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Volume: 119 No.106, April 26, 2022

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MASK MANDATES GONE BY SUMMER? Prime Minister says officials considering indoor venue rules

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said remaining mask mandates in the country could be totally lifted by the summer, adding officials are currently mulling over whether indoor venues have proper ventilation to ensure COVID-19 does not circulate easily in

those settings.

In March, the Davis administration relaxed mask measures making them no longer a requirement while in a lobby, corridor or casino of a hotel or while in an outdoor setting where there is at least three feet of space between people who are not of the same household.

LANDMARK MOMENT FOR FTX

SEE PAGE FOUR

SEX OFFENDER REGISTER ‘IS ACTIVE’, SAYS MUNROE

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said the sexual offenders register is active and being updated as required by law.

His comment was in response to questions about a man who was recently arraigned in court and is believed to be a repeat sex offender. Asked why the public was not informed about the man’s whereabouts, Mr Munroe said the law does not apply

retroactively.

“The difficulty,” he said, “is, I explained when we had the issue with (the law), is it was brought into force in 2017 so it relates to people who were convicted after 2017 so if you were convicted before 2017 it doesn’t apply to you. But there is an administrator at (the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services) who runs the sexual offenders register. She is hired, she is on premises, there is a dedicated building in BDOC for it.”

SEE PAGE THREE

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis joining representatives of FTX Digital Markets yesterday at the groundbreaking ceremony for its heqadquarters in The Bahamas. For the full story, see PAGE THREE.

17 YEARS ON AND CONDO LEGAL BATTLE STILL GOING

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN QC Krystal Rolle and her attorney husband have voiced hope that lengthy legal appeals can be avoided in

their battle with a Nassau condo complex, which has accused them of “cynical” behaviour over $222,302 in disputed fees - in a case that was originally filed 17 years ago.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

MORTGAGE BUYER WINDFALL DRIVES INSURER PROFIT SURGE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN insurer RoyalStar Assurance has landed a “one-off windfall” of $8m from investing in a delinquent mortgage buyer

- and it is still targeting a 15 percent net increase once that buyer is stripped out.

Much of the 158 percent income increase came from the revaluation of Gateway Financial’s mortgage portfolio.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

CHILDREN TELL OF BEATINGS AT HOSTEL

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

TWO children testified about alleged beatings they endured at the Children’s Emergency Hostel during the trial of six women accused of child cruelty at the care home.

However, three other child witnesses who were set to testify in the trial were unable to give evidence yesterday after being

THE CHILDREN’s Emergency Hostel. considered incompetent by the magistrate.

The ruling was handed down by Magistrate Kendra Kelly yesterday at the start

of the trial involving six former employees at Children’s Emergency Hostel.

The accused women are Eloise Canter, Carmetta Woods, Natasha Pratt, Occonelle Gordon, Sabrina Smith and Shawn Seymour.

The former staff members are accused of unlawfully physically abusing nine boys and two girls in a way that caused them unnecessary suffering on September 22, 2020.

SEE PAGE SEVEN

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

FACE TO FACE: A VERY SPECIAL RETURN TO ELEUTHERA

- SEE PAGE TEN

PAGE 2, Tuesday, April 26, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

REPAIR CREWS OUT ON VILLAGE ROAD

THE Ministry of Works said contractors were working expeditiously yesterday to repair a water main leak on Village Road that caused water to settle on the road.

The leak was discovered on Sunday

night.

As a result of the repair work, motorists are advised to exercise caution driving on Village Road.

Photos: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff

BAHAMAS National Trust executive director Eric Carey.

ERIC CAREY TO STEP DOWN AS BNT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR THE Bahamas National Trust announced yesterday that Eric Carey will step down as executive director on December 31.

According to a press release from the organisation, during Mr Carey’s 15-year tenure as executive director, over $60m in revenue was raised for the BNT. “Eric has overseen dynamic organisational growth, taking BNT from a small non-profit to an environmental powerhouse of thousands of dedicated members, staff, park wardens, and both a Bahamian and international community of donors,” the press release said.

“The BNT is exceptionally proud of the impact it has achieved with Eric at the helm. Focused on the Trust’s three strategic priorities - parks, science, and education - Eric has led the development of a world-class national park system, helped save iconic Bahamian species from extinction, and played a key role in transforming the

conservation landscape in The Bahamas.

“On his watch and through the efforts of the BNT, important species such as sharks, sea turtles and the Nassau grouper gained legislative protection. Eric leaves a powerful and proud legacy for the next generation of Bahamians and global citizens who will reap the benefits of The Bahamas’ world-renowned national park system.”

For his part, Mr Carey said his time with BNT has been the “highest privilege” of his life.

“I’ve had the opportunity to manage and safeguard some of our country’s most precious jewels - our national parks - and all they have to offer,” Mr Carey said.

“Although I’m sad to close this chapter of my life and in the BNT’s history, today we are on strong footing and the time is ripe for fresh leadership. I plan to welcome my successor with full support and greatest anticipation for what

they will do to steer the organisation along the path of the future.”

About his remaining time with the organisation, Mr Carey said he remains dedicated to advocating for science and nature while ensuring BNT has a stronger financial future to set its new leader up for success.

He also called for continued support of the organisation, whether in kindness and encouragement, through membership, donations, volunteering, advocacy, spreading awareness, and for caring for the environment every day.

Geoff Andrews, president of the BNT Council, the organisation’s 29-member governing board as created by Bahamian law, thanked Mr Carey for his “outstanding dedication and leadership through the years”.

The BNT Council has initiated a formal process to identify its new executive director. More information is expected in May.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, April 26, 2022, PAGE 3

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR FTX HEADQUARTERS

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said FTX Digital Markets’ groundbreaking for its headquarters sent a strong message that The Bahamas is a safe place for international companies to set up shop.

FTX officials, alongside government representatives, put shovels in the ground yesterday signalling the start of construction at its West Bay Street property in the coming weeks for the company’s headquarters.

Mr Davis said the development was expected to hire at least 400 Bahamians throughout the various stages of construction. He said FTX is currently employing Bahamians in key positions of the company.

He said: “It sends a strong

message that The Bahamas is open for business and that any business such as this they are safe here and this is the example since FTX has come here. “The number of interest and inquiries being made in this space it’s been overwhelming and for that I take my hat off to the Securities Commission led by Ms Christina Rolle who has been handling this thing with such professionalism recognising the need to balance the interest of The Bahamas and ensuring that good actors as opposed to bad actors come into this space.

“This development is likely to have at least 400 persons employed between the construction stages,” Mr Davis also said.

“I’m just being advised by the founders and CEO of FTX that they are continually hiring Bahamians.

I met at least eight or nine key persons from FTX who are all Bahamians holding

SEX OFFENDER REGISTER ‘IS ACTIVE’, SAYS MUNROE from page one Regarding the alleged repeat offender, Mr Munroe said: “He was convicted before 2017 and so if you were convicted before 2017, the Act does not apply to you. There is somebody at the prison, a lady whose entire job is managing the list. When somebody is to be released, the process is she would advise the ministry, we would consult on how we should notify the public and then we go about doing that. But all of this is triggered by the person who

administers the list who is in BDOC.” It is not clear how many people are currently on the register.

In November, Mr Munroe said a number of sex offenders had been released from prison without being placed on the register or complying with the reporting requirements of the law even though the register came into force two years prior.

Calls for a sex offenders register intensified after the 2013 killing of 11-yearold Marco Archer. Kofhe Goodman was convicted of Archer’s murder.

very strong positions.

“We just had a chat with them and, yes, they’ll be having a number of tech people coming in to assist them, but Bahamians are being employed and they are continually looking for Bahamians to work in this space and they’re intending to, at the same time, train them to be able to benefit from this space as well.”

Mr Davis said his administration is very committed to expanding the industry.

“We are very committed. I am on the way now to meet another digital crypto giant and as I leave here I am committed, hence our white paper policy on digital assets space and we are committed to growing this and we are committed to being the leader in this space.”

However, the Prime Minister declined to reveal the name of the company he intended to meet.

Photos: Office of the Prime Minister

PAGE 4, Tuesday, April 26, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Mask mandates gone by summer? from page one Disabled people or those with special medical conditions are not required to wear a mask provided they have a medical certificate or signed letter by a medical practitioner showing proof of their disability or condition.

Asked yesterday how close the government was to lifting the mask mandate considering low new virus case numbers, Mr Davis told reporters: “Yes, we are pleased with the manner in which the Bahamian people have become so responsible about taking care of themselves and looking after others, hence you see how our numbers are very low.

“We always believed that if we left it to the Bahamian people they (would) know how to take care of themselves. Measures are not really the answer to what we are having and it’s responsible conduct and responsible living and we always believed that the Bahamians could live responsibly and that’s what we’re seeing, the result of that.”

Mr Davis, who spoke on the sidelines of a groundbreaking event yesterday, said a decision over further relaxing mask measures is being considered.

“We just need to be able to trust the Bahamian people, which we have done, and insofar as that is concerned you’ll see that a lot of measures have been relaxed,” he continued.

“They’re now considering the further relaxation of the mask mandate. Right now outdoors, it’s been relaxed.

It’s only indoors until we

are sure that some of the indoor venues could have what I call proper air ventilation to ensure that the virus is not being trapped and that is now being considered by the experts as to when we should lift the mask totally.”

Mr Davis said this could happen by or before this summer.

“If I were to put a timeline on it, by summer, by summer for sure, even sooner. As I said we have recognised that it is the Bahamians who have truly stepped up to the fore and been responsible and as long as they remain responsible, relaxations will come.”

Mr Davis was also asked if consideration was being given to eliminating testing at the borders.

He said he was unsure whether the country was ready for that level of relaxation.

“I know those are representations that have been made about testing. I don’t know whether we are there yet to eliminate testing all together as most of the new cases recently have been travel related.

“I know some countries have (eliminated the testing requirement), but as we have discovered most of our cases to date are really travel related and if it’s all travel related then we need to ensure that people who are coming in are not bringing the virus with them and when they leave they’re not carrying it with them.

“So, yes, that is on the table for consideration, but instinctively I’d be concerned about at this stage and until we are sure that the virus is either gone or

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis. it could be so managed or treated that the necessity for testing would not be necessary.”

This comes after Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville told The

Tribune on Sunday that officials were monitoring a “slight increase” in COVID-19 cases over the past few days and were set to discuss ongoing concerns about the pandemic in a

meeting this week.

Virus cases have been trending low in recent weeks, with low single digit cases recorded on some days. Only five new cases were recorded on

April 24 while six people were in hospital with the virus.

However, on April 23, 20 new cases were recorded and 17 were recorded on April 22.

timore City Community College and former recruiter of undergraduate admissions at MSU, commended Jasmine on meeting all the requirements for the scholarship.

She said that she and Mr Clarke, who both attended MSU together as athletes, have partnered to make the scholarship possible.

“Mr Clarke was adamant and wanted it to benefit the

students in the public schools and really wanted to get back to his home country, and I was all on board. We had a lot of applicants, and Jasmine was a stand-out in that process,” she said.

According to Ms Coleman, the scholarship did not require SAT or ACT scores.

Chester Cooper, principal of Eight Mile Rock

High School, said that they are proud of Jasmine, who is an excellent student.

“I am overjoyed; it is an exciting time for us. Jasmine is one of those achievers who worked hard from day one. She was one of our first 4.0 students, and she has maintained that GPA throughout high school, and that is commendable,” Mr Cooper said.

JOY FOR JASMINE AS SHE LANDS FULL SCHOLARSHIP

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net GRAND Bahama student Jasmine Pinder is the very first recipient of the C Clarke Scholarship — a full-ride academic scholarship — to attend Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.

It was a big moment for the Eight Mile Rock High School senior and her mother, Nicola Pinder, as they received the official announcement by Zoom yesterday. She was one of three finalists vying for the coveted award.

Surrounded by her school guidance counsellors and principal, Jasmine happily accepted the scholarship offer to attend one of the top ranked Black colleges in the US. “The financial burden has just been lifted,” she said.

“I want to thank you.”

Cheers erupted in the room as guidance counsellors Carlene Williams, Tennell Martin, and Dawnell Newton heard the announcement.

Jasmine, who has a 3.9 GPA and wants to major in accounting, said she is happy just to have been selected a finalist.

“Even if I did not get it, it was just amazing to hear I was a finalist because I did not know I would make it this far; thank you for making me the first recipient (of this scholarship).”

Ms Pinder, a single parent, said Jasmine is the

NICOLA PINDER, along with daughter Jasmine, receives the news of a full-ride scholarship at Morgan State University on Monday via Zoom. She is the recipient of the C Clarke Scholarship. Photos: Vandyke Hepburn youngest of three children.

“This is a big milestone; she worked extremely hard, and she is very independent. And being a single mother, I do thank you all.”

C&C Advocacy and Health Services Inc offers two full scholarships to attend MSU. The recipients will receive full scholarship to pay tuition, fees, housing, and meals.

Also at the announcement was Cathlyn Clarke, after whom the scholarship was named. He is a Grand Bahama native who has also lived in Abaco for seven years before moving to Florida at age 11.

He has pledged to help Bahamians back home, particularly in the public

schools, benefit from scholarships to attend college abroad.

“I have been over here stateside for 27 years, and I make sure to tap into what is going on back at home and go over to look at several amazing candidates throughout GB and Abaco,” he said.

Mr Clarke was impressed with Jasmine’s application and is convinced she will do well at MSU. “It was good to see the work you put in at high school in terms of academia, and the ability to know what you want out of your future,” he told the EMRHS senior.

Aaires Coleman, of Bal-

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, April 26, 2022, PAGE 5

Davis dismisses claims of conflict over Rodney Moncur appointment

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis questioned how Rodney Moncur’s appointment as a “violence interrupter” in the Ministry of National Security could be considered a conflict of interest, adding he viewed the talk show host as someone who understood inner-city communities.

In response to critics of the appointment, Mr Davis said he did not expect to please everyone and pointed to the appointment of Omar Archer, a controversial social media personality, as former contractor’s registrar in the Ministry of Works under the previous Minnis administration.

Mr Davis was asked yesterday to respond to criticism that has been levelled against the government over Mr Moncur’s appointment. Concerns have been raised about the role due

RODNEY Moncur and Philip “Brave” Davis pictured in 2018. to the former senator’s Moncur you know that he views on issues of national is the salt of the earth. He’s concern. from an area Black Village.

National Security Min- He understands and he ister Wayne Munroe also interacts with persons on the frequented Mr Moncur’s streets and we feel that he talk show before the 2021 is a fine person having had general election. that voice out there to be “I don’t expect to please able to assist in deescalating everyone. Did we hear any matters on the street with chatter when they hired, his voice and being amongst what’s this chap named them. He lives amongst again - Omar Archer?” Mr them and he is with them.”

Davis asked yesterday.

When asked if the role “Any of you who would could be viewed as a direct have known Rodney result of Mr Moncur’s ties

to Mr Munroe, Mr Davis said: “What’s the conflict?

What’s the conflict of interest? I don’t know that the Minister of National Security was being paid on the show.

“He was one of his sidekicks in the show and he, from his vision where he was sitting, became even better acquainted with Mr Moncur and better acquainted with his talents and what he can do.

And having done that he made the decision that he is someone that could help in the fight that we are in against violent crimes.”

Mr Munroe also weighed in on the controversy yesterday, telling reporters Mr Moncur is not appointed as a consultant, but as an independent contractor.

“He is not appointed as a consultant,” Mr Munroe told reporters. “He is appointed as an independent contractor and since nobody has sight of his contract I don’t know how you criticise something that you

don’t know the details of.”

He added: “He is an independent contractor with this ministry.”

Some women’s rights activists have spoken out against the appointment due to Mr Moncur’s previous controversial statements about the opposite sex.

For instance, he called for all Bahamians to vote “no” in the June 2016 gender equality referendum in order to “save women” from themselves and to “stop foreign men from having the same rights as Bahamian men.” He called the process “witchcraft”.

Asked about these concerns, Mr Munroe said people should not jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts.

“Again that’s somebody commenting on what he said to do and they don’t know what he said to do and it’s simple as that,” he said.

He added that Mr Moncur’s credentials as a community activist for the

past 30 years “speak for themselves”.

Yesterday, advocacy group Equality Bahamas criticised Mr Moncur’s appointment, saying it is “ill suited” and “unjustified.”

“He (Mr Moncur) has, on many occasions, made reckless comments and regularly demonstrates blatant disregard for women,” the group said. “It is dangerous for the government to put him in such a position, not only because he is unqualified and ill-suited, but such an appointment can be perceived as validation of his misogynistic commentary and behaviour.

“He has a following that includes people who pay attention to his ideas and people who think his antics are funny, neither of which bode well for us. The government should be addressing him and the use of his platform to reinforce gender stereotypes and subjugation of women as a barrier to ending gender-based violence, not condoning it.”

TELL THE BAHAMIAN TASTE

By PAVEL BAILEY

THE ANNOUNCEMENT of the Taste and Tell fair yesterday.

Photo: Pavel Bailey

INGRAHAM TO HOLD GRAND BAHAMA EVENT FOR BOOK

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham will be in Freeport this week for the launch of his new book in Grand Bahama.

This comes on the heels of a successful March launch in New Providence of “I Say What I Mean and I Mean What I Say, Hubert A Ingraham in His Own Words”.

Mr Ingraham will be on the island on Thursday and Friday to attend a number of activities, including the launch and presentations of his book to various local organisations and institutions.

M Teresa Butler and Patricia Glinton-Meicholas served as editors of the publication. The book, published by Guanima Press Ltd, is the first of a three-volume collection of significant speeches and statements made by Mr Ingraham during his time in

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham presenting his book to Prime Minister Philip Davis previously. frontline politics and as the gift idea for Mother’s Day and graduations,” said a nation’s leader.

The book is already on sale Grand Bahama marketing in Grand Bahama at Bethel’s consultant.

The book will also be Bookstore to allow residents to make purchases ahead of presented to local school principals at the Sir Charles Mr Ingraham’s arrival.

People will have an Hayward Library.

There will also be a call on opportunity to secure Mr Ingraham’s personal sig- the University of The Bahanature on books brought mas-North campus to present to the new Sawyer’s Fresh books gifted by Colina InsurMarket off Midshipman ance and Mr Ingraham will from noon to 1.30pm on visit a local high school to meet with a delegation of stuThursday.

“The book and Ingra- dents from high schools from ham’s visit are creating a across the island. He will also buzz and the historic liter- call on Minister for Grand ary gem will prove a great Bahama Ginger Moxey.

BAIL GRANTED IN DEADLY RECKLESS DRIVING CASE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A WOMAN accused of killing a man by reckless driving earlier this year and then fleeing the scene was granted $10,000 bail yesterday.

Altanease Rolle, 24, was charged with vehicular manslaughter after being accused of causing the death of Sandy Rolle through reckless driving on February 14.

Rolle is also accused of driving an unlicensed and uninsured Toyota Passo without a valid driver’s

licence at the time of the incident.

Police also claimed the accused failed to remain stationary after the accident and failed to report the incident within 24 hours after it occurred.

It is also alleged that she failed to notify the proper authorities of the change in ownership of the vehicle.

Due to the nature of the charges, Rolle was not required to enter a plea during her hearing before Senior Magistrate Derence Rolle-Davis and the case was adjourned to June 21 for presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment.

She was granted $10,00 bail with one surety. Rolle is being represented by attorney Bjorn Ferguson.

Also appearing in court on similar charges was Gregory Hanna, 57.

Hanna is accused of causing the death of Prince Albert Moxey through reckless driving on January 25.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge of killing in the course of dangerous driving and the matter was adjourned to June 21 for trial.

He was also granted $10,000 bail with one surety.

THE Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Cooperation will hold a “Taste and Tell” fair on Saturday to promote Bahamian made products.

Leroy Major, BAIC executive director and MP for Southern Shores, said the upcoming event is being organised through a partnership with BAIC and several businesses in order to give locals and visitors a chance to try homegrown products.

He said more than 30 food processors will be at the fair with their products.

“Food processors will display a wide variety of authentic Bahamian made jams, jellies, seasonings, sauces, juices and drinks,” Mr Major said at a press conference at BAIC yesterday.

“Representatives of various companies will get opportunities to examine these food items. Chefs of the University of The Bahamas will also be on hand utilising the products provided by the food processors to prepare special treats for our patrons while competing for first, second and third place prizes.”

Mr Major hopes that this free event will become an annual initiative. He invited

the public to participate and get a firsthand taste at what The Bahamas has to offer.

“The Taste and Tell event is open to the public so that Bahamians, visitors and residents can taste and see for themselves the vast array of high quality Bahamian made products. This event will also climax with a Junkanoo rush out.”

The event will be held from noon to 6pm on the grounds of BAIC at the Soldier Road Industrial Park.

Traffic will be diverted to Abundant Life Road as the main entrance to BAIC on Soldier Road will be closed on the day of the event.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, April 26, 2022

The Tribune Limited

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Be guided by experts on rolling back restrictions IN yesterday’s Tribune, we reported that officials are monitoring a “slight increase” in COVID-19 cases over recent days. In today’s Tribune, you can read that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis is discussing getting rid of mask mandates by summer.

The current administration has steadily signalled a desire to get rid of the various restrictions implemented in the fight against COVID – starting with removing the late-night curfews as soon as being voted into office.

Last week, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper predicted a further easing of virus restrictions in the days ahead – and now the Prime Minister is discussing such measures.

He said yesterday: “We just need to be able to trust the Bahamian people, which we have done, and insofar as that is concerned you’ll see that a lot of measures have been relaxed.

“They’re now considering the further relaxation of the mask mandate. Right now outdoors, it’s been relaxed. It’s only indoors until we are sure that some of the indoor venues could have what I call proper air ventilation to ensure that the virus is not being trapped and that is now being considered by the experts as to when we should lift the mask totally.”

He added: “If I were to put a timeline on it, by summer, by summer for sure, even sooner.”

And yet there are those numbers that are ticking up – slightly, it must be noted, but a steady reminder that the virus is still with us.

It would be more encouraging if the Prime Minister and senior figures were to talk of the benefits of still wearing masks even after mandates are lifted.

It would be helpful if officials talked

up the benefits to those parts of our population who are immunocompromised if we keep wearing masks to keep them safe, even if there is no longer a compulsion to wear masks legally.

Just last week, Dr Nikkiah Forbes, who has been at the forefront of much of the COVID fight, urged caution, saying: “It is important to note that overall if cases are fairly low, and they are, that the public health measures that are in place will be very effective to reduce spread. And that is mask wearing, everyone has to do it, you want to keep your distance, social distance six feet, hand hygiene, stay home if you’re sick, if you’re having symptoms definitely stay at home. And generally, try to reduce crowds that will still be very effective.”

In other words, without trying to put words in Dr Forbes’ mouth, when the cases are low, that’s exactly the time to keep up the protocols to squash the remaining cases when the chances of transmission are at their lowest.

Dr Forbes urged a slow rollback of restrictions – albeit allowing the return of such things as festivals if cases remain low. She pointed to cases in the US where spikes have been seen as mandates have been removed.

It’s a delicate process, finding the right balance can be hard, but we hope the choices being made are driven by medical advice and not political will.

None of us wants to see a substantial spike in cases – we have already seen far too many funerals in this pandemic. Too many of us know loved ones who have succumbed to the virus, and many of us know vulnerable people we still seek to protect.

We must not act too hastily, and throw away the progress that has been made.

We want PM - not the PR EDITOR, The Tribune.

SEEMS the OPM has totally adopted the US system of a “policy-stating Director of Public Relations”... a position that should simply tell the facts — certainly never editorialise and just state the “policy” oh, sorry guy, no attacking a critical comment from the free press except correcting misinformation.

I caught a comment of the OPM PR front guy on how the PM plans to resolve a 15 plus year-old problem of the underfunding of NEB... paraphrase the PR guy... “the PM is

developing a means to finance NIB without cost to the general public”... paraphrasing might be off one or two words but that was the jist.

Surely, the correct statement should have been as simple and as direct as “The PM-Minister of Finance does not see the need to increase NIB contributions at this time. He is actively exploring remedies such as collection of the substantial arrears to the fund”.

Then we have the “new Cabinet Minister”... A she has become an expert on every social and other issue.

Transparency of Ministers? Why won’t the

sitting Prime Minister at least twice a month have a half day of Prime Minister’s Question Time in the House? Minnis and them left 300 plus questions unanswered... Anyone heard any responses from this crew?

Should be every Wednesday, like UK — compulsory Prime Minister Question time. MPs of both sides can ask questions and they expect to have an immediate response not taking note we will reply (you know that never happens).

J T HUTCHINSON Nassau, April 16, 2022.

LOLA, owned by Kate Hansen, of Des Moines, Iowa, waits to be judged at the annual Drake Relays Beautiful Bulldog Contest, , in Des Moines, Iowa, yesterday. The pageant kicks off the Drake Relays festivities at Drake University where a bulldog is the mascot.

Photo: Charlie Neibergall/AP

Larson a victim of fragility?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I MUST confess from the outset that I too had joined the chorus of irate Black Bahamians subsequent to revelations in Parliament by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis that the former Free National Movement (FNM) government had paid Susan Holowesko-Larson $1,750 per week to chair the National Food Security Taskforce.

I was under the assumption that one shouldn’t receive remuneration for their work in a nonprofit organisation, until I took into consideration American Christian leader Franklin Graham’s annual salary of $900,000 for his work in Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

I wanted a complete and thorough investigation into the dealings of the FNM and the Holoweskos, with the purpose of humiliating both.

I had jumped to the illadvised conclusion that the $53m earmarked to the task force was mainly used as a slush fund to reward wealthy FNM donors, such as Holowesko-Larson. I had believed the political narrative that the $53m could not be accounted for until the former chairperson calmly provided exhaustive evidence, which completely upended the malfeasance theory that floated around in political circles, without joining the political slugfest.

In this entire PR nightmare, Holowesko-Larson has remained above the fray, while no doubt cognisant of her family’s good name being dragged through the mud by envious Black Bahamians.

I called this sociological phenomenon Black Bahamian fragility, to borrow the term from American sociologist Robin Diangelo, who conceptualised the process of white fragility as a “powerful means of White racial control and the protection of White advantage”.

It is a means to maintain

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net White dominance within the racial hierarchy. I see a complete reversal of this racial phenomenon in The Bahamas with its population being over 85 percent Black.

Holowesko-Larson, as a White Bahamian, finds herself in the minority. We Black Bahamians continue to blame Holowesko-Larson and White Bahamians for our failure of achieving success. It’s our way of excusing our failure. Black Bahamian politicians have used this powerful weapon to pander to us. This is a strategy that Arab leaders often use on their disgruntled denizens. Deflecting attention away from their failure to elevate their people economically, Arab politicians simply would scapegoat Israel and the US for their people’s situation.

Holowesko-Larson’s racial demographic lost control of The Bahamas 55 years ago. Yet despite half a century of Black majority rule, we Black Bahamians insist on scapegoating the families of the white minority government of the United Bahamian Party for our collective social, political and financial failures.

While the children of the Bay Street oligarchs have wisely invested their inheritance in thriving businesses which employs thousands of Black Bahamians, and have educated themselves and their children, and have raised decent nuclear families, many within my racial demographic have squandered their earnings in the web shops that a Black Bahamian government legalised.

How many White Bahamians do you see doing the famed Bank Lane shuffle?

How many White Bahamians do you see having children out of wedlock?

How many White Bahamian kids are high school dropouts or are depending on government welfare?

Many of us Black Bahamians have disdained education; routinely engaged in premarital sex, and have a boatload of children for different fathers, who are deadbeats.

Look at the high rate of murders in Nassau; 90 percent of these brutal killings are Black on Black. You rarely see White Bahamians being hauled before the courts for murder and rape. Moreover, look at the drug infested ghettos in the inner-city areas of Nassau - which were created by Black Bahamians. Look at the high level of crime and moral corruption in The Bahamas. Black Bahamians have themselves to blame.

We need to take responsibility and stop scapegoating the Holoweskos for the disaster which we created over the past 55 years of Black majority rule. Our prison system has failed miserably in reforming prison inmates, most of whom are Black.

Our educational system, created by Black Bahamians, continues to fail Black Bahamian students, many of whom are functionally illiterate and cannot fill out a job application upon graduating from high school. Our health system, directed by Black Bahamians, is an abysmal failure.

Fifty-five years since toppling Sir Roland Symonette and Sir Stafford Sands, Black Bahamians cannot even feed themselves. We have to continue depending on an industry Sands created, despite our collective hatred of him. It’s time that we Black Bahamians admit that we practice a subtle form of reverse racism towards the Holoweskos.

They’re what we can only dream of becoming. It’s time we confess our Black fragility.

I must apologise to Holowesko-Larson for judging her, not on the basis of the content of her character, but solely on the colour of her skin.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama.

April 25, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, April 26, 2022, PAGE 7

Children tell of beatings at hostel from page one Seymour is further accused of failing to report the abuse of the minors — who range from ages seven to 11 — to the appropriate officials on the day in question.

The women were charged last year after police launched an investigation at the home following a surveillance video that went viral on social media, showing several children being beaten at a facility.

Two boys, aged nine and 11, were able to successfully recount the alleged incident.

After taking the witness stand, an 11-year-old child recounted how he was beaten at a local care home after being told to remain silent by caretakers there.

The fourth-grade student said he was inside the sick bay at the home when a worker approached, telling him and other children in the area to remain silent.

However, he admitted that some did not listen to the workers.

The child claimed that the worker then called another employee to discipline the children.

The child said shortly afterwards, the workers carried them to the home’s dining room, where they

were told to stand in a line.

“We started getting ‘wapped,’” the boy said, testifying it was his second time being hit at the home.

Asked which item was used by the workers, the boy said it was brown and looked like a ruler, referring to it as a tamarind switch.

The child also recalled his hand feeling sore after the incident but claimed he didn’t feel that much pain.

“It caused a little pain,” he told the court.

The boy also went on to state the names of children who were present in the room as well as some of the workers.

Some of those children, he added, were hit with a tamarind switch, while others were beaten with a belt.

During cross examination, one of the defence attorneys questioned whether any of the children were misbehaving on the day in question.

To which, the child replied: “Some.”

Meanwhile, the nineyear-old witness told the court how he remembered being beaten on his buttocks and sent to bed afterwards.

However, the child said he couldn’t remember which workers were present

during the incident.

At yesterday’s trial, five boys were called to give testimony against the women.

However, three were unable to after being deemed incompetent to give evidence by the magistrate following objections being made by the defence attorneys.

The ruling was made when a child witness was unable to say why they were called to testify.

“I think what we are doing today is cruel and causing these children unnecessary suffering,” a defence attorney said after one of the witnesses claimed he didn’t know why was in court. “I personally don’t believe he could be a competent witness…it has to be intimidating because he sees the people as his parents and to identify them as people who treat him cruelly — I don’t see how the court could expect him to do that.”

The attorneys in the case include Larell Hanchell who represents Seymour; Wallace Rolle who represents Smith, Ian Cargill who represents Pratt, Rysard Humes who represents Woods, and Barry Sawyer for Canter.

Sgt Vernon Pyfrom is prosecuting.

The case continues today at 11am.

THE CHILDREN’s Emergency Hostel.

MAN DENIED BAIL IN INDECENT ASSAULT CASE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A 54-YEAR-OLD man accused of molesting a teenage girl earlier this year was denied bail yesterday.

Oliver Allen was arrested after being accused of indecently assaulting a

15-year-old girl by touching her private parts sometime between February 1 and March 31 of this year.

He was not required to enter a plea to the two charges of indecent assault during his hearing before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans.

Instead, the accused was

told the case will proceed by way of a voluntary bill of indictment.

Bail was also denied and the matter was adjourned to July 6 for presentation of a VBI. However, Allen has a right to apply to the Supreme Court for bail in the meantime.

PRISON OFFICER DENIES SMUGGLING DRUGS

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A SENIOR prison officer has denied smuggling drugs into the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services last week.

Chief prison officer Herman Major, 62, was arrested after police accused him of being in

possession of five and three quarter ounces of marijuana on April 20.

Police claimed he took the contraband, which was allegedly concealed in brown taped packages, into BDCS the same day.

Officers said they discovered the drugs at the correctional facility shortly after 11am that day while acting on

information.

The estimated street ​ value of the drugs is $5,750, police said.

However, the 62-yearold denied the allegations during his hearing before Magistrate Samuel McKinney. He was subsequently granted $15,000 bail with one surety.

His next court appearance is June 8.

THREE DENY $1M MARIJUANA CHARGES

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THREE men who denied being found with over $1m worth of marijuana in Abaco last week were yesterday granted bail before their trial.

Chaino Cornish Sr, 52, Chaino Cornish Jr, 31, and Raphael Murray, 39, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney accused of being in possession of 1,254 pounds of marijuana with intent to supply and conspiring to possess the same with intent to supply.

The charges stem from a drug seizure at a home in Cooper’s Town, Abaco on April 17.

Police said sometime around 3pm that day, local law enforcement — assisted by the US Coast Guard, US Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Administration — executed a search warrant of a home in the settlement.

While there, officers discovered 26 crocus sacks with suspected marijuana, resulting in the arrest.

The estimated street value of the drugs is

$1.254m. During yesterday’s hearing, the accused men pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.

After recording the accused’s not guilty pleas, Magistrate McKinney granted the men bail at $60,000 with one or two sureties.

The men were also ordered to be outfitted with an ankle monitoring bracelet and to report to the Cooper’s Town Police Station once a week.

The men will next return to court on July 26. They are being represented by attorney Ian Cargill.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, April 26, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

A return to Eleuthera to be part of something truly special W

HEN Keyron Smith was a little boy growing up in Eleuthera, he was fascinated by the planes that would fly above his home across the street from the North Eleuthera Airport.

He would run outside to his front porch with his orange balloons to play like he was directing the planes as they parked.

He would see them lift into the air and soar above him, headed to worlds far away from his quaint village. Watching them soar, Keyron’s dreams lifted as high as the clouds. He knew that when he grew up, he could go anywhere he wanted, and be anything he wanted, as long as he “dared to dream and put in the work”.

Well, the little island boy’s dreams did indeed take flight. He has travelled the world and has made significant contributions wherever he went.

He became a specialist in governance and public policy, and has earned enough educational and professional accolades to be an asset all over the globe. Yet, Keyron has decided to plant his feet right back where his navel string is buried. He is helping fellow Eleutherans and Bahamians all over the country elevate their personal and professional skills, and he is helping to grow an organisation that is empowering local island communities, transforming them into thriving selfsufficient ecosystems. As the One Eleuthera Foundation celebrates its tenth anniversary, Keyron is also celebrating his promotion from Chief Project Officer to Acting Chief Operating Officer, daring to dream bigger and bigger each step of the way.

Eleuthera, known as the isle of freedom, was just that for the young Keyron: “I fondly remember growing up in Eleuthera and enjoying the feeling of tranquility and peace... enjoying the liberty to roam the settlement freely with my friends and spend countless hours outdoors.

We would explore the terrain, ride bicycles, go line fishing, and visit breathtaking beaches for mid-day dips. There was always a sense of safety and freedom as we spent long afternoons playing with neighbours and cousins after Mr Dudley dropped us home from school in the big yellow school bus.

You could be guaranteed to always be under the watchful eyes of the matriarchs and patriarchs of our community. These ‘aunties’ and ‘uncles’ kept a lookout, ensuring that the neighbourhood children were respectful and responsible, stayed in line and didn’t find themselves in unnecessary mischief.”

To this day, he says the communities of Eleuthera are still very tightly knit and “you can feel that genuine spirit of support and connectedness”. Keyron grew up in a single-parent home with his mother Anastasia McMillan and later in his late teenage years, he grew up under the watchful guidance of his uncle, Sidney Cambridge, Sr. Through most of his childhood, he spent time with his mother’s side of the family in Lower Bogue, including his aunt Cherene Greene in Bluff.

During his early years of schooling, Keyron attended North Eleuthera Primary (now known as Laura Anderson Primary School), and Sadie Curtis Primary School in New Providence. He returned to Eleuthera and attended North Eleuthera High School, before moving back to New Providence, where he attended HO Nash High School. He spent his last three years of high school at Queen’s College, where he graduated as a proud Comet.

Keyron flourished when he continued on to tertiary education. He attended the College of the Bahamas, now the University of the Bahamas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry.

He became the recipient of the UB Alumni Association Leadership Award, as well as the School of Chemistry, Environmental and Life Sciences (SCELS) Overall Award.

His leadership ability, mixed with finesse and that island boy humility, did not go unnoticed. He made strides that gained national recognition and as a result, he earned the 2015 Prime Minister’s Cup as well as the 2015 National Leadership Youth Award.

With all that wind beneath his wings, Keyron went on to earn a Master of Arts degree with distinction in the United Kingdom at the University of Manchester (UoM) in Political Science, specializing in Governance and Public Policy (Research).

His research dissertation, “An Examination of the Local Government System on the Outer Islands of The Bahamas: A Call for Further Decentralisation of Power,” highlights his keen interest in creating and promoting progressive, sustainable development and community empowerment throughout the Family Islands.

Keyron has the perfect opportunity to utilize his skills on his beloved homeland. He is the Chief Operating Officer (Acting) for the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI). He is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations and programmes of the foundation. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Chief Project Officer for OEF steering the organization’s strategic plan and multi-faceted projects and programmes.

“For me, the decision to move and work here became obvious when the opportunity was offered for me to work with One Eleuthera Foundation and contribute to the development of the island and its communities,” Keyron told me.

“I recognized that my education, experiences (personal and professional), passion for community building and love for this island were fully aligned and connected. I started off as the Projects and Strategic Planning Manager, and over time as my understanding of the organization and responsibilities grew, it was a natural progression into the position of Chief Project Officer. Most recently, I’ve stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer (Acting). As a young professional, I am embracing this new opportunity with enthusiasm, and hard work but also a deep

KEYRON Smith is the Chief Operating Officer (Acting) for the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) and Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI).

sense of responsibility and humility.”

On April 22, Earth Day, the One Eleuthera Foundation celebrated its tenth anniversary.

OEF is a nonprofit community development organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in 2012. CTI was founded in 2016 and facilitates OEF’s educational and vocational training programmes via a 23-acre training farm, and The Retreat, a 16-room training hotel and restaurant. Led by a dedicated team of over forty employees, and a Board of Directors, they work together to address complex community issues and create sustainable development around five key areas of focus: economy, education, health, heritage, and the environment.

“There is so much to be proud of especially as we are about to celebrate OEF’s ten-year anniversary and over a decade of strengthening, planning and connecting our communities,” he said.

“We have grown to be one of the largest nonprofits in the country and one of the main employers in South Eleuthera, offering long-term job opportunities for CTI graduates and locals. Witnessing firsthand the social impact and people who benefit directly from our programmes and projects is one aspect of the work that makes me proud. This includes seeing the 90% graduation rate and pathway to success created for students completing technical and vocational training programmes at our Harbour Island Trade School (CTIHITS) and our flagship ‘Learn and Earn’ programme, which provides students with a weekly stipend as they learn an indemand trade at our Rock Sound campus. Through our CTI programmes, students across Eleuthera are increasing their financial independence, employability and entrepreneurial opportunities.”

“I’m also proud to see our organization launch our revolutionary 1.1-acre Cooling House. This style of grow house is the first of its kind in The Bahamas and will improve our island’s food security while pioneering new farming technology and increasing community access to healthy food. The structure features an automated roof and walls that help regulate internal temperatures and protect crops from extreme heat, wind, and rain. This modern facility will allow us to introduce year-round growing of nutritious, leafy green vegetables and produce.

Additionally, it will allow

us to learn and teach new farming techniques and agricultural courses for youth and local farmers.”

“We continue to provide essential financial and technical support to our partner organizations, increasing their capacity to better serve our communities. This includes the donation of fire and emergency response vehicles and life-saving equipment to South Eleuthera Emergency Partners (SEEP).

I’m proud to see how these donations have been put to good use in saving lives, protecting property, and servicing some of the most critical needs of our community. Last, but by no means least, I’m also proud of the work we have done over the past two years to assist Hurricane Dorian evacuees in rebuilding their lives. We continue to provide ongoing support and relief, inclusive of accommodations assistance, food, counseling, relocation support, and employment within our organization.”

K

eyron explains how the move back to Eleuthera began: “It started during one of my vacations to Eleuthera a few years ago. I was invited to visit the Rock Sound campus by Shaun Ingraham, President and CEO of One Eleuthera Foundation. My visit took place on the heels of an OEF board meeting, and I was able to also speak with the board chairman at that time, Mr Alfred Sears, who had

travelled to Eleuthera for the meeting. Shaun gave me a tour of the campus and told me that he wanted young people to be a part of this visionary journey of developing the organization and furthering its work in Eleuthera and beyond.”

“I remember talking about ideas and plans with him for about six hours that day.

“Even now, I can’t believe that we spoke for that long. The vision and plans he had for the organization really sparked my interest and I felt a need to become a part of it.

“After I returned to Nassau, I gave it some deep thought and the decision became clear. I realize now that it wasn’t a coincidence.

“I saw where the organization aligned with some of my experiences and interests, especially in grant writing and national development. OEF had encompassed the ethos of my passions and I knew it was something I could not miss out on.

“From love for community, development work, promotion of sustainable development and placing the focus on people beyond just profits, it all made me want to invest my time into OEF. “That’s when I knew it was time to move back to the island and be a part of something truly special. I did not know what I was stepping into but I felt a sense of purpose. God and my gut told me to take a leap of faith.”

Moving back to Eleuthera as an adult has refreshed Keyron’s mind and increased his awareness of the ‘true, untouched beauty and raw potential of the island’.

He advises young people to consider the Family Islands as they are ripe with opportunity and offer more affordable routes to home ownership.

Prior to his engagement at OEF and CTI, Keyron served at the University of The Bahamas as the Assistant Director of Grants and Policy Fellow in the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) and in the Government and Public Policy Institute.

As Assistant Director of Grants, he developed and assessed university grant proposals and was key in implementing successful fundraising and donor management strategies.

As a Policy Fellow, he developed and secured government proposals, engaged in research and analysis, and raised public awareness of national issues for the institute.

As a member of the College Council and Transition Board of Trustees, Keyron played an instrumental role in the transition of the institute from College to University of The Bahamas.

His other contributions have included serving on the National Development Plan (NDP) Steering Committee and working on the university’s consultancy team to draft some of The Bahamas’ first country progress reports on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, April 26, 2022, PAGE 11

United Nations’ growing involvement in Ukraine The Peter Young column THE capacity of the United Nations to take meaningful action in dealing with a world crisis is all too often hampered by the veto system in the Security Council. After examining this in a recent column and discussing the need for UN reform, it may be helpful now to follow up with information about two new developments concerning the organisation’s involvement in Ukraine. These are a visit to the region by the Secretary-General and a new report by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) about civilian casualties and war crimes committed by Russia’s armed forces.

First, it was announced last week that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would be visiting Moscow on April 26 (today) for talks with President Putin and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov followed by a trip to Kyiv where he will meet President Zelensky and his colleagues. It is generally agreed that the war in Ukraine is the biggest crisis for the organisation’s authority since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003; and Guterres has called it one of the greatest challenges ever to the international order and “global peace architecture”.

So some would say that, more than two months since the Russian invasion, his visit to Moscow is overdue, not least because in the view of many the UN has become toothless in dealing with global crises and needs to reinvent itself. While in Moscow, he will discuss “steps that can be taken right now” to stop the fighting and get people to safety.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson preceded him in visiting Kyiv earlier this month and the US Secretary of State and Defense Secretary were there on Sunday. This was the first high-level US visit to Ukraine since the start of the crisis and they are reported to have pledged further aid and support, including the re-opening of the American embassy following the return of the British embassy that was announced last week.

A ROYAL HAPPY BIRTHDAY

IN this photo released by Royal Windsor Horse Show on Wednesday and taken in March, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II poses for a photo with her Fell ponies Bybeck Nightingale, right, and Bybeck Katie on the grounds of Windsor Castle in Windsor.

PHOTO: henrydallalphotography.com/Royal Windsor Horse Show via AP A NEW portrait of The Queen standing with her two beloved white Fell ponies – called Bybeck Nightingale and Bybeck Katie – was released by the Royal Windsor Horse Show to mark her 96th birthday on April 21; and what a delight it was to see her looking so well.

Vast numbers of people in Britain have sent her birthday wishes and expressed the earnest hope she will remain in good health. Many were also glad to see the lovely message of birthday greetings from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who said how particularly special it was to be celebrating her birthday in this Platinum Jubilee year, calling her an inspiration to so many across the UK, the Commonwealth and the world.

Some people are puzzled about the difference between the Queen’s actual or real birthday and her official birthday. The latter is normally held on the second Saturday of June and celebrated with the ceremony of the Trooping of the Colour on Horse Guards Parade in central London.

This brings together hundreds of soldiers, musicians and horses and represents the army’s allegiance Even though the UN has been hamstrung over the war because of the Russian veto, it is claimed that the Secretary-General has “significant moral power” to bring to bear. But many are sceptical that he can even persuade Putin to cease attacks on civilians let alone to bring an end to hostilities, mainly because of Russia’s declared intention to dominate the eastern region of Donbas, where conflict has been going on since 2014, and to create a land corridor to Crimea -- and possibly threaten Moldova.

This would require control over the south including the port of Odesa and the besieged city of Mariupol, which has been almost totally destroyed and where mass graves have been discovered, and it would largely

to the Crown. Because the Monarch’s actual birthday might be during the winter months this traditional annual parade is held as an official birthday in June since the weather is likely to be better at that time of year. In this Platinum Jubilee year, celebration of the official birthday has been brought forward to Thursday, June 2 to kick-start the four-day bank holiday weekend during which a series of public events and community activities will be held to mark Her Majesty’s seventy years on the throne.

Against this happy background, how dispiriting it was to see a headline in the UK press last week -- screaming off the page -- saying “Sussexes now a greater threat to Britain’s monarchy than an army of republicans”. This referred, of course, to Prince Harry’s interview for NBC’s morning show aired on April 19. Having called on his grandmother at Windsor on his way to attending the Invictus Games for wounded veterans in the Netherlands, he praised her sense of humour and laid claim to a special relationship with her.

But he accompanied that with a

cut off the rest of Ukraine from the Black Sea. Secondly, it has also been reported that Guterres will discuss with UN staff on the ground the scaling-up of humanitarian assistance and the monitoring of human rights abuses.

In respect of the latter, the HRMMU was deployed to Ukraine in 2014 to monitor and report on the human rights situation with particular focus on the area of conflict in the east – and, since the invasion on February 24, the mission has been monitoring violations of humanitarian law across the whole country.

Commenting on last week’s HRMMU report updating information about civilian casualties, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, is quoted as saying Russia’s “indiscriminate”

dig at the Royal Family, saying that he was “just making sure she’s protected and got the right people around her” and thereby implying those looking after her could be doing a better job.

Reportedly, royal staff are now saying that Harry is delusional and they accuse him of “breathtaking arrogance”. He declined to attend his grandfather’s memorial service on what many feel were spurious grounds of a lack of security and he is continuing to undermine the institution of the Royal Family which The Queen holds so dear. He clearly learnt nothing from last year’s damaging interview with Oprah Winfrey when, in trashing his own family, he also made allegations of racism.

As far as I can see from a study of the UK press, more and more members of the public regard him as a somewhat shallow loose cannon who blurts out ill-considered remarks without understanding the effect they may have on others – and now his so-called memoirs due to be published in the autumn are awaited with some trepidation as further

actions in Ukraine may amount to war crimes.

There is growing evidence of such crimes, she said, as Russian armed forces have shelled and bombed populated areas, killing civilians and wrecking hospitals, schools, apartment blocks and other infrastructure in a bid to destroy the indomitable spirit of Ukrainians.

Humanitarian law has not only been ignored but tossed aside with no attempt by the Russians to distinguish between civilian and military targets; and the lives of civilians throughout the country have been devastated. As more atrocities, including mass summary executions, come to light, the horrors inflicted – particularly in places such as Mariupol – were described

by Zelensky in his address to the UN Security Council

barbs and criticism from him are said to be widely expected.

Be all that as it may, the evidence shows that the majority of the British people agree with the sentiments expressed -- at the time of Prince Philip’s passing last year -- by the Prime Minister who spoke of the Monarchy remaining “an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.”

It is reasonable to conclude that most people consider it reinforces the nation’s sense of identity and belief in its history. Moreover, as political leaders have increasingly forfeited public trust and anyway come and go with increasing regularity, The Queen as Head of State is a symbol of stability, unity and continuity in an uncertain and troubled world. So, despite the disruptive antics of Harry, she remains a much loved and revered figure – and surely most people will have been glad to learn that she apparently spent her 96th birthday happily at her treasured Sandringham estate in Norfolk where she and Prince Philip spent so much time together over many, many years.

as the worst crimes since the Second World War. Clearly, it is too early to say how and when the perpetrators of this unspeakable evil will be held accountable.

But many people will be glad to know what the UN is doing to gather evidence of genocide. I have seen no further reports about the recent petition, backed by former British Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Sir John Major, calling for the creation of an international tribunal similar to the Nuremberg trials of Nazi war criminals after the Second World War. But the International Criminal Court is reported also to be collecting evidence in support of its probe into war crimes, and the Metropolitan Police in London announced recently that in support of the ICC it was

gathering testimony – in particular from refugees fleeing the conflict -- which would be tested against UK evidential standards and could be used in support of a charge of genocide.

So, as this terrible, cruel, wasteful and unnecessary war continues, at least it is encouraging to know that the evidence of war crimes is being accumulated and that the UN is playing an important role in that.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the heavy sanctions imposed on Russia are beginning to bite. As Ukrainian foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, tweeted recently, “Russia must be designated a state sponsor of terrorism and treated accordingly. No business, no contacts, no cultural projects. We need a wall between civilisation and barbarism”.

BORIS UNDER RENEWED PRESURE TO RESIGN

BRITAIN’S PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON

LITTLE over a month ago, I drew attention to an article in the UK press entitled “Boris’ woes are ancient history”.

This was based mainly on his impressive handling of the Ukraine crisis and his effective leadership in relation to it on the international stage. There was a general feeling that political unity was important at such a time and that he should be left alone to get on with the job. “Partygate” was therefore put on the back burner even though the police were investigating his office’s party culture during last year’s coronavirus lockdown. I write about this again today because from feedback in relation to earlier articles about him there appears to be continuing interest in the British Prime Minister’s activities.

How the situation has changed for him since March. This is not because he has suddenly failed to perform as the nation’s leader – for example, not only did he himself make a successful visit to Kyiv earlier this month but he has also just returned from a fruitful trip to India, with the two countries aiming for a free trade deal and signing a new defence cooperation agreement.

But events have moved on quickly -- as one of his predecessors, the former Labour Party leader Harold Wilson, was reputed to have said, a week is a long time in politics, meaning that political fortunes can change drastically in the course of a single week.

The saga of “Partygate” has come to a head.

The Metropolitan Police have determined that the

coronavirus laws were flouted at No 10 Downing Street and Boris Johnson has become the first British Prime Minister to be fined for breaking the law while in office. He faces further possible fines as the police continue their probe in to rules-breaking events. He and his colleagues were attending parties while the rest of the country was on a strict lockdown, and opinion polls show the extent of public fury at this behaviour. That is widely considered to be a failure of leadership and judgment at the heart of government and would normally be curtains for a political career.

But, although he has apologised to Parliament for his error of judgment and made wholesale changes to his staff, Boris Johnson appears to be brazening it out while a “privileges

committee” considers the separate issue of whether he misled the House of Commons by maintaining there were no parties at No 10. If he is found guilty of knowingly misleading Parliament,that would be a breach of the ministerial code which would normally result in resignation. His future may also depend on how his Tory Party fares in local elections in early May. There is no space today to comment further beyond observing that the coming days and weeks will be fraught with danger for Mr Johnson, as his critics say that irreparable damage may have already been done and his grip on power broken since he has lost the moral authority to lead.

But he was elected in 2019 with a huge majority and he seems as determined as ever to stay in office.

PAGE 12, Tuesday, April 26, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Empowering youngsters

YOUNGSTERS at the LW Young boys and girls empowerment seminar at Fox Hill Community Centre.

FROM left, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, LW Young principal Deborah Thompson, Ann Marie Davis, the wife of Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, and Minister of State for Education Zane Lightbourne at the LW Young boys and girls empowerment seminar at Fox Hill Community Centre.

Photos: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

STUDENTS of the L W Young Boys and Girls Empowerment Club participated in a one-day seminar at the Fox Hill Community Centre on Friday.

During the opening ceremony, Ann Marie Davis, wife of Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, delivered the keynote address.

She encouraged the students to continue to be positive role models in their respective communities.

“Leadership is not limited to just a select few areas,” she said. “You can be a leader in whatever

you choose. You can make a positive change in your community, in your country or even in the world.

And never give up on your dreams. Whenever your pursuits get challenging or too difficult, just remember this quote by Nelson Mandela who said: ‘It seems impossible until it’s done.’”

The seminar featured speakers who presented such topics as: character building, physical and mental awareness in a post-COVID environment, cyber technology do’s and don’ts and social graces.

Russia hits rail and fuel targets far from front KYIV, Ukraine Associated Press RUSSIA unleashed a string of attacks yesterday against rail and fuel installations deep inside Ukraine, far from the front lines of Moscow’s new eastern offensive, in a bid to thwart Ukrainian efforts to marshal supplies for the fight.

The US, meanwhile, moved to rush more weaponry to Ukraine and said the assistance from the Western allies is making a difference in the twomonth-old war.

“Russia is failing.

Ukraine is succeeding,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared, a day after he and the US secretary of defence made a bold visit to Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Blinken said Washington approved a $165m sale of ammunition — non-US ammo, mainly if not entirely for Ukraine’s Soviet-era weapons — and will also provide more than $300m in financing to buy more supplies.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin took his comments further, saying that while the US wants to see Ukraine remain a sovereign, democratic country, it also wants “to see Russia weakened to the point where it can’t do things like invade Ukraine”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the US and its allies of trying to “split Russian society and to destroy Russia from within”.

In other developments,

fires were reported at two oil facilities in western Russia, not far from the Ukrainian border. Their cause was not immediately known.

When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, its apparent goal was the lightning capture of Kyiv, the capital. But the Ukrainians, with the help of Western weapons, thwarted the push and forced Putin’s troops to retreat.

Moscow now says its goal is to take the Donbas, the mostly Russian-speaking industrial region in eastern Ukraine. While both sides say the campaign in the east is underway, Russia has yet to mount an all-out ground offensive and has not achieved any major breakthroughs.

On Monday, Russia focused its firepower elsewhere, with missiles and warplanes striking far behind the front lines.

Five railroad stations in central and western Ukraine were hit, and one worker was killed, said Oleksandr Kamyshin, head of Ukraine’s state railway.

The bombardment included a missile attack near Lviv, the western city close to the Polish border that has been swelled by Ukrainians fleeing the fighting elsewhere around the country.

Ukrainian authorities said that at least five people were killed by Russian strikes in the central Vynnytsia region.

Russia also destroyed an oil refinery in Kremenchuk, in central Ukraine, along with fuel depots there, Russian Defence Ministry

spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said.

In all, Russian warplanes destroyed 56 Ukrainian targets overnight, he said.

Philip Breedlove, a retired US general who was NATO’s top commander from 2013 to 2016, said the latest strikes against fuel depots are part of a strategy to deplete key Ukrainian war resources. The strikes against rail targets, on the other hand, are a newer tactic, he said.

“I think they’re doing it for the legitimate reason of trying to interdict the flow of supplies to the front,” he said.

“The illegitimate reason is they know people are trying to leave the country, and this is just another intimidation, terrorist tactic to make them not have faith and confidence in traveling on the rails.”

Phillips P O’Brien, professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, said the war is, for now, settling into a campaign of incremental battlefield losses and gains.

“The two sides are sort of every day weakening each other,” he said. “So it’s a question of what can you bring in that’s new” and “what can you destroy on the other side.”

In Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova, several explosions believed caused by rocket-propelled grenades hit the territory’s Ministry of State Security.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, and no injuries were immediately reported.

TRUMP IN CONTEMPT IN LEGAL FIGHT NEW YORK Associated Press

A NEW YORK judge found former President Donald Trump in contempt of court and set in motion $10,000 daily fines yesterdday for failing to adequately respond to a subpoena issued by the state’s attorney general as part of a civil investigation into his business dealings.

Judge Arthur Engoron said a contempt finding was appropriate because Trump and his lawyers hadn’t

shown they had conducted a proper search for records sought by the subpoena.

“Mr Trump, I know you take your business seriously, and I take mine seriously,” Engoron said in a Manhattan courtroom that was packed with reporters, but absent of Trump. “I hereby hold you in civil contempt and fine you $10,000 a day” until the terms of the subpoena are met.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, had asked the court to hold Trump in

contempt after he missed a March 31 court-imposed deadline to turn over documents.

Trump, a Republican, has been fighting James in court over her investigation, which he has called a politically motivated “witch hunt”. During oral arguments yesterday, Trump attorney Alina Habba said that “Donald Trump does not believe he is above the law.”

Habba said in a statement that the ruling will be appealed.

SPORTS PAGE 13

NBA, Page 14

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022

Ayton and Suns ‘facing uphill battle’

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

D

eandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns are facing an uphill battle in the midst of a physical first round series against the upset minded New Orleans Pelicans.

Ayton, averaging 20.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game through four games of the series thus far, said the Pelicans set the tone in Sunday night’s 118-103 win at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

A pivotal game five is set for tonight at 10pm local time at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

“They hit first, they played hard, they wanted it more,” Ayton said following the Sun’s 118-103 loss Sunday night in New Orleans, [We have to] Not worry about the refs and just play basketball,

play hard and give those second efforts.”

Ayton finished with 23 points (11-14 field goals), eight rebounds, and one block in 33 minutes Sunday but has struggled at times with his matchup against Pelicans veteran Jonas Valancuinas.

Valancuinas finished with 26 points (9-15 field goals, 7-11 free throws), 15 rebounds and four assists over 33 minutes Sunday.

On the series he is averaging 15 points and 16 rebounds per game, highlighted by an 18-point, 25-rebound performance in game one. “He was all over the glass like he was in game one,” Ayton said of Valanciunas in game four.

“We just have to make sure we handle him and take him out completely.”

Ayton has drawn just five total free throw attempts throughout the series and the Suns as a team lost the battle at the charity stripe. The Pelicans held a 42-17

DEANDRE Ayton dunks against the Pelicans in Game 4 of his first-round playoff series in New Orleans Sunday.

(AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) advantage in game four alone and the Suns were called for 12 more fouls.

“We were fouling. The third quarter we were trading baskets and we were fouling. They were aggressive they got to the bonus early and they did what any team would do, they were aggressive and they were getting calls,” Ayton said. “With the physicality it just feels like we couldn’t do like how we did it in game three with the physicality of the game, it made us let up a little bit on being aggressive and I think that’s what got us. We started to figure that out a little bit too late.”

The Suns, the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, now face a No. 8 seed Pelicans team in an even series without leading scorer and MVP candidate Devin Booker.

Booker missed his second consecutive game due to a hamstring injury and is expected to miss the rest of the series.

“I just want my dude to be healthy and ready to go. We

trust him, we know he’s handling business, we see him handling it everyday. I would just love to be in great shape when he gets out there, super healthy and get this thing back to our norm.

“Until then, nothing has changed, it’s the next man up.

We’re not second guessing anything or any lineups, we’re sticking to how we play.”

Despite the loss of Booker, Ayton said the Suns’ recent playoff experience helps them to remain focused on the task at hand.

“It’s very important. Everybody making up stuff on how the series will go, we ignore all of that and we stay the course,” he said. “It’s the playoffs, I mean everybody’s good, that’s how it’s supposed to go,” he said. “Play hard and may the best team win. We just got to get back home, get back on our feet and handle our business at home.”

Bain and Gold Rush advance to big dance

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net JACOBI Bain and his Xavier University of Louisiana Gold Rush men’s tennis team have advanced to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championships.

Bain and Xavier University clinched a berth at nationals by winning the American Midwest Conference/Heart of America/ Sooner unaffiliated tournament on Saturday with a 4-0 decision over 15thranked William Woods (13-11).

The performance came after the Xavier University won twice. The Gold Rush, 18-5 and seeded first, defeated eighth-seeded Our Lady of the Lake 4-0 in the quarterfinals and fourth-seeded Missouri Valley 4-0 in the semifinals.

Both finalists are assured of berths in the 24-team national bracket because the NAIA awards two automatic bids to leagues or unaffiliated groups with 12-or-more members. This tournament — composed of teams from the Red River, Heart of America, American Midwest and Sooner conferences — has 13 teams.

“The performance was pretty good. We played pretty good overall,” Bain

JACOBI BAIN said. “Our number one guy got injured, so it was good for us to do it for him. But we have a great team. We just pick everybody up, especially when they are down.”

The southpaw Bain teamed up with Megh Pagtel, who lost their doubles match 6-1 on Saturday to Vaclav Schneider and Vitek Subert.

In Friday’s win that clinched their berth in the final, Bain and Megh Pagtel won their doubles match 7-5, 6-1 over Luca Link.

“I think my performance was pretty good. I

JACOBI Bain and his Xavier University of Louisiana Gold Rush men’s tennis team have advanced to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championships. struggled a bit in doubles, but I was able to pick it up in singles, so it was pretty good,” Bain said.

Bain and the Gold Rush will now prepare for the NAIA Nationals that will run from May 17-21 in Mobile, Alabama.

“We just want to do the best we can and play some team ball,” Bain said. “If this is any indication, this the year that we should take it. This is our strongest team ever. “Our number one guy on our

team is ranked at number one in the nation, the number two guy is top 20 and the number three guy is top 30, so if there’s any time for us to take it, this is the year to do.”

As for the 6-1, 190pound Bain, if he can continue to be even more aggressive so he can by called upon to play singles to improve on his overall game, he feels he will be an effective player.

“I just need to put a little more focus on my serve,

my volley so that I can be ready for nationals.” Bain stated.

Bain, however, has to concentrate on their final day of classes before they prepare for their final exams, starting on Wednesday.

“Everything is going good,” said Bain, a business management major.

Bain, now a full blown senior player having turned 19 on April 11, is the son of tennis coaches Marion and Bradley Bain.

DONALDSON AND FLAMES CLINCH SPOT IN THE GSU TOURNEY SIERRA Donaldson and The Lee University Flames clinched a spot in the Gulf South Conference (GSU) Championships DONALDSON tournament with a 6-3 win over Delta State University.

The Lady Flames garnered one of the final two spots in the GSC postseason. They will play in the GSC Tournament which will be held April 28-30 at Lagoon Park and O’Connor Tennis Center in Montgomery, Alabama.

Sierra is a senior and will be graduating with honours from Lee University. She was recognised on Senior’s Day by the university.

The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) congratulates Sierra on obtaining academic honours and heading to the GSC championships - two awesome feats in her last year in college.

Continue to shine Sierra.

Knowles hits 2nd Versatile Ras Delancy walkoff in a week makes his transition to the high jump

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

FOR the second time in the series against the Stockton Ports, D’Shawn Knowles delivered lategame heroics and another walk-off win for the Inland Empire 66ers.

Facing a 1-1 count in the bottom of the 11th inning, Knowles delivered in the clutch with the go-ahead RBI single to lift the 66ers to a 9-8 win over the Ports.

Regularly listed as an outfielder, Knowles got the start at shortstop and hit lead off in the lineup. He went 4-6 with two RBI and scored two runs.

He previously singled in the first, fifth and seventh innings prior to his gameclinching single in the 11th.

The Los Angeles Angels’ no.30 prospect in its pipeline, Knowles is currently second on the 66ers with a .313 batting average, five RBI and four stolen bases in his second season

assigned to the club.

It was the second four-hit game and second walkoff hit for the 21-yearold versatile KNOWLES outfielder in less than a week.

On April 19, a perfect night for Knowles came complete with a storybook ending - a walk-off hit in extra innings. His RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning lifted his Inland Empire 66ers to a 9-8 win over the Ports.

Facing a full count, his base hit to right field scored Werner Blakeley. The starting centre fielder finished the night 4-4 at the plate with two RBI and scored one run. Knowles singled in the first, fourth and eighth inning.

In 84 games last season, he hit .227 with a .280 OBP, a .635 OBP, five home-runs, 48 RBI, and a team leading 31 stolen bases.

“The fact that Knowles is a super high-energy player is a plus, but it’s also an obstacle. While he’s capable of making hard contact from both sides of the plate, he needs to learn to slow things down and rediscover his approach,” his MLB Pipeline prospect analysis said.

“On the plus side, the Angels had encouraged Knowles to use that speed more aggressively on the basepaths and he responded by going 31-for32 in stolen-base attempts last year.

“He’s a capable defender in centre field, but showed that not only can he handle all three outfield spots, but he started getting reps at shortstop as well.

“If he can get back to more regular contact, he could be an athletic superutility type.”

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net AFTER earning the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Volleyball Player of the Year for the Benedict College Tigers last week, Bahamian Ras Jesse Delancy showed his versatility as he made the transition to track and field where he competed in the high jump.

Over the weekend at the SIAC Championship, Delancy competed for the Tigers’ track team, coached by Frank Hyland, and finished third in his debut in the men’s high jump with a leap of 6-feet, 4 1/4-inches or 1.90 metres behind winner Sundi Washington with 6-8 3/4 (2.05m). Daeshaun Logan was third with 6-4 3/4(1.95m).

In the process, Benedict College won its second consecutive SIAC title with a dominating performance with 226.5 points, 62.5 points more than runners-up Morehouse College on Saturday at the Winthrop University’s Irwin Belk Track.

“Honestly, the high jump situation was very last minute,” he said.

RAS Jesse Delancy on the podium with his third place medal in the high jump.

“Coach Hyland saw me in the gym exercising and he commented that I should do high jump for him. I laughed the first few times he asked because I thought he was joking. He asked a few

SEE PAGE 14

PAGE 14, Tuesday, April 26, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

INVESTIGATION AFTER BANNED SWIMMER RYLOV COMPETES IN RUSSIA

RAPTORS TOP 76ERS 103-88 BEHIND SIAKAM, FORCE GAME 6 AT HOME

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Pascal Siakam scored 23 points, Precious Achiuwa had 17 and the Toronto Raptors forced a return home for Game 6 in their Eastern Conference first-round series against Philadelphia, beating the 76ers 103-88 last night.

Yo, Canada! Once holding a 3-0 series lead, the 76ers are headed back north.

The Raptors have won two straight in the series and jumped all over injured Sixers centre Joel Embiid and ineffective James Harden to make Thursday night’s game a necessity.

Embiid had 20 points and 11 rebounds playing with a thumb injury. Harden scored 15 points on 4-of-11 shooting.

Sixers coach Doc Rivers is dragging the weight of ignominious NBA history with him through customs.

Rivers, who led Boston to the 2008 championship, is the only coach in NBA history to blow three 3-1 series leads.

The Magic lost to Detroit in the 2003 Eastern Conference first round; the 2015 Clippers blew the series to Houston in the Western Conference semifinals; and in 2020, the Clippers lost to Denver in the West semifinals. The next season, Rivers was in Philly -- and the Sixers lost three games at home as the No. 1 seed and were eliminated in the second round.

The nerves in Philly are suddenly as tight as the rims.

The Sixers had a miserable first half. They finished with 10 turnovers and shot 35% from the floor. Philly’s last bucket in the first quarter was one for the blooper reel: Matisse Thybulle’s missed shot bounced off the rim and was accidentally tipped in by Achiuwa.

Whoops.

Maybe it sparked something for the Raptors. They opened the second quarter on a 12-0 run to take control all while the Sixers missed their first nine shots. The Sixers didn’t score until 6:51 was left in the half. Scottie Barnes scored eight points in the quarter and the Raptors took a 54-41 lead at the break.

The 76ers were booed off the court.

BOSTON Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives against Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series on Monday in New York.

(AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Celtics sweep Nets

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Jayson Tatum was stunned, yet certain. He disagreed with his sixth foul but had no doubt the Boston Celtics, with their rock-solid defence. would hold on without their scoring star.

“Couldn’t believe it at all, but I think that’s what we’re built for,” Tatum said.

They might be built for a championship.

Tatum scored 29 points, Jaylen Brown had 22 and the Celtics completed a four-game sweep of the Brooklyn Nets, becoming the first team to reach the second round of the playoffs with a 116-112 victory last night.

Marcus Smart added 20 points and 11 assists for the No. 2-seeded Celtics, who made easy work of what was thought could be a tough series. Boston will wait for the winner of the series between Milwaukee and Chicago, where the defending champion Bucks hold a 3-1 lead.

The Celtics showed no fear of the Nets, who with Kevin Durant and Kyrie

Irving didn’t have the profile of the typical low seed. Boston won on the final day of the regular season instead of losing to fall down the standings and avoid the matchup.

Turns out, there was no reason to worry.

“It’s funny to us, because we don’t duck and dodge anybody,” Smart said. “We knew what we were going to come in here and do.”

Durant had 39 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, breaking free after the Celtics had defended him well in the first three games. But he couldn’t get the Nets the win they needed to extend what instead goes down as a massive failure of a season.

Expected to be an NBA Finals contender, the Nets needed a strong finish just to grab the No. 7 seed.

Seth Curry scored 23 points for the Nets. Irving, whose unavailability for home games much of the season because he isn’t vaccinated against the coronavirus contributed to the Nets performing so far below expectations, had 20 points.

“A lot of stuff that may factor into why we lose,

but they were just a better team,” Durant said.

The Celtics were under .500 at the midpoint of their season but went 31-10 from there, with Tatum emerging as the potent scorer on one of the NBA’s best defensive teams.

That defence limited Durant to just 19-for-52 shooting with 17 turnovers through the first three games and made it tough for him, even as he finally got more shots to drop Monday. He was only 13 of 31 from the field, 3 for 11 behind the arc.

He lost in the first round for the first time since 2010 with Oklahoma City, the first playoff series of his career. He had won nine straight first-round series.

Tatum had 12 points in the third quarter and the Celtics opened a 90-75 lead in the closing seconds of the period. But he went to the bench with a fifth foul with 8:17 remaining and the Nets made a push that got them within three points about three minutes later.

Tatum fouled out with the Celtics leading by six with 2:48 to play. Irving made a 3-pointer and

Durant scored to cut it to 109-108 with 1:28 remaining. But after a basket by Brown, Durant could only make one free throw and the Celtics rushed down the floor, with Al Horford putting back Smart’s miss to make it 113-109 with 13 seconds left.

With Durant, Irving and James Harden, the Nets began the season as a team that looked potent enough to win their first NBA title. But Irving didn’t play at all to begin the season, and not long after he came back playing road games only, Harden became unhappy and the Nets dealt him to Philadelphia in a trade for Ben Simmons.

The Nets hoped they could have Simmons make his debut for them in Game 4, but he was ruled out Sunday with more pain in his back that has troubled him since not long after arriving in a midseason trade with Philadelphia.

Irving said his emotions were “disappointment, a little sadness, because we didn’t play as well as a team as we wanted to.”

The Nets were down only 45-44 with 3:29 to play in the second quarter.

‘Surprising upsets’ at Bahamas Chess Federation Easter qualifier THE Bahamas Chess Federation’s Easter Qualifier 2022 was a closely contested tournament filled with intense competition and surprising upsets.

Held April 22 at QCafe, Queen’s College, this FIDE-rated tournament was a five-round Swiss format game in 60 minutes per player.

The one-day tournament spanned eight hours. The top two male finishers and top two female finishers earned a spot on The Bahamas National Olympiad team.

The Chess Olympiad is the biggest chess event in the world.

The 2022 FIDE Olympiad will take place July 28 to August 9 this year in Chennai, India. The Olympiad is held every two years.

Online Olympiads were held in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new over-the-board Olympiad

1ST place - Dr Kenville Lockhart

2ND place - Noah Albury

3RD place - FM Cecil Moncur

was postponed and awarded to Moscow but as a result of the war in Ukraine was moved to India.

The qualifying team for The

Bahamas 2022 Olympiad Team Open Section includes CM Kendrick Knowles, Shawn Barker, Dr Kenville Lockhart and Noah Albury.

The qualifying team for The Bahamas 2022 Olympiad Team female section consists of Chika Pride, Jayla Cargill and Nelissa Thomas.

CM Knowles, Mr Barker and Chika Pride, the youngest member of the team, qualified at the BCF qualifier held earlier this year.

The last member of the Open Team and final two members of the female team will be selected by The Bahamas Chess Federation (BCF) based on skill level, participation, contribution to the development of BCF and the individual’s participation at the qualifiers.

“The Bahamas Chess Federation is once again highlighting the amazing growth of chess in the country, this weekend’s tournament was no exception,” stated CM Kendrick Knowles, president of the Bahamas Chess Federation.

“We witnessed amazing young

talent from all participants, with our top two finishers being relatively new to competitive chess but showing considerable strength.

“We would like to congratulate Dr Kenville Lockhart and the young up and coming star Noah Albury for placing first and second respectively.

“Noah managed to accomplish this feat against his former coach and well experienced round 5 opponent FM Cecil Moncur. FM Moncur finished third and was pleased to duel with his student and stated how proud he was of Noah’s improvement and patience over the board.”

Easter Qualifier 2022 Results 1st Place – Dr Kenville Lockhart 2nd Place – Noah Albury 3rd Place – FM Cecil Moncur Easter Qualifier 2022 Female Results 1st Place – Jayla Cargill 2nd Place – Nelissa Thomas 3rd Place – Chika Pride

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Swimming’s world governing body FINA is investigating after Russian swimmer Evgeny Rylov competed at the national championships while serving a ban for appearing at a rally in support of President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The double Olympic backstroke gold medallist was handed a nine-month ban from competition

by FINA last week but was in the pool Sunday evening to race on the opening day of the national championships.

“FINA is aware that Mr Rylov competed in the Russian Championships this weekend and has launched an internal review to ascertain whether FINA sanctions or rules have been broken,” FINA said in an emailed statement.

“The outcome of this review will be announced in due course.”

Rylov was one of a group of Russian athletes who appeared on stage at last month’s rally in Moscow, which included an address

by Putin and speeches backing military action.

FINA said last week that Rylov’s ban applies to “all competitions and activities organised or sanctioned by FINA”.

The review of Rylov’s case is likely to consider whether the national championships fall into that category.

Russian Swimming Federation president Vladimir Salnikov, who has claimed Rylov’s ban was motivated by political bias, told state broadcaster Match TV on Saturday that the national championships didn’t count as a FINA event.

RAS

FROM PAGE 13 more times and called my volleyball coach (coach Rouse) and she said it was okay so I thought ‘Well, why not?’”

On the same day that Benedict College was competing for the championship title in the SIAC on Thursday, the track meet began, but that allowed Delancy to get in some practice with coach Hyland to compete in the high jump.

“Coach Hyland didn’t have any male high jumpers. He saw potential in me for the event. It was a win-win situation,” Delancy said. “I didn’t expect to jump good enough to get a medal honestly. I expected to earn a few points and help Benedict earn a championship again.

“The entire track team was very supportive and always hyped me up. I really enjoyed it honestly. I have intentions of continuing. I’ll do it next season as long as it doesn’t interfere with my volleyball season.”

Delancy, however, said if he had to make a decision on which sport he would prefer to compete in, he emphatically stated that it will be volleyball and his choice would be made in a heartbeat.

“I just need to work on my technique and I’ll be so much better, I cleared 1.95 but my calf hit the bar on my last attempt,” he said.

“Technically, I didn’t clear but I’m counting that 1.95 metres with two days of training? That’s amazing, I might add track to my sports résumé.”

Just after being named the SIAC Player of the Year, Delancy and the Tigers reached the final of the inaugural SIAC championship where they had to settle for second place with a 30-9 loss to Edward Waters in the final.

Delancy, who led the attack for Benedict College all season long, finished 12 kills, but it wasn’t enough as the Tigers wrapped up their impressive season with a 9-15 record.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, April 26, 2022, PAGE 15

NFL Draft: Breaking down top offensive players available

By RALPH D RUSSO AP College Football Writer TOP offensive players available in the NFL draft, scheduled for April 28-30: QUARTERBACKS Position outlook: The 2013 draft was the last in which a quarterback was not selected in the top 10 picks. There is a distinct chance that could happen with this group.

Kenny Pickett, 6-foot-3, 217 pounds, Pittsburgh Breakdown: Throws with good anticipation and seems to process quickly. Good athlete with a solid arm. This is not a draft with elite QB prospects, but Pickett is probably the safest bet to become a productive starter.

Fact: A fifth season of college football turned Pickett into a firstround draft pick after setting Pitt records for passing yards (12,303) and total touchdowns (102).

Gone by: Pickett originally committed to Temple (then coached by Matt Rhule) out of high school).

Rhule’s Carolina Panthers select No. 6 and could use a QB. Matt Corral, 6-1, 212, Mississippi Breakdown: Athletic and nimble runner and passer who can make throws from all angles. Not very big for a player that hasn’t shied away from contact, and some questions about how he will read progressions.

Fact: Injured his right ankle in the Sugar Bowl, his final college game, which kept him out of the Senior Bowl and from working out at the combine. He did hold a pro day workout.

Gone by: Middle of the second round.

Malik Willis, 6-0, 219, Liberty Breakdown: Best athlete of this year’s quarterback class and maybe the highest ceiling of the prospects, with the ability to make eye-popping throws and runs. He has work to do with decision-making.

Fact: Went to Auburn out of high school but transferred to Liberty after two seasons as a little-used backup behind Jarrett Stidham.

Gone by: Willis’ potential will lure a team into a first-round selection.

Desmond Ridder, 6-3, 211, Cincinnati Breakdown: Throws well on the move and is a cool-headed leader and good athlete. Lanky frame could use some bulk and his accuracy in the middle of the field is inconsistent.

Fact: Went 43-6 as a starter at Cincinnati.

Gone by: Middle of the second round.

Sam Howell, 6-0, 218, North Carolina Breakdown: Throws a good deep ball and became a willing and rugged runner during his final college season. He’s shorter than ideal and can lock in on receivers.

Fact: Had three games last season of 300 yards passing and 100 yards rushing.

Gone by: End of Day 2.

Others to watch: Carson Strong, Nevada; Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky; Jack Coan, Notre Dame.

RUNNING BACKS Position outlook: Could be another year without a first-round running back, though a couple could squeak in late.

Kenneth Walker III, 5-10, 210, Michigan State Breakdown: His sharp cuts and explosiveness changing direction were the keys to ripping off long runs. He will need to run lower to challenge tacklers at the next level.

Fact: Won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back last season with 1,636 yards rushing.

Gone by: Early second round.

Breece Hall, 6-1, 220, Iowa State Breakdown: Gets tacklers to miss with quick stops and starts and finishes runs with a surge forward. He doesn’t explode through holes, which limits his big play ability.

Fact: Two-time All-American who set an Iowa State record 56 touchdowns in three seasons.

Gone by: Middle of the second round.

Others to watch: Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M; Tyson Allgeier, BYU; Dameon Pierce, Florida.

WIDE RECEIVERS Position outlook: Could easily have a half-dozen receivers selected in the first round. With lots of good options, teams near the top of the draft could wait to see what slips through to the second round.

Garrett Wilson, 5-11, 185, Ohio State

Breakdown: Highly skilled at tracking the flight of the ball.

Works the sideline adeptly with excellent footwork and has speed and precision to run away from defenders. On the lean side.

Fact: Playing with other star receivers limited his production, but he caught 23 touchdown passes in 33 career games with 19 starts.

Gone by: Could be first receiver off the board.

Chris Olave, 6-1, 188, Ohio State Breakdown: Quickness to win off the line of scrimmage and speed to get separation in the open the field. Like his teammate, Wilson, he lacks power, but he’s hard to cover and catches pretty much everything.

Fact: Set an Ohio State record with 35 touchdown catches.

Gone by: Middle of the first round.

Jameson Williams, 6-1, 180, Alabama Breakdown: Dynamic speed burner who became the top deep threat in the country last season (19.9 yards per catch). Only one season as a starter and it ended with a torn knee ligament in the national championship game.

Fact: Transferred to Alabama from Ohio State, where he played behind Wilson and Olave for two years.

Gone by: The knee injury could keep him on the board until the back half of the first round.

Drake London, 6-5, 210, Southern California Breakdown: Enormous catch radius with long arms and good hops. Makes lots of contested catches and runs through tacklers after the catch. Top-end speed is lacking and route running needs more precision.

Fact: Was on the way toward Heisman Trophy consideration in 2021 before a right ankle fracture cut his season short.

Gone by: Middle of the first round.

Treylon Burks, 6-2, 225, Arkansas Breakdown: Another big, physical receiver who outmuscles defenders for the ball and breaks tackles after he gets it. A developing route runner who did lot of damage on quick throws near the line of scrimmage.

Fact: Set Arkansas record with six 100-yard receiving games.

Gone by: About pick 25.

Jahan Dotson, 5-10, 178, Penn State Breakdown: Undersized, but a darting route runner with reliable hands and elusiveness after the catch or as a kick returner.

Fact: Moved into the starting lineup late in his freshman season and finished with 183 catches, second in school history.

Gone by: Early second round.

Others to watch: Christian Watson, North Dakota State; Skyy Moore, Western Michigan; George Pickens, Georgia.

TIGHT END Position outlook: Maybe one first-rounder, but a handful of Day 2 players.

Trey McBride, 6-4, 246, Colorado State Breakdown: Tough receiver with good hands. Not a dynamic runner after the catch and his blocking is only solid, but on a team with little else in terms of offensive weapons he was very productive.

Fact: First tight end in Colorado State history to surpass 1,000 yards receiving. The Mackey Award winner had 1,121 yards on 90 catches.

Gone by: End of Day 2.

Others to watch: Cade Otton, Washington; Greg Dulcich, UCLA; Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES Position outlook: Could be four top-15 picks within this group.

Ikem Ekwonu, 6-4, 310, North Carolina State Breakdown: Light on his feet and able to lock up defenders with his long arms. Can get a little too aggressive at times — 10 penalties in his career — but it comes with a desirable toughness. Scores high marks for leadership and likability off the field.

Fact: Nicknamed Ickey after former Bengals running back Ickey Woods by a youth football coach.

Gone by: Maybe he gets past pick 10, but top five is more likely.

Evan Neal, 6-7, 335, Alabama Breakdown: Remarkable combination of size and explosive athleticism. Balance and sustaining blocks need to become more consistent, but as long he keeps his weight in check there is a lot to like.

Fact: Started 40 games and missed only one in his threeyear career, which ended as an All-American.

Gone by: Neal and Ekwonu should be 1-2 off the board among O-linemen. Just depends on what order.

Charles Cross, 6-5, 310, Mississippi State Breakdown: Good size and length, Cross plays with balance and patience as a pass blocker.

Could use some bulk and his run blocking will need development after playing in pass-happy offense.

Fact: Blue-chip prospect out of Mississippi elected to stay in his home state over offers from Southern California and Florida State.

Gone by: Top 15.

Trevor Penning, 6-7, 330, Northern Iowa Breakdown: Salty competitor with great size and enough of athleticism to provide promise that he will be able to stay in front of NFL speed and quickness off the edge. But the whole game needs refinement.

Fact: Did not have any Division I scholarship offers until his senior high school season.

Gone by: Pick No. 20.

Bernhard Raimann, 6-7, 305, Central Michigan Breakdown: Flexible athlete with good technique for a player who has been on the offensive line for just a few years. Lower body strength needs improvement.

Fact: Played tight end in high school and first three seasons in college before growing into an allMid-American Conference tackle.

Gone by: Early second round.

Others to watch: Tyler Smith, Tulsa; Daniel Faalele, Minnesota; Nick Petit-Frere, Ohio State.

INTERIOR LINEMEN Position outlook: Teams steer clear of guards and centers in the first round unless they are really special players. There are three making a case in this class.

Tyler Linderbaum, C, 6-3, 290, Iowa Breakdown: Timing, consistency, technique, effort and quickness rate about as well as you can for the position. Makes up for what he lacks in size by being a fierce competitor.

Fact: Moved from defensive line to center as a redshirt freshman and then started 35 games over his last three seasons.

Gone by: Late first.

Kenyon Green, G, 6-4, 325, Texas A&M Breakdown: Powerful and versatile lineman who played four different positions in his time with the Aggies. A punishing run blocker who has struggled some with recognition in pass blocking.

Fact: Father was an offensive lineman at Grambling and his mother played volleyball at UCLA. Gone by: Late first.

Zion Johnson, G, 6-3, 316, Boston College Breakdown: Durable prospect who combines long arms, quick feet and good awareness.

Powerful opponents can get him off balance, but Johnson is about as safe a bet as there is in the draft.

Fact: Transferred from Davidson to Boston College where he became a three-year starter, taking the extra year of eligibility to become a fifth-year senior with 58 college games.

Gone by: Middle of the second.

PLAYERS FROM PAGE 16

Others to watch: Roger McCreary, Auburn; Cam TaylorBritt, Nebraska; Marcus Jones, Houston; Tariq Woolen, UTSA. SAFETIES Position outlook: Safeties don’t get a ton of love in the NFL draft, but this group could produce three first-rounders.

Kyle Hamilton, 6-4, 220, Notre Dame Breakdown: Rangy and dynamic athlete who tends to show up in places that offenses don’t anticipate. His 40 times (4.59 at the combine) were underwhelming and might limit him in some defenses, but he has a knack for game-changing plays.

Fact: Was limited to seven games in 2021 because of a right knee injury that did not require surgery.

Gone by: Tape says top 10.

Stopwatch suggests more like top 25.

Lewis Cine, 6-2, 199, Georgia Breakdown: Covers a lot of ground in run support and plays

with good fundamentals, but coverage skills need work.

Fact: Defensive player of the game in Georgia’s national championship victory against Alabama.

Gone by: Bottom of the first.

Dax Hill, 6-0, 190, Michigan Breakdown: Durable, athletic and plays smart. Nickle cornerback skills, but size and strength are ordinary.

Fact: Former five-star recruit picked Michigan over Alabama out of high school in Oklahoma.

Gone by: Late first round.

Jalen Pitre, 5-11, 198, Baylor Breakdown: Versatile, physical and aggressive near the line of scrimmage.

But size suggests he needs to be better than he is in coverage at the next level.

Fact: All-American who led the Big 12 in tackles for loss (18) in 2021.

Gone by: Middle of the second round.

Jaquan Brisker, 6-1, 206, Penn State Breakdown: Tough player with good instincts in both run support and coverage, though lacks high-end athleticism.

Fact: After two years at junior college, he ended up playing three seasons at Penn State, taking advantage of the extra year the NCAA granted to those who participated during the pandemic.

Gone by: End of Day 2.

Others to watch: Bryan Cook, Cincinnati; Kerby Joseph, Illinois; Verone McKinley III, Oregon.

SPECIALISTS Position outlook: The last punter to be selected in the first two rounds of the draft was Todd Sauerbrun in 1995. There is a chance that changes this year.

Matt Araiza, Punter, 6-1, 200, San Diego State Breakdown: The “Punt God” is a field-flipping weapon and touchback machine on kickoffs. As a field goal kicker he is strong-legged but inconsistent.

Fact: Set the major college football record with a 51.19-yard average punt last season.

Gone by: Real chance to go by the end of Day 2.

Others to watch: Jordan Stout, P/K, Penn State; Jake Camarda, P, Georgia; Cade York, K, LSU; Gabe Brkic, K, Oklahoma.

PAGE 16, Tuesday, April 26, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

NFL DRAFT: BREAKING DOWN TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS AVAILABLE

By RALPH D RUSSO AP College Football Writer

TOP defensive players available in the NFL draft, scheduled for April 28-30: EDGE RUSHERS Position outlook: This is the pass-rushers draft with as many as four top-10 selections and eight going in the first round.

Aidan Hutchinson, 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, Michigan Breakdown: Relentless and efficient pass rusher with a good combination of technique and an assortment of moves. Overall athleticism is a notch below some elite pass rushers who have gone in the top five in recent years like the Bosa brothers.

Fact: The Heisman Trophy runner-up last season is the son of former Michigan defensive lineman and team captain Chris Hutchinson.

Gone by: Odds-on favorite to the the first overall pick, but far from a lock.

Kayvon Thibodeaux, 6-5, 258, Oregon Breakdown: Pounces past blockers to make plays in the backfield with uncanny burst and length. Long, lean build doesn’t lend itself to adding weight.

Fact: Former five-star recruit seemed destined to be a first overall draft pick after freshman season, but between injuries and a shortened pandemic season he never put together a fully dominant year.

Gone by: Thibodeaux could slip out of the top five, but probably not far.

Travon Walker, 6-5, 275, Georgia Breakdown: Speed and athleticism for his size and build are prototypical and he could probably add some weight without losing much of what makes him special. Pass-rush technique needs work.

Fact: One-year starter whose production (13

tackles for loss and 9 1/2 sacks) was just OK playing as part of a deep rotation at Georgia.

Gone by: Top five with first overall potential.

Jermaine Johnson II, 6-5, 262, Florida State Breakdown: Plays with power, leverage and great effort, making him effective rushing the passer and against the run.

After he only played full time one season, Johnson’s technique and fundamentals are underdeveloped.

Fact: With a fifth year of eligibility, Johnson transferred from Georgia to Florida State in 2021 and became the Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year.

Gone by: Maybe he slips out of the top 10.

George Karlaftis, 6-4, 275, Purdue Breakdown: Quick off the ball with strong hands to knock blockers off balance, but arms shorter than ideal and needs to finish more plays after 14 1/2 career sacks in 27 games.

Fact: Moved to the United States in eighth grade from Greece and started playing football after being an elite youth water polo player.

Gone by: About pick 20.

Logan Hall, 6-6, 275, Houston Breakdown: Physical specimen who never gives up on a play.

Elbow surgery in December did not stop him from getting on the field in the Senior Bowl.

Fact: Was used up and down the line at Houston, where he finished with 19 1/2 tackles for loss in 2021.

Gone by: Top 40.

Boye Mafe, 6-4, 265, Minnesota Breakdown: Has some similarities as a prospect to Walker in that the physical traits stand out, but his game is unrefined.

Fact: Only started 13 games in a four-season career but had 19 1/2 sacks for the Gophers.

Gone by: Early second round.

Arnold Ebiketie, 6-3, 256, Penn State Breakdown: Quick off the ball and difficult for blockers to lock up, but his lean frame might already be maxed out.

Fact: Temple transfer and late bloomer who had had 62 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 9 1/2 sacks in his lone season at Penn State.

Gone by: Could sneak into the bottom of the first round.

Nik Bonitto, 6-3, 245, Oklahoma Breakdown: Agile but undersized pass rusher who can get swept away against the run. Not ideal for for every scheme.

Fact: A four-star football recruit who also received Division I basketball scholarship offers out of high school in Florida.

Gone by: End of the second round.

David Ojabo, 6-5, 250, Michigan Breakdown: Freaky athlete with limited football experience. Lots to learn playing at the point of attack against the run.

Fact: A breakout star of the 2021 season with 11 sacks and five forced fumbles after playing sparingly in his first two years at Michigan. Then tore his left Achilles tendon during his pro day workout.

Gone by: Went from likely mid-first rounder to a Day 2 value pick.

Others to watch: Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina; Drake Jackson, Southern California; Cameron Thomas, San Diego State.

INTERIOR LINEMEN Position outlook: Only one likely first-rounder.

Jordan Davis, 6-6, 340, Georgia Breakdown: Massive anchor in the middle of a defense, but with uncommon athleticism and speed (4.78 in the 40 at the combine). Questions about whether he can be the type

of pass rusher that makes him a high-snap-count interior lineman.

Fact: All-American who won the Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player and Outland Trophy as the top lineman last season.

Gone by: Middle of the first round.

Travis Jones, 6-4, 326, Connecticut Breakdown: Thick and muscular with well-distributed weight that he uses to push back blockers, but his hands and instincts off the line are works in progress.

Fact: Recruited as an offensive lineman, developed into dominant defensive tackle on one of the worst teams in major college football.

Gone by: Middle of the second round.

Devonte Wyatt, 6-3, 315, Georgia Breakdown: Disruptive with good quickness to play two gaps but could use more power in his play.

Fact: Returned for a fifth college season in 2021 (including a year at junior college) and developed into an All-Southeastern Conference player and second-team All-American.

Gone by: Late first, early second round.

Others to watch: Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma; Phidarian Mathis, Alabama; DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M. LINEBACKERS Position outlook: A couple of first-rounders seems likely, but there is a drop after that.

Devin Lloyd, 6-3, 235, Utah Breakdown: Aggressive, hard-hitting and versatile linebacker who should be able to fill multiple spots in multiple schemes. Recognition and discipline needs some work.

Fact: All-American and Pac-12 defensive player of the year in 2021 had 43 tackles for loss in 33 career games.

Gone by: Top 20.

Nakobe Dean, 5-11, 229, Georgia Breakdown: Diagnoses plays quickly and arrives at the ball carrier with speed and force. Size could limit him to certain schemes.

Fact: All-American and Butkus Award winner as the top linebacker in the country last season.

Gone by: At worst, he is an early second-round steal.

Quay Walker, 6-3, 241, Georgia Breakdown: Walker is the antithesis of teammate Dean. Ideal size with all the measurables, but not nearly as instinctive and consistent.

Fact: Another Georgia defender whose snaps and starts were limited playing on a deep and talented roster.

Walker only became a starter as a senior.

Gone by: Middle of the second.

Christian Harris, 6-0, 226, Alabama Breakdown: Good speed could make him effective as a blitzer and in coverage, but not a sure tackler.

Fact: Played cornerback and receiver in high school.

Gone by: End of the second round.

Others to watch: Chad Muma, Wyoming; Leo Chenal, Wisconsin; Troy Andersen, Montana State.

CORNERBACKS Position outlook: Two, maybe three top-15 picks and good depth into Day 2.

Ahmad Gardner, 6-2, 190, Cincinnati Breakdown: Tall, longarmed and fast. Moves his lanky frame smoothly and plays aggressively at the line of scrimmage. Not a lot of power in his game and he can get grabby, but the corner nicknamed Sauce was the definition of lockdown.

Fact: Did not allow a TD reception in his three-year college career.

Gone by: No. 2 overall is not out of the question.

Derek Stingley Jr., 6-1, 195, LSU

Breakdown: Strong man-to-man technique.

Plays balanced to mirror receivers. Can get lost in zone coverage and in run support.

Fact: Stingley was an AllAmerican as a freshman but injuries (foot in 2021) and regression by the rest of the defense undercut his next two seasons.

Gone by: Middle of the first and that could be a steal for a player who seemed destined to be top five as a freshman.

Trent McDuffie, 5-10, 193, Washington Breakdown: The latest in a recent line of tough and sound Washington cornerbacks. Lacking length, had only two interceptions in 28 career games (26 starts).

Fact: Talented musician can play the ukulele, bass, piano and guitar.

Gone by: First half of the first round.

Andrew Booth Jr., 6-0, 194, Clemson Breakdown: Smooth in coverage and physical in run support, but tends to give up plays in front of him when not in press coverage.

Fact: Was penalized just once during his three-year career.

Gone by: Late first round.

Kyler Gordon, 5-11, 194, Washington Breakdown: Explosive athlete whose instincts and reads need work.

Fact: In a loaded Washington secondary, Gordon didn’t stick as a starter until his senior season.

Gone by: If there is a latefirst round/early second run on cornerbacks, Gordon will be part of it.

Kaiir Elam, 6-2, 196, Florida Breakdown: Big and fast, but played sloppily in 2021.

Fact: Father Abram Elam played seven seasons in the NFL. Nephew of Matt Elam, who also played at Florida and in the NFL. Gone by: Tall corners tend to sneak into the first round.

SEE PAGE 15