doubled in places like
Miami. The impact varies from place to place since the rate of sea level rise and the details of the lunar nodal cycle’s contribution vary. Another “super full moon” will be coming up on May 26, so like the one tomorrow, it’s a perigean full moon. Even with the lunar nodal cycle in its current phase, cities like Miami should expect some coastal flooding. • Originally published on theconversation.com
PAGE 12, Monday, April 26, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Nomadland triumphs at a very different Oscars By JAKE COYLE AP Film Writer CHLOE Zhao’s “Nomadland”, a wistful portrait of itinerant lives on open roads across the American West, won best picture Sunday at the 93rd Academy Awards, where the China-born Zhao also became just the second woman to win best director, and the first woman of color. The “Nomadland” victory, while widely expected, nevertheless capped the extraordinary rise of Zhao, a lyrical filmmaker whose winning film is just her third, and which — with a budget less than $5m and featuring a cast populated by non-professional actors - ranks as one of the most modest-sized movies to win Hollywood’s top honor. Zhao’s next film, Marvel’s “Eternals”, has a budget approximately 40 times that of “Nomadland”. Only Kathryn Bigelow, 11 years ago for “The Hurt Locker,” is the only woman to previously have won best director. But “Nomadland”, as a plain-spoken meditation on solitude, grief and grit, stuck a chord in a pandemic-ravaged year. It made for an unlikely Oscar champ: A film about people who gravitate to the margins took center stage. “I have always found goodness in the people I’ve met everywhere I went in the world,” said Zhao when accepting best director. “This is for anyone who has the faith and the courage to hold on to the goodness in themselves and to hold on the goodness in other no matter how difficult it is to do that.” With a howl, “Nomadland” star Frances McDormand implored people to seek out her film and others on the big screen. Released by the Disney-owned Searchlight Pictures, “Nomadland” premiered at a drive in and debuted in theaters, but found its largest audience on Hulu. “Please watch our movie on the largest screen possible and one day very, very soon, take everyone you know into a theater, shoulder to shoulder in that dark space, and watch every film that’s represented here tonight,” McDormand said. Soon after, McDormand won best actress, too. The win puts McDormand (previously a winner for “Fargo” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”) in rare company as a three-time acting winner. Only Katherine Hepburn (a four-time winner) has won best actress more times. In the night’s biggest surprise, best actor went to Anthony Hopkins for the dementia drama “The Father”. The award had been widely expected to go to Chadwick Boseman for his final performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”. Hopkins was not in attendance. The most ambitious award show held during the pandemic, the Oscars
DIRECTOR CHLOE ZHAO, left, appears with actress Frances McDormand on the set of “Nomadland”.
ANTHONY Hopkins “The Father.” rolled out a red carpet and restored some glamour to the nearly century-old movie institution, but with a much transformed — and in some ways downsized — telecast. It was a year when, to paraphrase Norma Desmond, the pictures got smaller were overwhelmingly seen in the home, not in the big screen, during a pandemic year that forced theaters close and prompted radical change in Hollywood. It was also perhaps the diverse Academy Awards ever, with more women and more actors of color nominated than ever before — and Sunday brought a litany of records and firsts across many categories, spanning everything from hairstyling to composing to acting. It was, some observers said, a sea change for an awards harshly criticised as “OscarsSoWhite” in recent years, leading the film academy to greatly expand membership. The ceremony — fashioned as a movie of its own and styled as a laidback party — kicked off with opening credits and a slinky Regina King entrance, as the camera followed the actress and “One Night
in Miami” director in one take as she strode with an Oscar in hand into Los Angeles’ Union Station and onto the stage. Inside the transit hub (trains kept running), nominees sat at cozy, lamp-lit tables around an intimate amphitheater. Some moments — like Glenn Close getting down to “Da Butt” — were more relaxed, but the ceremony couldn’t just shake off the past 14 months. “It has been quite a year and we are still smack dab in the middle of it,” King said. Daniel Kaluuya won best supporting actor for “Judas and the Black Messiah”. The win for the 32-yearold British actor who was previously nominated for “Get Out”, was widely expected. Kaluuya won for his fiery performance as the Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, whom Kaluuya thanked for showing him “how to love myself”. “You’ve got to celebrate life, man. We’re breathing. We’re walking. It’s incredible. My mum met my dad, they had sex. It’s amazing. I’m here. I’m so happy to be alive,” said Kaluuya while cameras caught his mother’s confused reaction.
CHLOE Zhao at the ceremony receiving her award. With the awards capping Chung’s tender Koreana year of national reckon- American family drama ing on race and coming “Minari”. The 72-year-old days after Minneapolis Youn, a well-known actress police officer Derek Chau- in her native South Korea, vin was convicted for killing is the first Asian actress to George Floyd, police bru- win an Oscar since 1957 tality was on the minds of and the second in history. many attendees. King said She accepted the award that if the verdict had been from Brad Pitt, an execudifferent, she might have tive producer on “Minari.” traded her heels for march- “Mr Brad Pitt, finally,” said ing boots. Youn. “Nice to meet you.” Travon Free, co-director Hairstylists Mia Neal of the live-action short and Jamika Wilson of “Ma winner “Two Perfect Stran- Rainey’s Black Bottom” gers”, wore a suit jacket became the first Black lined with the names of women to win in makeup those killed by police. His and hairstyling. Ann Roth, film dramatises police bru- at 89 one of the oldest Oscar tality as an inescapable time winners ever, also won for loop like a tragic “Ground- the film’s costume design. hog’s Day” for Black The night’s first award Americans. went to Emerald Fen“Today, the police will kill nell, the writer-director of three people. And tomor- the provocative revenge row, the police will kill thriller “Promising Young three people. And the day Woman”, for best screenafter that, the police will play. Fennell, winning for kill three people because her feature debut, is the on average, the police in first woman win solo in the America everyday kill three category since Diablo Cody people, which amounts to (“Juno”) in 2007. about a thousand people The broadcast instantly a year,” said Free. “Those looked different. It’s being people happen to dispro- shot in 24 frames-per-secportionately be Black ond and in more widescreen people.” format. In a more intimate Best supporting actress show without an audience went to Yuh-Jung Youn for beyond nominees, winners the matriarch of Lee Isaac were given wider latitude in
their speeches. The telecast, produced by a team led by filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, moved out of the awards’ usual home, the Dolby Theatre, for Union Station. With Zoom ruled out for nominees, the telecast included satellite feeds from around the world. Performances of the song nominees were pre-taped and aired during the preshow. “Husavik (My Hometown)” from “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga”, was preformed from the Iceland town’s harbor. Others were sung from atop the academy’s new $500m film museum. Pixar notched its 11th best animated feature Oscar with “Soul”, the studio’s first feature with a Black protagonist. Peter Docter’s film, about a about middle-school music teacher (Jamie Foxx), was one of the few big-budget movies in the running at the Academy Awards. (It also won best score, making Jon Batiste the second Black composer win the award, which he shared with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.) Another was Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet”, which last September attempted to resuscitate moviegoing during the pandemic, took best visual effects. David Fincher’s “Mank”, a lavishly crafted drama of 1940s Hollywood made for Netflix, came in the lead nominee with ten nods and went home with awards for cinematography and for production design. Best adapted screenplay went to the dementia drama “The Father”. “My Octopus Teacher,” a film that found a passionate following on Netflix, won best documentary. Danish director Thomas Vinterberg’s “Another Round” won best international film, an award he dedicated to his daughter, Ida, who in 2019 was killed in a car crash at age 19.
CREMATORIUMS OVERWHELMED AS INDIA STRUGGLES WITH VIRUS NEW DELHI Associated Press
WITH life-saving oxygen in short supply, family members in India are left on their own to ferry coronavirus patients from hospital to hospital in search of treatment as the country is engulfed in a devastating new surge of infections. Too often their efforts end in mourning. The stories are told on social media and in television footage, showing desperate relatives pleading for oxygen outside hospitals or weeping in the street for loved ones who died waiting for treatment. One woman mourned the death of her younger
brother, aged 50. He was turned away by two hospitals and died waiting to be seen at a third, gasping after his oxygen tank ran out and no replacements were to be had. She blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for the crisis. “He has lit funeral pyres in every house,’’ she cried in a video shot by India’s weekly magazine The Caravan. For the fourth straight day, India on Sunday set a global daily record of new coronavirus infections, spurred by an insidious new variant that emerged here. The surge has undermined the government’s premature claims of victory over the pandemic.
The 349,691 confirmed infections over the past day brought India’s total to more than 16.9 million cases, behind only the United States. The Health Ministry reported another 2,767 deaths in the past 24 hours, pushing India’s fatalities to 192,311. Experts say this toll could be a huge undercount, as suspected cases are not included, and many COVID-19 deaths are being attributed to underlying conditions. The unfolding crisis is most visceral in India’s overwhelmed graveyards and crematoriums, and in heartbreaking images of gasping patients dying on their way to hospitals due
to lack of oxygen. Burial grounds in the capital New Delhi are running out of space. Bright, glowing funeral pyres light up the night sky in other badly hit cities. In the central city of Bhopal, some crematoriums have increased their capacity from dozens of pyres to more than 50. Yet officials say there are still hours-long waits. At the city’s Bhadbhada Vishram Ghat crematorium, workers said they cremated more than 110 people on Saturday, even as government figures in the entire city of 1.8 million put the total number of virus deaths at just 10. “The virus is swallowing
our city’s people like a monster,” said Mamtesh Sharma, an official at the site. The unprecedented rush of bodies has forced the crematorium to skip individual ceremonies and exhaustive rituals that Hindus believe release the soul from the cycle of rebirth. “We are just burning bodies as they arrive,” said Sharma. “It is as if we are in the middle of a war.” The head gravedigger at New Delhi’s largest Muslim cemetery, where 1,000 people have been buried during the pandemic, said more bodies are arriving now than last year. “I fear we will run out of space very soon,” said Mohammad Shameem.
The situation is equally grim at unbearably full hospitals, where desperate people are dying in line, sometimes on the roads outside, waiting to see doctors. Health officials are scrambling to expand critical care units and stock up on dwindling supplies of oxygen. Hospitals and patients alike are struggling to procure scarce medical equipment that’s being sold on the black market at an exponential markup. The drama is in direct contrast with government claims that “nobody in the country was left without oxygen”, in a statement made Saturday by India’s Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.